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.
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
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
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
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
Field Aerospace Modernizing USAF T-1A Trainers
Field Aerospace has begun work on upgrading 178 USAF T-1As.
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
Rotorcraft
Army Expected To Release RFP for New Scout Helicopter
Service Wants Fast, Small, Agile Aircraft Suitable For Urban Warfare
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
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
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
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
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
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
Aircraft
KC-46 Tanker Gains FAA Approval
The delayed KC-46A Pegasus tanker program has moved one step closer to its first delivery with the receipt of an STC from the FAA
Aircraft
End of the Line for the Nuclear Mirage
The French air force has undertaken its final flights with the Mirage 2000N, although the DGA plans to retain three for trials and training
Rotorcraft
Russian Helicopters Unveils Upgraded "Havoc" and "Halo"
New versions of the Mi-26 heavylift helicopter and the heavily armed Mi-28 attack helicopter have appeared for the first time in Russia.
Aircraft
Singapore Officially Unveils A330 MRTT
Having been in-country for two weeks, Singapore's first Airbus A330 MRTT was formally unveiled at the RSAF Day parade
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Boeing Lands Stingray
Boeing has won the competition to build the first unmanned aircraft to operate within the U.S. Navy's carrier air wings.
Aircraft
Navy Builds Up to F-35C IOT&E; First Turkish F-35 Pilot Flies
Navy F-35Cs have operated as part of a regular air wing for the first time as the aircraft approaches a crucial operational test and evaluation milestone
Rotorcraft
Indian Navy Receives Approval for New Helicopters
After a long saga, the Indian Navy has been granted approval to buy the Sikorsky MH-60R through FMS channels, as well as a new utility helicopter
Maintenance and Modifications
Sierra Nevada Expands Huntsville Mx Facility
this will be its second modifications facility in the area, adding 60,794 sq ft of hangar space—enough to house up to seven Beechcraft King Airs.
Aircraft
Legion Pod To Give the Eagle New Eyes
Boeing is to fit Lockheed Martin's Legion Pod IRST system to the USAF's Eagle fighters to give them a passive tracking capability
Ukraine's Neptun Missile Conducts Successful first Launch
In answer to growing tensions in the Black Sea region Ukraine has launched a new weapons capabilities program, with naval cruise missiles to the fore.
