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
Latest-Generation Rafale Fighter Enters French Air Force Service
The F4 standard Rafale represents a major improvement in terms of communications, sensors and weapons capability.
Rotorcraft
Merlin Brings UH-60 Compact Sim to Heli-Expo
Merlin Simulation is debuting its Blackhawk Compact Trainer.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Air Force Is First U.S. Customer for the MQ-9B SkyGuardian
General Atomics' MQ-9B drones will help the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command develop a beyond-the-horizon power projection capability.
Aircraft
Toll Helicopters Orders Two AW139s for Australian Defense Force
Australian helicopter operator Toll Helicopters has ordered two new AW139 intermediate twin helicopters from Leonardo.
Engines
Rolls-Royce Begins Testing of B-52 Replacement Engine
The engine-maker is expecting to deliver more than 600 F130 turbofans to re-engine the USAF’s entire B-52H fleet.
Rotorcraft
Navy Orders Fourth Lot of Leonardo TH-73A Trainers
The U.S. Navy is adding more TH-73A training helicopters to its fleet, replacing its Bell TH-57 Sea Rangers.
Aircraft
U.S. Air Force Orders First Two E-7 AEW Aircraft From Boeing
The Boeing 737 AEW&C/E-7A has been selected to replace the USAF’s long-serving E-3A Sentry in the airborne warning and control role.
Aircraft
PAL’s Global 6500-based Maritime Patroller Emerges
While Saab has ceased marketing its Swordfish MPA, a similar aircraft is now being pitched by PAL as competition to Boeing’s P-8 Poseidon.
Aircraft
Embraer and IAI/Elta Launch Cost-effective AEW Aircraft
Technological advances have allowed Elta to develop a small, heavily automated surveillance system that can be carried by the Praetor 600 business jet.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
STOL Predator/Sky Guardian Variant Attracts Emirati Interest
The UAE had tried to order Predators earlier, but that deal ended over security concerns that scuppered the country's F-35 purchase.
Regulations and Government
MD Helicopters Launches Latest Cayuse Warrior Plus Version
The company says the latest iteration of the “Little Bird” offers similar capabilities to more expensive light attack/armed scout helicopters.
Aircraft
Malaysia Chooses Korean FA-50 As Singapore Adds More F-35s
Coincidentally on the same day, neighbors Malaysia and Singapore announced new buys of combat aircraft.
Aircraft
UAE Backs Plans for Speeder Family of Air Utility VTOLs
In addition to the first P2 model, Mayman Aerospace is working on new Speeder models including the Micro, Cargo and Endurance Class aircraft.
Aircraft
South Korean Industry Flies First Two-seat KF-21 Boramae Fighter
The first two-seater version of the Korean fighter to fly is the fourth of six developmental aircraft.
Aircraft
Hindustan Aeronautics Unveils Lead-in Fighter Trainer Project
India’s primary aircraft manufacturer is proposing a highly capable advanced trainer with the potential to be re-roled for operational duties.
Engines
Safran, HAL Partner on Engine for India's New Helicopter
Safran Helicopter Engines is partnering with Hindustan Aeronautics to develop an engine for the 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter.
Aircraft
U.S. Air Force Considers Case For Remotely Piloted Aircraft
Flight automation specialist Reliable Robotics is conducting a feasibility study into how military transport aircraft could fly without a pilot on board.
Aircraft
Chinese Balloon Downed in First Kill for the F-22 Fighter
The Chinese surveillance balloon had been tracked across Canada and the U.S. amid worldwide public interest.
Aircraft
Turkey’s Hürjet Trainer Powers up for First Flight
The Turkish Aerospace Hürjet advanced trainer has entered the pre-first flight test phase, including powering up the F404 engine for the first time.
Rotorcraft
Pentagon Office Faults Progress on Rotorcraft Programs
DoD's Operational Test and Evaluation office raps Grey Wolf, Chinook, and King Stallion for multiple deficiencies.
Aircraft
U.S. Navy Begins Multi-Engine Trainer Replacement Program
The new T-54A twin turboprop aircraft is based on the King Air 260, and will replace the T-44C, an earlier King Air derivative.
Rotorcraft
King Stallion Helicopter Demonstrates Lifting Power
Repositioning and retrieving aircraft is one of the tasks that the CH-53K military helicopter will perform in its operational life.
Aircraft
Jordan Signs for New-generation F-16 Fighters
The Middle East nation's air force has operated Fighting Falcon fighters for many years, and is now refreshing the fleet with AESA-equipped aircraft.
Rotorcraft
Sikorsky Delivers 5,000th Black Hawk Helicopter
Sikorsky delivered its 5,000th Black Hawk Helicopter to the U.S. Army, which plans to fly the type for at least another 40 years.
Training and Workforce
CAE Wins Follow-on U.S. Army Flight-training Contract
The CAE Army contract is valued at $250 million through 2032, including option years, and encompasses virtual, simulation, and aircraft training.
Rotorcraft
Sikorsky Challenging FLRAA Award
Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky unit is challenging Bell's win of the Army's award of the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft contract to Bell.
Aircraft
Rafale is Front-runner for Colombia’s Kfir Replacement
The French multi-role fighter has emerged as Colombia’s preferred solution to replace its aging Israeli fighters.
Rotorcraft
Leonardo to Upgrade Canada’s Cormorant SAR Helicopter Fleet
The upgrade has been planned for a decade, but initially delayed on cost grounds, and will now expand the fleet in terms of both capability and numbers.
Aircraft
Bombardier Expresses Concern on Canadian CMMA Tender
Bombardier president and CEO Éric Martel voiced concern that the Canadian government was considering a sole-source contract with Boeing.
Rotorcraft
Leonardo Delivers First of 36 AW169M Twins To Austria
Austria is replacing its Alouette fleet with Leonardo AW169Ms, the first of 18 of which was delivered this morning.
