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
Franco-German C-130J Squadron Now a Reality
Details of a S1.4 billion sale to Germany made public, in another blow to Europe’s A400M program.
Aircraft
Malaysian Defense Show Sees Increased Chinese Presence
Low prices are an attraction to southeast Asian nations, despite their concern about Beijing’s expansion in the South China Sea.
Aircraft
China Reveals Another ‘Growler’
An electronic warfare version of the carrier-based J-15 fighter has appeared.
Aircraft
Navalized Ka-226T Could Boost Indo-Russian Deal
Russian Helicopters is pitching the multipurpose machine for the Indian Navy’s utility helicopter requirement.
Aircraft
F-35B Goes To Sea, Despite Support Challenges
The U.S. Marine Corps staged a two-month Pacific deployment on the USS Wasp, amidst concerns over the parts supply chain.
Aircraft
Turkey’s Use of UCAVs Over Syria Detailed
The indigenous Bayraktar series played a key part in the country’s recent campaign against Kurdish forces.
Rotorcraft
U.S. Approves AH-1Z Sale To Bahrain
Bell’s attack helicopter has achieved a second export success.
Aircraft
China Adds Capabilities To Y-9 Special-mission Aircraft
In-flight refueling for the KJ-500 AEW version and new electronic warfare versions have been revealed.
Franco-German Defense Axis Dominates ILA Berlin Airshow
New fighter, UAS, and heavy-lift helicopter requirements generated much discussion
Aircraft
Publicity Boost in Berlin for the Euro-MALE Drone
The key industrial partners talked up their plans for the European medium-altitude long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft system
Aircraft
Aero Vodochody Partners With IAI To Equip and Sell Czech Jets
The L-159 and the L-39NG are now being offered with Israeli radar and avionics.
Aircraft
Airbus and Dassault Launch a New FCAS—without BAE
The Future Air Combat System (FCAS) is now a Franco-German project to eventually replace Eurofighters and Rafales.
Aircraft
F-35 Program Completes Last Developmental Test Flight
There have been no serious mishaps—except for the cost.
India Displays Big Missiles at Defense Show
Full-scale mockups of the indigenous Nirbhay and the new version of the Indo-Russian Brahmos were shown.
Aircraft
Flight-test C-130 Will Have Multiple Gremlins
But these are small UAVs designed by Dynetics for DARPA, that the C-130 will launch and recover.
Aircraft
Dassault Reports Rafale Progress in India
But the French company’s local partner is in legal and financial trouble.
Aircraft
Indian Defense Show Highlights Domestic Ambition
The DefExpo event was a showcase for the country’s “Make In India” policy.
Aircraft
USAF To Fly the B-52 into the 2050s with New Engines, Radars
Already in service for over 50 years, the venerable bomber is now set to outlast the B-1 and B-2.
Aircraft
MQ-25 Contenders on Display at U.S. Navy Show
Boeing, GA-ASI, and Lockheed Martin pressed their claims for the unmanned carrier-borne refueler
Aircraft
Field Aerospace, Rockwell Collins Win Big USAF Upgrade Contract
The large fleet of T-1A Jayhawks will get new cockpits to train future airlift and tanker pilots.
Aircraft
GA-ASI Stresses Previous Jet UAV Experience for Navy’s MQ-25
The Predator C Avenger has been flying since 2009, although only small numbers have been produced.
Aircraft
Thailand Commissions T-50TH
Thailand’s new trainers from Korea will provide lead-in fighter training for F-16 and Gripen pilots.
Aircraft
Russia Fears Losing Ground to the PRC in World Arms Market
Russia's arms industry is being squeezed out of some of its traditional market regions by Chinese hardware that draws heavily on Russian technology.
Aircraft
F-35C Fleet Deployment Preparations Gather Pace
A recent round of carrier qualifications has been conducted while the first deployable squadron begins training in earnest.
Aircraft
Kuwait Firms Up Super Hornet Deal
Kuwait has finalized its long-expected deal for 28 Super Hornets, which will add to the 28 Typhoons it is receving from Leonardo
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Syrian Experience Urges Russia To Introduce UCAVs
Having treated armed UAVs with caution for many years, Russia appears to have embraced the concept following operational experience in Syria
Aircraft
Brimstone Gets a Boost
A capability sustainment contract from the UK should see MBDA's Brimstone missile fielded on Apache attack helicopters and Protector RPAs
Aircraft
India’s Fighter Saga Continues
Continual delays and technical problems have plagued India's search for a fighter to replace its numerous aging aircraft
Aircraft
Switzerland Outlines New Air Defense Requirements
Switzerland is looking for a new fighter to enter service around 2025, along with a ground-based air defense system
