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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Aircraft
Poland to Receive C-130Hs, Announces F-35 Base
The second-hand Hercules airlifters will double the Polish air force’s tactical transport capacity.
Rotorcraft
Airbus VSR700 Optionally-piloted Helo Hits Speed Milestone
Airbus is expanding the flight envelope of its VSR700 optionally piloted vehicle (OPV), recently achieving forward speeds of 60 knots.
Aircraft
Korea’s KF-X Fighter Named KF-21 Boramae at Rollout
Korea’s fifth-generation fighter has been developed partly in conjunction with Indonesia, although its continued participation is under question.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Valkyrie UAS Launches Small UAS from Weapons Bay
The March 26 test flight at Yuma Proving Ground was also used to expand the Valyrie’s performance envelope.
Rotorcraft
South Korea Wants Attack Helos, Minesweepers, More JDAMs
The ROK Army is looking to modernize its gunship fleet through the acquisition of an “Apache-class” helicopter to replace its aging Bell AH-1S Cobras.
Maintenance and Modifications
Saab Flies Gripen Fighter With 3D-Printed Replacement Part
3D printers could be deployed in the field to manufacture spare parts rather than rely on a sizeable spares pack or time-consuming deliveries.
Rotorcraft
Airbus Delivers First H225M Helicopter to Singapore
Singapore is receiving a batch of the latest Puma derivative as part of a rotary-wing fleet modernization that also includes new CH-47F Chinooks.
Training and Workforce
U.S. Air Force Graduates First Class of XPW Pilots
As part of its efforts to streamline the training system, the USAF is now training some multi-engine pilots using the T-1 Jayhawk entirely.
Aircraft
Savage Cuts for the RAF in UK Defense Review
Speculation prior to the UK defense review suggested F-35 acquisition would be pegged at 48, but purchases will continue, although likely to be limited.
Aircraft
Combat Debut for Typhoon/Storm Shadow Pairing
The Typhoon has been cleared to launch the Storm Shadow stand-off precision attack missile since early 2019, and has now used it in combat.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Elbit and KAI Join Forces for Military UAS Collaboration
Links between Korean and Israeli industry are growing, particularly in the field of unmanned air systems.
Aircraft
Germany Approved for P-8 Maritime Patrollers
The German navy is seeking a replacement for its Lockheed P-3 Orions, which are slated for retirement in 2024.
Aircraft
U.S. Air Force Receives First F-15EX Eagle Fighter
Initial production fighters are assigned to the U.S. Air Force's Eglin base for an accelerated test program to get the new Eagle into service in 2024/25.
Aircraft
Lockheed Martin Flies First F-35 for Denmark
Denmark has 27 of the F-35A conventional takeoff and landing versions on order and expects to deploy them from 2023.
IAI Joins with KAI to Market Loitering Munitions in Korea
The Republic of Korea is in the market for loitering munitions that can be used in manned-unmanned teaming operations.
Avionics
Genesys Upgrades UH-60 Black Hawk Avionics
The Genesys UH-60 cockpit modernization replaces the entire avionics and instrumentation system, saving 80 pounds in operating weight.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Australia’s Loyal Wingman Flies For the First Time
The Airpower Teaming System air vehicle is the first military aircraft to be designed and built in Australia in over five decades.
Aircraft
RAF Sentinel Fleet Completes Last Surveillance Flight
After a relatively brief yet busy and productive career, the RAF’s Sentinel radar reconnaissance aircraft have been retired.
Rotorcraft
Turkey Unveils Unmanned, Electric Attack Helicopter
Turkish Aerospace Industries expects to fly the new, electric-powered, unmanned T629 attack helicopter later this year.
Rotorcraft
Israel Selects Sikorsky’s King Stallion Helicopter
Sikorsky’s latest heavylift helicopter has been chosen over the CH-47 to replace first-generation CH-53s in service with the Israeli Air Force.
