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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Aircraft
Britain’s Costly Carrier Enters Home Port
HMS Queen Elizabeth, the first of two huge new warships, completed initial sea trials, but won’t be operational until the end of 2020.
Aircraft
Russia’s First MALE UAV Is Revealed
The Predator-like Orion MALE UAV faces an uncertain future, as its maker struggles for funding.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
USSOCOM Plans 'ThunderDrone' Technology Demonstration
The exercise beginning in September will evaluate small drones and swarming applications in an indoor test range.
Aircraft
China Displays ‘Wild Weasel’ Fighter
A Chengdu J-10B was shown with with jammer, designator pods and anti-radiation missiles.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
U.S. Air Force Begins Training on New MQ-9 Reaper Block 5
Airmen at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico describe the Block 5 Reaper and new Block 30 ground control station.
Thailand’s Latest F-5 Upgrade Features Israeli Kit
Rafael is supplying most avionics and weapons, although Saab’s datalink will also be fitted.
Aircraft
Air Force: Light Attack Experiment a New Approach to Buying
The U.S. Air Force is currently evaluating three turboprops and a jet for a potential light attack aircraft requirement.
Aircraft
Sale of Embraer Super Tucanos to Nigeria Likely
Twelve of the Brazilian turboprop light attack aircraft will be supplied via the U.S. foreign military sales system.
Aircraft
Russia and Iran Negotiate Major Rotorcraft Deals
At the recent MAKS show, talks advanced on the supply of a lightweight helicopter, and general assistance to the Islamic Republic.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
U.S. Army Grounds DJI Drones Over 'Cyber Vulnerabilities'
The order, contained in an August 2 memorandum, suspends the use of products supplied by the leading manufacturer of small drones.
