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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
Airbus To Begin UH-72B Army Deliveries in 2021
The updated helicopter replaces the tailrotor on the UH-72A Lakota with a Fenestron.
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
Russian Helicopters Unveils New Mi-171Sh-VN ‘Hip’ Troop Carrier
Russian Helicopters is displaying an impressive range of its military products at the Army 2020 International Military-Technical Forum.
Aircraft
Thailand To Choose Beechcraft Light Attack and Trainer Aircraft
Although not confirmed by the manufacturer, it seems that Thailand has selected the Beechcraft T-6 and AT-6 to answer training and light attack needs.
Rotorcraft
More Singapore Chinooks Go to Australia as Training Expands
The Singaporean training detachment at Oakey in Queensland is scheduled to receive the bulk of the new CH-47F helicopters that are to be delivered shortly.
Engines
Honeywell Gains FAA Nod for 3D-printed Flight-critical Part
Honeywell said the approval marks a step forward in the fast-growing 3D printing field.
Aircraft
First A350 Handed Over to German Armed Forces
Inevitably dubbed by the press as “Merkel One,” the aircraft is due to take over long-haul governmental transport duties from the A340.
Aircraft
Icarus Launches Optionally-Piloted Multi-Role Aircraft
The TAV/Wasp can be tailored to a wide variety of roles, offering turboprop efficiency for many combat and surveillance tasks.
Air Force Huey Hit by Ground Fire in Virginia
A single bullet struck the helicopter, damaging it and causing minor injuries to a crew member.
Next Generation Jammer Pod Flies on Growler
The U.S. Navy’s electronic attack capabilities are receiving a major boost with the adoption of the NGJ to replace the 50-year-old ALQ-99.
Security
South Korea Unveils Plan to Improve Defenses
Better theater situational awareness, expanded missile defenses, armed UAVs and a light aircraft carrier are on Seoul’s shopping list.
Aircraft
Rwanda To Receive Special-mission Cessna Caravans
The sale of two Cessna Grand Caravan EXs to the Rwanda Defense Force is made possible through U.S. government grant aid funding.
