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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Aircraft
Final Captive Test for U.S. Air Force’s Hypersonic Weapon
The Lockheed Martin AGM-183A "Arrow" hypersonic missile could be fielded as early as 2022 if development proceeds successfully.
Aircraft
France Takes Delivery of First ISR King Air 350
The Armée de l’Air is expected to receive eight special-mission King Air 350s for a range of reconnaissance duties.
Aircraft
U.S. Air Force Begins F-16 AESA Multi-ship Trials
The U.S. Air Force plans to equip around 350 of its F-16s with SABR radar to see them through into the 2040s.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
Aspen Avionics Joining New Aerospace/Defense Group
Airo Group is consolidating a number of aerospace and defense companies in a bid to develop a new publicly traded company.
Aircraft
Canada’s Future Fighter Selection Enters the Final Straight
The long-running saga of what will be Canada’s next fighter could be decided in 2022 following the submission of bids from the three competitors.
Aircraft
Japan’s ‘Super Interceptor’ Takes a Step Forward
After the 2019 announcement of Japan’s decision to upgrade half of its Eagles, the program has advanced with the signing of the first agreement.
Aircraft
ATAC, Draken, Tactical Air Secure ‘Red Air’ Work
The U.S. Air Force is rolling out its CAF/CAS program to provide contractorized adversary air services across its fighter bases.
Aircraft
First Five Rafales Depart for India; More A330s for France
Nearly four years after contract signature, the first five Dassault Rafales for India are due to touch down in the country.
Aircraft
Sabrewing Aims To Start Flight Tests for Rhaegal eVTOLs
Type certification plans for the first Rhaegal eVTOL aircraft have been pushed back into the first quarter of 2022.
Aircraft
China Flies AG600 from the Sea, Suggests Assault Ship Could Operate Aircraft
The successor to the Harbin SH-5 amphibian in People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) service is making progress toward service entry.
