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.
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
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
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.
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.
Aircraft
Australia Welcomes New Pilatus PC-21 Turboprop Trainers
The turboprops will contribute to an integrated pilot training program tailored for future Royal Australian Air Force, Navy and Army pilots.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
General Atomics Readies Extended Range MQ-1C Gray Eagle
The manufacturer will stop building the legacy Gray Eagle this year and begin delivering the MQ-1C ER version in 2018.
Aircraft
China Modernizes Bomber Fleet, Looks to Future With H-20
Newer navigation systems and targeting radar helped the H-6K bomber edge out Russian counterpart during recent Aviadarts competition.
Rotorcraft
Russia Ramps Up To Deliver Ka-52 'Alligator' to Egypt
Russian Helicopters expects to deliver 15 twin-seat Ka-52 attack helicopters to Egypt by the end of the year.
Russia’s ARMY Show May Eclipse Better-known MAKS Event
Being held this week at three locations near Moscow, ARMY 2017 includes indoor and outdoor static displays, a flying display and live firepower demos.
Aircraft
U.S. Air Force Awards Nuclear Missile Development Contracts
Raytheon and Lockheed Martin will mature their designs for the long-range stand off nuclear missile by 2022.
Aircraft
Indonesia Barters Commodities for Sukhoi Su-35 Combat Jets
Russia has agreed a countertrade deal; Indonesia is also shopping for armed UAVs.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
New Buyers, Missions Seen for Jet-Powered Avenger, MQ-9B
An unidentified foreign nation has an interest in acquiring 90 jet-powered Predator C Avenger unmanned aircraft, according to General Atomics.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
General Atomics: UK Protector Advances Civil Certification Effort
Military certification of the Protector variant of the MQ-9B unmanned aircraft is expected in 2021-2022, followed by civil certification.
Aircraft
Turkey Considers Russian or European Missile Systems—Or Both
A highly politicized search for ground-based long-range air defense continues.
