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 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
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
France and Germany To Develop New Fighter Without UK?
Confusingly, there are now two “Future Combat Air System” projects in Europe.
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.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Airbus 'Sagitta' Unmanned Demonstrator Makes First Flight
The former EADS Cassidian business, later Airbus Defence, launched the Sagitta research project in 2010.
Aircraft
Contractors Prepare for New Defense Flying Training Needs
Draken International and Cobham will jointly bid in the UK; ATAC will buy French Mirage F1s for U.S. requirements.
Avionics
Elbit Awarded Contract To Develop F-35 Display Replacement
The new panoramic cockpit display will replace the F-35's current large-area display under the Block 4 upgrade program.
Aircraft
Total Acquisition Estimate for F-35 Rises to $406.5 Billion
A reduction in the annual buy of F-35As by the U.S. Air Force is behind the overall cost increase, the Pentagon said.
Aircraft
Australia To Upgrade Wedgetail AEW&C Aircraft
The RAAF is also upgrading its Hawk fighter-trainers, and joining the US Navy in development of a new jammer for EA-18G Growlers.
Aircraft
Indian Military Gets Connected Aircraft Demo from Honeywell
Air Force and Naval Aviation chiefs are interested in predictive maintenance.
Rotorcraft
First Marine Corps' CH-53K Arrives at Patuxent River for Testing
The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command expects to receive seven of the improved heavy-lift helicopters over the next year.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Piaggio Resumes Flight Testing of Unmanned HammerHead
A second prototype of the unmanned P.180 Avanti derivative returned to flight test status after a first prototype crashed in May 2016.
Avionics
BAE Systems Employs F1 And Gaming Expertise
Partnership with Williams creates new cockpit simulation facility in the UK for fast jet training and development.
Aircraft
Two More Nations Join Euro-Tanker Fleet
Seven Airbus A330MRTTs are now slated for the pooling project, but still only four countries have committed.
Aircraft
China Explores Electromagnetic Carrier Launch System
Land tests of an EMALS seen, amidst talk of a third indigenous aircraft carrier.
