Defense
Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.
Aircraft
Saab Sees First Gripen E Stores Releases, and Develops GaN Radar
The Gripen E has taken a significant step forward with its first missile firing, while Saab is to supply a GaN fighter radar to the U.S. for testing
Aircraft
Belgium Selects F-35 over Typhoon
Depite strong competition from the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Belgian government has selected the F-35 to replace its F-16s.
Aircraft
Taiwan Receives First F-16V Upgrade
The Republic of China Air Force has started to receive AESA radar-equipped F-16s that have been modernized by AIDC
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
U.S. Navy Commissions Dedicated UAS Test Squadron
The U.S. Navy has raised its unamnned air system developmental test unit to full squadron status, underlining the growing importance of the unit's work
Aircraft
Russia Discontinues An-148 Production in Favor of Il-112
In light of the deep divide between Russia and Ukraine, UAC's Voronezh plant has ceased the the licensed production of the Ukrainian An-148 design
Aircraft
France and Spain Team for Caracal Refueling Tests
As the French air force awaits its KC-130J tankers, the service has proved the ability of the Caracal helicopter to refuel from Spain's KC-130Hs
Aircraft
Japan Considering More F-35s; First SRVL for Royal Navy
Japan's desire for further F-35s could result in an order for 20 more to begin the replacement of the F-15 Eagle
Miysis on Target in UK DIRCM Trials
Leonardo and Thales UK have joined forces to demonstrate a UK-soveriegn DIRCM capability based on the Miysis jammer and Elix-IR warning system
Aircraft
Aero Vodochody Rolls Out First L-39NG
The original Czech L-39 became the stalwart of the Soviet-era training machine. Now Aero is back in production with a thoroughly updated aircraft
India Places $5 Billion Order for S-400 Triumf
India becomes the latest nation to acquire the S-400 (SA-21 "Growler") surface-to-air missile, but could face a CAATSA response from the U.S.
Aircraft
F-35s Temporarily Grounded After First Crash; First Fleet F-35C Delivered
The Pentagon has issued a temporary grounding order for all F-35s as mishap investigators suspect a faulty fuel tube caused the recent F-35B crash
Aircraft
First Production KC-390 Takes to the Air
Embraer has flown its first production KC-390, but it will not be going to the Brazilian air force right away, as it is needed for trials.
Aircraft
PC-21 Enters French Service
The Pilatus advanced trainer was selected by France in early 2017 to replace Epsilons and Alpha Jets.
Arresting Gear Completes Shore Testing for 'Props'
General Atomics is providing new launch and recovery systems for the U.S. Navy's next aircraft carriers.
Rotorcraft
Raider Achieves 200 Knots in Flight Test
Sikorsky's S-97 technology demonstrator has surpassed the magic 200-knot mark for the first time.
Italy Completes AARGM Operational Tests
Italy's Tornado ECR defense suppression aircraft become the fourth type—and the first non-U.S. aircraft—to be cleared to fire the AARGM missile.
Rotorcraft
New Attack Helicopters for Lebanon and Kenya
MDHI's armed MD 530 light attack helicopter continues to find favor, as underlined by recent orders from Kenya and Lebanon
Aircraft
Russia Rethinks Trainer Options
Russia's attempts to acquire new basic trainers have hit a stumbling block in the face of a chill in international relations
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Extended-range Gray Eagle Completes FOT&E
The long-range version of the U.S. Army's MALE unmanned air system has moved a step closer to operational deployment
Aircraft
U.S. F-35Bs Make Combat Debut; UK Sea Trials Under Way
Marine F-35Bs have made an air strike on a Taliban target in Afghansitan, marking the first American use of the stealthy fighter
Aircraft
Fighter Fleets in the Balkans Undergoing Renewal
A number of nations in the Balkans are updating their fighter fleets, with the F-16 leading the way as used aircraft being sold to Croatia and Romania
Rotorcraft
Royal Navy Bids Farewell to the Sea King
After 49 years of service the Sea King has retired from UK military service, leaving the Navy without an AEW capability until 2020
Aircraft
Boeing and Saab Secure T-X Contract
Boeing and Saab have emerged victorious after a battle to secure the U.S. Air Force's long-running advanced trainer requirement
Accidents
Russia Modernizes Syrian Defenses in the Wake of Il-20 Shootdown
The unintentional shootdown of a Russian spyplane highighted the inability of Syria's air defenses to identify aircraft during an air raid scenario
Rotorcraft
U.S. Air Force Buying 84 MH-139s in $2.4 Billion Deal
Boeing and Leonardo to Assemble helicopters In Philadelphia.
Aircraft
AHRLAC Shines at AAD
Both AHRLAC development aircraft flying together was the highlight of this year's AAD show in South Africa
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
MBDA Unveils Company-level UAV Concept
Spectre is a concept for a UAV that can be launched by troops to provide them with an organic close support capability
Field Aerospace Modernizing USAF T-1A Trainers
Field Aerospace has begun work on upgrading 178 USAF T-1As.
