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
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.
Rotorcraft
CalGuard Pilots Recount Rescuing Hundreds from Inferno
California Air National Guard Chinook pilots were "deep into luck bag" during perilous evacuation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
NATO Adds Ninth A330 Tanker/Transport
The latest order comes as a result of Luxembourg deciding to expand its participation in the program by 1,000 hours annually.
Aircraft
Philippines Receives First Super Tucano
Embraer’s light attack turboprop is expected to join OV-10 Broncos operating in the close support/counter insurgency role.
China Pressures Taiwan in Weekend Jet Sorties
China has mounted a series of large-scale aerial exercises over the Bashi Channel in response to the visit to Taiwan of a U.S. delegation.
Aircraft
Greece to Buy Rafale Fighter in Defense Spending Spree
Greece's announcement that it will acquire a squadron of Rafales coincides with a period of increasing tensions with its neighbor Turkey.
Avionics
Britain’s Long-awaited Radar Two Program Breaks Cover
Following Germany and Spain’s announcement of their AESA radar roadmap for the Typhoon fighter, the UK has revealed its own E-Scan plans.
Aircraft
Saab Makes New Gripen Fighter Offer to Croatia
Sweden and Saab are pitching new-build Gripen C/Ds as the answer to Croatia’s long-running search for a new fighter.
Aircraft
Philippines Seeks Funds for C-130Js and Huey Servicing
The ability to respond rapidly to both external and internal threats is driving a program to renew the Philippines air force’s transport fleet.
Rotorcraft
FlightSafety To Support U.S. Navy's TH-73A Training
FlightSafety International has been awarded a contract to support of the U.S. Navy’s advanced helicopter training system.
Rotorcraft
First Block II Chinook for Special Operations Command
The latest special forces version of the Chinook is lighter and better-performing than its predecessor.
Rotorcraft
Airbus To Begin UH-72B Army Deliveries in 2021
The updated helicopter replaces the tailrotor on the UH-72A Lakota with a Fenestron.
