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.
Rotorcraft
Airbus Delivers two H175s; Tiger Woes Continue
Company also reports progress with flight tests of the H160, but longstanding problems with the H225 and Tiger continue.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Navy Releases Request for Proposals for MQ-25 Refueling Drone
The service expects to award an engineering and manufacturing development contract next fall, the Naval Air Systems Command said.
Aircraft
U.S. Sends New Deterrence Message to North Korea Via Seoul Airshow
The biennial ADEX trade show became a vehicle for another demonstration of U.S. airpower.
Aircraft
Australian Navy Perseveres With S-100 Camcopter Despite Crashes
Two upgraded versions of the VTOL UAV are being acquired. Meanwhile, the service is upgrading its manned MH-60R helicopters.
Aircraft
Scaled Composites Reveals 'Model 401' Experimental Jet
The Northrop Grumman subsidiary said it will make available two jets for research flights by industry partners and the U.S. government.
Aircraft
Good and Bad News for the Eurofighter Program
Qatar is set to become the next customer, but production is slowing, and Austria no longer wants to fly the jet.
Aircraft
Aero Vodochody Reveals New Jet Trainer Plans
The Czech company is producing or offering new versions of the L-39 and L-159 basic and advanced jet trainers, with light attack capability.
Aircraft
Big Indian Navy Requirement for Helicopters Revealed
According to an RFI, 234 twin-engined machines are required for multiple roles.
Engines
GE Achieves Testing Milestones for U.S. Army FATE and ITEP Turboshaft Programs
Prototype powerplants for the Future Affordable Turbine Engine and Improved Turbine Engine Program have been run.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
New Chinese Company Shows Family of UAVs
One of four drones exhibited recently by Tengoen Technology is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAV
Avionics
Hensoldt Buys British Sensor Company Kelvin Hughes
The maritime specialist will help Hensoldt’s ambition to become a sensor solutions provider.
Sources for North Korea’s Missile Development Debated
Iran is the key suspect; Ukraine has denied supplying Soviet-era rocket technology
Saudis To Acquire Russian S-400 SAM System
S-400 Triumph is the most advanced long-range surface-to-air system (SAM) available from Russia’s Almaz-Antey Corp.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Darpa Seeks Counter-Drone 'Sensing, Neutralization' Systems
Novel technologies would complement or be part of an advanced Mobile Force Protection counter-UAS system, Darpa says.
Aircraft
U.S., Russia Trade Charges Over Open Skies Treaty Compliance
The U.S. State Department said it will take "reasonable and comparable steps" in response to alleged Russian violations of the treaty.
Aircraft
South Korea Fires Taurus as Interest in Standoff Missiles Grows
After China, the Republic of Korea Air Force is the first in the region to exercise fighter-launched standoff missile capability.
Aircraft
Russia Expedition Force Deploys S-350 Vityaz System to Syria
The medium-range surface-to-air missile battery stationed at Masyaf supplements other air defense systems already in theater.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Army Confirms Black Hawk, Drone Collided Over New York City
One of two U.S. Army Black Hawks providing security for the United National General Assembly meeting collided with a drone over Staten Island.
Aircraft
U.S. Air Force Will Test KC-46 to Assess Boom-Scraping Issue
The service has identified three technical deficiencies with the Boeing 767 tanker derivative, now in developmental testing.
Aircraft
Saab Goes American To Boost Boeing T-X Contender
The Swedish company will build its share of the jet trainer in the US, if the partnership wins the competition.
Rotorcraft
Armed VTOL Machine at Helicopter Show In China
The event in Tianjing also produced news on the Sino-Russian Advanced Heavy Lift helicopter.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Australian Military Revises Small Drone Operating Procedures
The revised procedures are a response to the U.S. Army's instructions in August to discontinue using Chinese-manufactured DJI drones.
Aircraft
Extent of Russian UAV Use Over Syria Revealed
Although no medium-to-large drones have been deployed, smaller ones have helped the Syrian regime overcome its opponents.
Aircraft
Confusion Arises Over the JSTARS Recap Plan
Senior U.S. Air Force leaders said that source selection would proceed on schedule, even as the requirement is re-assessed.
Engines
Northrop Grumman Announces Intention To Acquire Orbital ATK
Assuming approvals, Northrop Grumman's planned $7.8 billion acquisition of Orbital ATK is expected to close in the first half of 2018.
Aircraft
British Defense Show Prompts More ASDOT Announcements
Leonardo and Saab have pitched into the UK’s requirement for contracted Air Support to Defence Operational Training (ASDOT).
Turkey Defies NATO and Buys Russian S-400 SAMs
After long and intense negotiations, both Russia and Turkey have confirmed the controversial air defense deal.
Aircraft
Bahrain To Get New and Upgraded F-16V Fighters
In a sale worth nearly $3.8 billion, the country will acquire the latest version of the ‘Viper’ and a huge variety of weapons
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
GAO: Pentagon Confirms Requirements for Navy's MQ-25
Following program restructuring last year, the MQ-25 wil be a carrier-based aerial refueling drone with limited ISR capabilities.
Aircraft
Air Force Awards Design Contract for New Presidential Aircraft
Boeing will modify two 747-8 commercial airliners formerly destined for a bankrupt Russian carrier into the new Air Force One.
