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.
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.
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.
Aircraft
PC-21 Enters French Service
The Pilatus advanced trainer was selected by France in early 2017 to replace Epsilons and Alpha Jets.
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
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
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
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
Rotorcraft
U.S. Air Force Buying 84 MH-139s in $2.4 Billion Deal
Boeing and Leonardo to Assemble helicopters In Philadelphia.
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
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.
UK's ASDOT Moves to Negotiation Phase
Having invited four teams to tender for the UK MoD's adversary training requirement, negotiations regarding individual bids is now under way
Rotorcraft
Reactivated Mi-24s Return to Hungary
Following five years on the ground pending a decision on their future, 12 Mi-24 "Hinds" are being returned to service in Hungary
Rotorcraft
Army Expected To Release RFP for New Scout Helicopter
Service Wants Fast, Small, Agile Aircraft Suitable For Urban Warfare
Aircraft
Russia To Order Improved Su-30 'Flankers'
Russia is to add more Su-30SMs to the VKS inventory, and they are likely to have more power with avionics technology from the Su-35 and Su-57.
Russia Unveils New and Upgraded SAM Systems
The recent Army 18 exhibition near Moscow was the venue for the debut of several new Russian systems, including new air defense developments
Aircraft
India Looks to Indigenous Fighters
With a rapidly aging fighter fleet the Indian Air Force is looking to local industry to replenish the air force's inventory
Aircraft
BAE Systems Awarded 146 Support Contract
BAE Systems and incumbent provider Serco have joined forces to win a new contract that continues to support the BAe 146 transport aircraft in RAF service
Aircraft
U.S. Navy Receives Range Support Gulfstream
The U.S. Navy has formally announced that it took delivery of a much-modified Gulfstream in July that will be outfitted for range support duties
Rotorcraft
Turkish Aerospace Flies T625 Utility Helicopter
Part of Turkey's strategy of developing a major helicopter production program, the T625 has taken its first step towards a planned certification in 2020
