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
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
Dassault Reports Rafale Progress in India
But the French company’s local partner is in legal and financial trouble.
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
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
Aircraft
More Aircraft Added To FY2018 Defense Spend
F-35s, Super Hornets, KC-46s and Hercules all figure in additional aircraft appropriated by Congress
Aircraft
Skunk Works Reveals Stealthy UAV Demonstrator
The X-44A first flew in 2001 and led to developments that are still mostly classified.
Six of Six for LRASM as Service Entry Nears
Lockheed Martin's LRASM has achieved six back-to-back successes in flight trials as it is readied for operational carriage by the B-1B.
Aircraft
Japan To Ponder F-35B Buy; Korea’s First F-35A Takes Flight
Japan's ruling party is putting together a plan for greater national security that could include the acquisition of the STOVL version of the F-35
Aircraft
Australia Declares IOC for Poseidon
With six of a likely 15 Boeing P-8As now in service, the Royal Australian Air Force has officially declared the type ready for operations.
Aircraft
Taiwan’s Ching-kuo Upgrade Complete, SEAD Role Next
The modernization of Taiwan's IDF fleet is complete, while an F-16 upgrade is getting under way. The nation is also interested in the F-35.
Rotorcraft
Russian Defense Ministry To Take Mi-38T This Year
After a stop-start development, Mil's successor to the legendary Mi-8 series has entered production for the Russian armed forces.
Rotorcraft
NH90s and H125s Ordered for Qatar Force Modernization
Qatar has finalized a deal with prime contractor Leonardo to buy 28 NH90s for its air force and navy, plus Airbus Helicopters H125 trainers.
Russia’s Next-generation S-500 SAM Enters Production
The latest Russian SAM system can protect large areas against attacks by aircraft and missiles.
Aircraft
GlobalEye Conducts First Flight
Having been rolled out in February, the first Saab GlobalEye has taken to the air for the first time.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
U.S. Air Force Ends Predator Operations
Having undertaken operational sorties for more than two decades, the Predator is handing the RPA baton over to its larger successor, the MQ-9 Reaper.
Aircraft
Indonesia: State-owned Companies Could Front A400M Deal
Indonesia’s air force has an interest in acquiring up to five A400Ms, and the state-owned PPI company could be representing the service.
