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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Aircraft
Israel Signs for Boeing KC-46 Tankers
An initial order for two Pegasus tankers begins the replacement process for Israel’s elderly Boeing 707-based refuelers.
Indonesia Confirms Interest in F-15EX and Other New Assets
Indonesia’s air force hopes to acquire a new fleet of multi-role fighters, along with tankers, transports, UAVs, air defense radars and AEW aircraft.
Rotorcraft
U.S. Army Retires Bell TH-67 Trainers
The Bell 206 derivative served as the U.S. Army's primary training helicopter since 1993.
Aircraft
Wolverine Light Attack Aircraft Joins the U.S. Air Force
The Beechcraft AT-6E is being procured to advance the U.S. Air Force’s efforts to improve the counter-terrorism capability of partner air forces.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
NATO’s Phoenix Fleet Achieves IOC
Initial operational capability has been reached by the Northrop Grumman RQ-4D fifteen months after the first was delivered.
Korea Orders Indigenous Long-range Air Defense Radars
Korea intends to replace its current TPS-77 equipment with longer-ranged radars being developed by LIG Nex1.
Aircraft
First Flight For Japanese KC-46A Pegasus
Japan’s first new-generation 767-based tanker is in the air and due for delivery to the JASDF later this year.
Rafael Unveils Turbojet-powered Spice Weapon
The Spice 250 ER is a turbojet-powered derivative of Rafael’s combat-proven precision glide weapon.
Aircraft
F-15EX New-Generation Eagle Fighter Makes First Flight
Boeing is to build up to 144 F-15EX Eagle fighters for the U.S. Air Force, destined for service with Air National Guard units.
Aircraft
Draken Europe Starts Operations
Having bought Cobham Aviation Services in September, Draken has formally rebranded its UK-based activity.
