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
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
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
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
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.
Aircraft
Covid Dents F-35 Production as Development Continues
The global pandemic has inevitably hit production rates for the F-35, but Lockheed Martin hopes to begin clawing back lost time in the fall.
Rotorcraft
UK Mulls Puma Replacement Plans
The UK operates an aging fleet of Puma support helicopters rapidly approaching the end of their service lives.
Women In Defense Panel Aims To Bolster Inclusiveness
Women continue to face disadvantages in the workplace, despite efforts to raise awareness of preconceptions about gender roles.
Maintenance and Modifications
Bombardier Pitches Special-mission Conversions for its Bizjets
From Learjet 75s to Global 7500s, Bombardier's range of business jets stand as candidates for special mission conversion.
Aircraft
U.S. Air Force To Take Over Turkey’s F-35s
The Pentagon has issued a contract to Lockheed Martin to deliver new-production F-35As to the U.S. Air Force instead of Turkey.
Aircraft
Europe On Course for Two Future Combat Programs
While many see a single European FCAS program being the best way forward, national ambitions are suggesting that this will not happen any time soon.
Aircraft
Tempest On Course To Be an Air Combat Game-changer
While the Tempest has become a trinational program, the UK’s industrial team is already making good progress with technology demonstrations.
UK Defense Demonstrates Resilience During Covid Crisis
The UK’s defense industry has adopted new practices to tackle Covid challenges, while also continuing to deliver on key programs.
Aircraft
Typhoon’s E-scan Radar Introduction Months Away
Deliveries of Typhoons with electronically-scanned array radars are approaching, but new development paths are emerging among the original partners.
Aircraft
Indonesia Interested in Austria’s Typhoons
In its ongoing search for an F-5 replacement the Indonesian air force has shown interest in the Austrian Typhoons, whose future is far from certain.
Stratasys to Ship Fourth 3D Printer for BAE's Samlesbury Plant
BAE Systems is one of a number of companies embracing additive manufacturing as a means of streamlining production and reducing costs and lead times.
Aircraft
New Members Announced for Team Tempest
More UK companies have joined the industrial effort to develop a sixth-generation fighter, while Saab is growing its participation in the project.
Aircraft
UK Launches Digital Skills Resource
With a rapidly-growing demand for a digitally competent workforce, the UK is launching a digital learning and information portal.
Aircraft
All Systems ‘Go’ for Boeing's Red Hawk Trainer
Boeing is making considerable strides in flight-testing of the T-7A advanced trainer and is on track to meet the program schedule.
Training and Workforce
Qatari Typhoon Simulator to Use CAE's Medallion MR Visuals
Qatar’s Typhoon pilots will train in simulators equipped with CAE’s highly realistic vision system under a contract managed by BAE Systems.
Aircraft
UK Carrier On Course for First Deployment
HMS Queen Elizabeth has begun operational training of both the ship’s company and aircrew in the build-up to the first operational cruise.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Project Mosquito: UK’s ‘Loyal Wingman’ Program Moves Ahead
The UK’s defense laboratory is overseeing a project to develop unmanned vehicles to partner with manned combat aircraft.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
UK Ministry of Defence Signs First Protector Order
The RAF plans to operate 16 Protector remotely piloted aircraft, which are based on the General Atomics MQ-9B SkyGuardian.
Aircraft
USAF Places First Order for Boeing F-15EX Eagle Fighter
After a gap of 19 years the U.S. Air Force is buying new Eagles again to increase the operational capabilities of its existing F-15 units.
Aircraft
Brazil Begins Manufacturing of Saab Gripen Fighter
Saab’s Brazilian subsidiary will supply airframe components to both Swedish and Brazilian assembly lines.
