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
Dassault Hands Over First Rafale to Greece
The first six Rafales for Greece will remain in France for a while to train Greek aircrew and technicians.
Aircraft
New Sukhoi Fighter Design Unveiled at MAKS
Russia’s latest fighter design is focused primarily on export sales, although could receive a small domestic order to boost its marketability.
Aircraft
First Super Tucano Light Attackers Delivered to Nigeria
The light attack aircraft are being procured as part of a build-up of attack assets to counter extremist forces in the north of the country.
Aircraft
NASA Retires Last Flying S-3 Viking
The delivery of the aircraft to the San Diego Air and Space Museum brings the flying career of the S-3 to a close after nearly 50 years.
Rotorcraft
Leonardo Delivers First TH-73A Trainer Helicopter to U.S. Navy
Leonardo Delivers First TH-73A Trainer Helicopter to U.S. Navy
Aircraft
Boeing Rolls Out Norway’s First Poseidon
The first of five P-8A Poseidons is scheduled to take to the air for the first time before the end of July.
Aircraft
F-35A Lightning II and Patriot Scoop Switzerland Air 2030 Selection
U.S. suppliers have beaten European competitors in Switzerland's Air 2030 program for new fighters and an air defense system.
Rotorcraft
Bell Retires V-280 Demonstrator
Bell is retiring its V-280 tiltrotor demonstrator to focus on the Army's next phase of future vertical lift competition.
Aircraft
Green Light for 'Too Expensive' Philippines' F-16 Purchase
The U.S. is happy to sell F-16s to the Philippines, but the price may be too high for Manila.
Aircraft
Germany Signs Off Funding for FCAS and Poseidon
Parliamentary approval of the 2022 defense budget clears the path for development of the FCAS next-generation air combat system.
Rotorcraft
UK’s Royal Air Force Orders More Chinook Helicopters
With its latest order the RAF becomes the first export customer for the Block II version of Boeing's Chinook helicopter.
Rotorcraft
Leonardo Hands Over First U.S. Navy TH-73A Trainer
The IFR-certificated version of the AW119Kx will replace the Bell TH-57 as the Navy’s undergraduate rotary-wing trainer.
Rotorcraft
Leonardo Delivers First TH-73A Trainer Helicopter to U.S. Navy
In a ceremony yesterday at its U.S. headquarters in Philadelphia, Leonardo Helicopters delivered the first TH-73A training helicopter to the U.S. Navy.
Aircraft
U.S. Air Force Retires Last Open Skies Aircraft
Boeing OC-135Bs performed the Open Skies surveillance mission from 1993 until the U.S. withdrew from the treaty in 2020.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Boeing’s Stingray Performs First Unmanned Refueling
The MQ-25 Stingray is on course to be deployed as a tanker aboard the U.S. Navy’s carriers.
Aircraft
Brazil To Cut KC-390 Airlifter Order
Brazil has opted to reduce its current order for 28 KC-390 tanker/transports, citing pandemic-related budgetary issues.
Aircraft
Croatia Selects Rafale for Fighter Requirement
The selection of second-hand Rafales brings an end to a long-running search by Zagreb for a MiG-21 replacement.
Rotorcraft
Philippines Government Confirms T129 Attack Helicopter Order
The Turkish Aerospace T129 will bring a needed boost to the Philippine Air Force’s counter-insurgency capabilities.
Aircraft
U.S. Air Force’s Newest Fighter Completes First Exercise
Participation in Northern Edge in Alaska provided the combined F-15EX Eagle II test team with a chance to wring out the new fighter in a major exercise.
Top Aces F-16 Fighter Cleared for Aggressor Duties
The training/adversary services provider is the first in the world to operate the fourth-generation F-16 on commercial services.
Rotorcraft
Japan’s New Seahawk Variant Takes to the Air
The SH-60L is the latest in a line of license-built Seahawk versions for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Aircraft
Sweden Orders Grob G 120TP for Basic Trainer Needs
The G 120TP has been selected for the first phase of a complete overhaul of Sweden’s military pilot training program.
UK Carrier Strike Group Begins Deployment
An operational aircraft carrier capability is being restored to the Royal Navy after more than a decade with the deployment of the Queen Elizabeth.
Aircraft
Egypt Orders 30 More Rafale Fighters
The new deal will bring Rafale deliveries to Egypt from France to 54 aircraft, making it the most important export customer to date.
Engines
European Next Generation Fighter Engine Team Takes Shape
The leading engine companies from France, Germany, and Spain have forged a framework for joint development of the engine for the Next-generation Fighter.
Aircraft
Singapore’s A330 MRTT attains Full Operational Capability
The introduction of the Airbus tanker/transport has greatly enhanced the RSAF’s capabilities, notably in the fields of medevac and fighter deployment.
Aircraft
Singapore’s A330 MRTT Achieves Full Operational Capability
The introduction of the Airbus tanker/transport has greatly enhanced the RSAF’s capabilities, notably in the fields of medevac and fighter deployment.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
First Global Hawk UAV for Japan Takes to the Air
Tokyo has ordered three examples of Northrop Grumman's high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned air vehicle, along with associated ground equipment.
Aircraft
Airbus Conducts Helicopter Refueling Trials with A400M Airlifter
The latest test campaign has achieved most of the objectives required to clear the A400M to refuel helicopters in flight.
Rotorcraft
French Military Orders More Super Pumas
Purchase of eight more Airbus H225Ms is part of French government's sitmulus plan to aid the aerospace industry.
