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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
Leonardo Unveils Next-generation Spartan
The new version of the C-27J military transport aircraft has aerodynamic and avionics improvements that enhance performance and mission capability.
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.
Aircraft
UAE Cleared to Buy F-35A Fighters and MQ-9B Drones
The United Arab Emirates has long sought the F-35 fighter in order to maintain its qualitative edge over its neighbor Iran.
Rotorcraft
CalGuard Pilots Recount Rescuing Hundreds from Inferno
California Air National Guard Chinook pilots were "deep into luck bag" during perilous evacuation.
Aircraft
Brazilian Air Force Flies First Modernized Tucano Trainer
Brazil’s air force is upgrading some of its Embraer Tucano trainer fleet so that they are more suited to training pilots for modern aircraft.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
U.S. Approves MQ-9B SeaGuardians for Taiwan
As well as being cleared for a potential sale to Taiwan, the maritime version of the SkyGuardian is also being demonstrated to Japan’s Coast Guard.
Aircraft
Belgium Considers Dart-550 Basic Trainer
The Belgian Air Force is looking for a new basic trainer to replace its SIAI-Marchetti SF-260s.
Rotorcraft
Sikorsky to Supply Military Helicopters to Greece and U.S. Marines
Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky have landed $730 million of new work in one day through Navair contracts for 10 new “Romeo” and King Stallion helicopters.
Rotorcraft
First Airbus H145s for Ecuador
Following an unhappy experience with the Dhruv, the FAE is receiving H145s equipped for military, search and rescue, and disaster relief operations.
Avionics
Genesys Certifies Black Hawk Avionics Suite
The FAA has approved an STC for a Genesys Aerosystems avionics suite upgrade for the Black Hawk helicopter.
U.S. Approves SLAM-ER and MS-110 Pods for Taiwan
The long-range missile and multi-spectral reconnaissance pod would both enhance Taiwan’s ability to conduct operations against mainland China.
Aircraft
Airbus Lifts Lid on New Jet Trainer Project
The new advanced trainer is initially aimed at a Spanish air force requirement for a lead-in fighter trainer.
Aircraft
Team Tempest Reveals a Different Approach to FCAS
The team tasked with engineering the UK’s FCAS are concentrating on technology and capability development ahead of finalizing platform design.
Aircraft
Swedish Defense Bill Extends Gripen, Adds New AEW Aircraft
Sweden’s government is planning a major increase in the defense budget that will see the air force keeping JAS 39Cs in service for at least a decade.
Japan to Strengthen Defenses Following North Korean Parade
Japan’s Self-Defense Force is requesting funding to increase the effectiveness of its air defenses in the light of North Korea bolstering its firepower.
Rotorcraft
France Orders NH90 Helicopters For Special Forces
The final ten NH90 TTHs helicopters on order for the French army will be delivered to a new standard optimized for special forces support.
Aircraft
UK’s Carrier Strike Group Faces Its First Test
The HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier is currently at sea in Europe’s largest exercise, with UK and U.S. Marine Corps F-35B fighters on board.
Draken Buys Cobham's Falcon Fleet; ATAC Lands Eglin Deal
With its purchase of Cobham’s Aviation Services division, Draken has gained a foothold in the European contractorized training services market.
Aircraft
Swiss Fighter Program Clears Referendum Hurdle
Although it may face further political opposition, Switzerland’s new fighter procurement has received public approval, albeit by a slim margin.
Aircraft
Gripen E Flies in Brazilian Skies
The first of 36 F-39 Gripen E/Fs for the Brazilian air force has been delivered for trials at the Gripen Flight Test Center at Gavião Pexioto.
Aircraft
Thailand Inks $162 million T-6C Texan II Deal
Having previously signaled its intentions to acquire T-6s for the training role, the Royal Thai Air Force has firmed up its acquisition.
