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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Draken Europe Starts Operations
Having bought Cobham Aviation Services in September, Draken has formally rebranded its UK-based activity.
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.
Aircraft
First Upgraded F-16V Fighter For Greece Takes Flight
Greece is upgrading 84 of its F-16s with AESA radar as part of a major overhaul of its fighter force.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
General Atomics Advances SeaGuardian Systems
The SeaGuardian is the maritime surveillance version of the MQ-9B, capable of anti-submarine warfare.
Rotorcraft
Milestone, NHV Partner on Airbus H145s
New five-bladed Airbus H145s will suport Germany's Federal Armed Services training program.
Rotorcraft
Australia Selects Apache Guardian for Recon Requirement
Slaying Vipers and culling Tigers, the Apache has been selected to answer the Australian Army Aviation Corps attack helicopter requirement.
Aircraft
Indian Government Approves More Light Combat Aircraft
The approval covers 83 Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk1A aircraft to join the 40 Mk1s already in service or delivery, plus 56 Airbus C295 transports.
Aircraft
First Upgraded Mirage 2000D Fighter Delivered
The first of 55 modified Mirage 2000D multi-role fighters will now undergo tests, working towards a service entry in 2022.
Aircraft
Greece Selects Elbit for Training System
The 20-year deal also includes the supply of 10 Leonardo M-346 advanced trainers.
France Details Nuclear Aircraft Carrier Program
France's new aircraft carrier program is moving into the detailed design phase as it aims for a 2038 entry-into-service date.
Aircraft
IOC for Australia’s F-35s Ends Covid-hit Year
Australia has become the seventh nation to declare initial operational capability for its Lockheed Martin F-35s.
Aircraft
Super Hornet Demonstrates Ski Jump Capability
Tests have been undertaken to validate the F/A-18E/F’s ability to launch from the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers.
Rotorcraft
Bell V-280 Flies with Sling Loads
The Bell V-280 tiltrotor was recently flown with a new tactical common datalink (TCDL) and completed external sling load sorties.
Aircraft
Special-mission Gulfstreams Approved for Italy
The two reconnaissance Gulfstreams are believed to be the first of a fleet that could number as many as eight aircraft.
Aircraft
U.S. Air Force Conducts Advanced Connectivity Trials
For the first time the F-22 and F-35 fifth-generation fighters “talked” to each other securely via datalink.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Eurodrone Looks to Development and Production Contract
The four-nation program for a MALE UAV is awaiting a contract to launch the development and production of 60 air vehicles for service-entry in 2028.
Rotorcraft
Manila Inducts Black Hawks, Considers Second Batch
The Philippines Air Force has begun operating the Black Hawk, having received its first batch of six in November.
Aircraft
Airbus Enhances Safety for Boom and Drogue Refueling
Automatic refueling for boom receivers is slated for certification trials next year, while probe receivers are getting a new traffic light system.
Aircraft
Spain Now Fully Onboarded to FCAS Program
Having been left out of the February 2020 launch of the Phase 1A demonstrator phase for FCAS, Spain’s industry is now fully integrated into the program.
