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
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.
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
Russia’s First MALE UAV Is Revealed
The Predator-like Orion MALE UAV faces an uncertain future, as its maker struggles for funding.
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.
Russia Shows Concept For New Helicopter Carrier
At a recent naval show in St Petersburg, a replacement for the canceled Mistral deal with France was displayed in model form
Aircraft
France and Germany To Develop New Fighter Without UK?
Confusingly, there are now two “Future Combat Air System” projects in Europe.
Aircraft
China Shows New Fighters, Missiles and Drones
The appearance of new Chinese fighters, missiles and drones in a big military parade suggests that entry into service has already occurred.
Aircraft
Boeing, U.S. Air Force Confirm New Air Force One Negotiations
The manufacturer and the Air Force are negotiating the sale of two Boeing 747-8s originally ordered by bankrupt Russian carrier Transaero.
Rotorcraft
U.S. Army Awards Boeing Contract for Chinook Block II Upgrade
The manufacturer will build and test three upgraded CH-47F helicopters under the engineering and manufacturing development contract.
Aircraft
Iranian Weapons and UAVs On Display at MAKS
The Russian aerospace show provided a rare opportunity for Iran to exhibit weaponry abroad.
Aircraft
U.S. Air Force Aims To Speed Hypersonic Weapon Development
The service has determined that five defense contractors have the capability to develop the air-launched hypersonic strike weapon.
Aircraft
Surprise Debut for Russian Light Jet at MAKS
The SR-10 is apparently derived from Sukhoi’s previous work to develop an innovative military trainer and sporting airplane.
Aircraft
JStars Contenders Argue Merits of Business Jet Versus Airliner
A Gulfstream G550 can fly the JStars mission 'higher, faster, farther' and more affordably than an airliner, the manufacturer contends.
Aircraft
Tecnam Provides Low-Cost Trainer to Argentina
The Italian company’s P2002JF very light aircraft (VLA) is graduating new pilots in a lease-purchase plus support deal.
Aircraft
Russia’s MAKS Show Highlights T-50 PAKFA Progress
The fifth-generation fighter is cleared for limited production; new UAVs and helicopters were on display
Aircraft
New Chinese Weapons Seen On J-10C Fighter
The PL-10 and PL-15 are reportedly high-performance next-generation air-to-air missiles.
