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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Aircraft

With DoD Contract In Hand, Top Aces Receives F-16s

The first batch of F-16s from the Israeli Air Force arrived at Top Aces' Arizona location this week.

Aircraft

Greece Finalizes Rafale Fighter Purchase

The Greek government has now signed the anticipated contract for the urgent acquisition of 18 Dassault Rafale fighters.

Rotorcraft

"Defiant X" Enters U.S. Army FLRAA Derby

Sikorsky and Boeing unveiled a slicker version of their SB-1 “Defiant” for the U.S. Army's $40 billion future long range assault aircraft competition.