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.
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.
Avionics
Hensoldt Buys British Sensor Company Kelvin Hughes
The maritime specialist will help Hensoldt’s ambition to become a sensor solutions provider.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Rotorcraft
Armed VTOL Machine at Helicopter Show In China
The event in Tianjing also produced news on the Sino-Russian Advanced Heavy Lift helicopter.
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
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.
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.
Leonardo Reports Sales of Vixen 500E AESA Radar
Romania will fit one for trials on its indigenous IAR-99 jet. The U.S. Navy and U.S. Department of Homeland Security are also customers.
Rotorcraft
Airbus Delivers 400th Lakota
The manufacturer is slated to deliver nine more UH-72s to the Army this year.
Aircraft
New British Training Fleet Entering Service
Grob G120TPs, Beechcraft T-6Cs and Embraer Phenoms are being supplied for the UK MFTS by the joint venture named Affinity.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
DHS, Other Agencies Seek Law Changes To Intercept Drones
Interagency working groups reporting to the National Security Council have asked Congress to change wiretap and other prohibitions.
Aircraft
Britain’s Sentinel Recon Aircraft Gets an Upgrade
Although still threatened with grounding in 2021, the radar is being improved. Meanwhile, Raytheon is marketing an enhanced version for export.
Aircraft
Russia Pitches MiG-35 to India as FGFA Project Falters
The twin-engine fighter could be a viable alternative to the F-16 and Gripen, whose makers have further defined their Indian partnerships
Rotorcraft
MD Helicopters Lands $1.4B Order
First contract deliveries will include a block of 30 MD 530Fs valued at $176.6 million to be delivered by September 2019.
Rotorcraft
U.S. Navy Awards Contract For First Production CH-53Ks
Plans call for Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky to deliver the first two production helicopters to the U.S. Marine Corps in 2020.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Under Trump Administration, U.S. Reviews Drone Export Policy
The U.S. is preparing a white paper that is expected to argue that UAVs should be treated differently by Missile Technology Control Regime.
