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
C-390M Chosen for Netherlands Airlifter Replacement
The Dutch choice of the C-390M over the C-130J Super Hercules is a significant boost for Embraer’s military transport program.
Rotorcraft
GAO: Key Defense Rotorcraft Programs Delayed
Pentagon rotorcraft programs beset by technical, supply chain problems, GAO finds.
U.S. Air Force Stands Up F-35 Aggressor Squadron
The U.S. Air Force is harnessing the capabilities of the F-35A to help train combat units that may encounter fifth-gen opponents in future air wars.
Rotorcraft
Norway Cancels NH90 Helicopter Orders, Seeks Refund
Norway cancels orders, cites 20 years of frustration with NH90 helicopter program.
Aircraft
GAO: Delay Risks Remain for New Air Force Ones
Converting a pair of existing 747-8 airliners to presidential duty presents a host of expensive problems.
Aircraft
More F-35 Fighters on Dutch Defense Shopping List
Like many European countries, the Netherlands is increasing its defense spending as a result of increased tensions caused by Russian aggression.
Rotorcraft
Germany Chooses Chinook for Heavylifter Requirement
After many years of deliberation, Germany has selected the CH-47 over the CH-53K, citing greater interoperability with NATO allies.
Aircraft
Romanian LanceR Fighters Handed a Year's Reprieve
Delays in acquiring Norwegian F-16 fighters have led to Romania rescinding its decision to ground the MiG-21 LanceR fleet.
Avionics
Extant Buys Astronautics Electromechanical Line
Astronautics is selling its legacy electromechanical instrument product line to support specialist Extant Aerospace.
Rotorcraft
South Korean Forces Place Order for 40 Bell 505s
The Bell 505 will be the new military training helicopter for the South Korean Army and Navy.
NATO Airpower Steps Up Response to Ukraine Crisis
Since the beginning of Russia's attack on Ukraine NATO has taken measures to shield its member states along the eastern flank from potential aggression.
Aircraft
AESA Radar for ‘Classic’ Hornet Fighter Makes First Flight
The APG-79(V)4 radar is being procured in an upgrade effort to ensure that the U.S. Marine Corps Hornet fighters can meet the planned "sundown" date.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
General Atomics Unveils Carrier-capable MQ-9B UAV
Equipped with a STOL wing kit, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian will be capable of operating from assault carriers and regular aircraft carriers.
Rotorcraft
Army Selects Icarus For Black Hawk IFR Training
The U.S. Army will use Icarus's smart view limiting device for helicopter IFR training.
Aircraft
Marine Corps Plan Second Adversary Squadron
The Marines are planning to double the organic adversary force while extending Red Air training coverage to the East Coast.
Training and Workforce
Red 6 Augmented Reality Platform Picked by Saudi’s Advanced Electronics
Augmented-reality platform developer Red 6 has signed a strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia-based Advanced Electronics.
Aircraft
Airbus Adds Angola to C295 Customer List
The Republic of Angola has placed an order with Airbus for three C295s, two of which will be outfitted for maritime surveillance operations.
Aircraft
Autonomous Aircraft Could Carry Vital Supplies to War and Disaster Zones
Autonomous Aircraft Could Carry Vital Supplies to War and Disaster Zones
Aircraft
Romania Grounds MiG-21 LanceR Fighter Fleet
The upgraded MiGs were due to serve until 2024, but it is now considered unlikely that they will be returned to service.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
First Surveillance Reapers Handed Over to the Netherlands
Following delivery, the unmanned aerial vehicles will be tested in the Netherlands Antilles in the Caribbean Sea.
Rotorcraft
Sikorsky Details Progress On Army Programs
Sikorsky Raider and Defiant prototype rotorcraft programs mark milestones.
Rotorcraft
Super Puma Operator Lands Navy Contract
Texas-based Air Center Helicopters has landed a vertical replenishment contract with the U.S. Navy to provide services.
Aircraft
NATO Awards Contracts for AWACS Replacement Studies
In the mid-2030s NATO’s current fleet of aging E-3 AWACS will be retired, to be replaced by a system-of-systems combining aircraft with other assets.
Aircraft
Malaysia’s Defense Show Highlights New Procurements
The first Defence Services Asia (DSA) show for four years was a well-attended event to display and discuss regional requirements.
Aircraft
First-Generation Hawk Trainer Bows Out of UK Military Service
One of the most successful trainer designs, the original Hawk has been retired from UK military duties, and now only flies with the “Red Arrows” team.
Aircraft
Canada Selects F-35A for its Future Fighter Requirement
The selection of the F-35 by Canada is the latest in a flurry of high-profile successes for the Lockheed Martin-led fighter program.
Rotorcraft
Airbus's Optionally-Piloted Helicopter Goes to Sea
The VSR700 demonstrator has undertaken the first at-sea trials of its autonomous take-off and landing capabilities as part of a French navy/DGA program.
Aircraft
Germany to Buy F-35 Fighters for Nuclear Sharing Role
Having earlier discarded the U.S. F-35 fighter, Germany is once again looking to the aircraft to carry out its nuclear commitment to the NATO alliance.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Saudi Arabia’s Intra Pushes Ahead with Drone Programs
Intra is leading the drive for greater Saudi self-sufficiency in the unmanned air vehicle sector through two major programs.
Aircraft
First Batch of Chinese J-10 Fighters Delivered to Pakistan
China has delivered six J-10 multirole fighters to Pakistan just eight months after contract signature.
