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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
Aircraft
Indonesia Looks to Dassaut Rafale for Fighter Requirement
The ongoing search for a new multi-role fighter has led the Indonesian defense ministry to France, where a sizeable deal for the Rafale is in negotiation.
Rotorcraft
Leonardo Delivering 17 More AW139s to Italian Air Force
Leonardo has delivered the first of 17 multirole HH-139B twin-engine helicopters to the Italian Air Force.
Rotorcraft
Airbus VSR700 Makes ATOLs from Moving Deck
Airbus's optionally piloted vehicle recently made fully autonomous takeoff and landing approaches to and from a moving deck simulator.
Rotorcraft
Germany Orders NH90 Sea Tiger Helicopters
The shipborne Sea Tiger helicopter will defend the German navy’s frigates against both submarine and surface attack.
Aircraft
U.S. Air Force Begins B-1B External Carriage Weapons Tests
Boeing B-1Bs bombers are slated to become carriers for large hypersonic missiles such as the Lockheed Martin AGM-183A ARRW.
Aircraft
French Navy To Receive Falcon 2000 Albatros Patrollers
The French navy—which currently flies Falcon 200s and 50s—is to continue its tradition of operating Falcon models in the maritime surveillance role.
Accidents
Taiwan Grounds F-16 Fighter Fleet Following Crash
The latest fighter loss is the second for the Republic of China Air Force in the past few weeks, and the fourth this year.
Aircraft
Hungary Signs for Two KC-390 Tanker/Transports
The KC-390s will provide tactical transport, refueling for Gripen fighters, and medical evacuation capability.
Rotorcraft
Navy Orders Second Block of Leonardo TH-73A Trainers
Leonardo will deliver another 36 TH-73A turbine single helicopters under a new $171 million award.
Aircraft
Germany Orders More Eurofighter Typhoon Fighters
The new batch of aircraft will replace the aging Tranche 1 aircraft in Luftwaffe service under the Quadriga project.
