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.
Rotorcraft
Weapon-winged Wildcat Unveiled as Sea Venom Advances
A new weapons wing allows the Wildcat naval helicopter to carry up to 20 Martlet or four Sea Venom missiles, or a combination of both.
Updated 'Bear' Provides First Intercept for the F-35
A long-distance flight by two Russian Navy “Bears” was intercepted and escorted by Norwegian and UK fighters, including F-35s for the first time.
Aircraft
Air USA Buys Former RAAF Hornets
The civilian-contracted adversary fleet in the U.S. will gain a considerable boost with the delivery of highly-capable legacy Hornets from Australia.
Aircraft
Israel Approved for KC-46, but USAF Problems Persist
Israel is now cleared to begin negotiations over the purchase of the still-troubled KC-46A tanker.
Rotorcraft
Boeing’s FARA Contender Finally Emerges
Boeing’s FARA bid is based on a relatively conventional helicopter layout, albeit with a pusher propeller for high-speed performance.
Aircraft
U.S. Air Force Orders AESA Radar for F-16s
Northrop Grumman’s AESA radar is in full production for export customers looking to upgrade their F-16s or buy new ones.
Aircraft
Fighter-bombers and Anka UAVs Downed as Turkey and Syria Exchange Blows
An escalation in fighting between Turkish and Assadist forces has resulted in a number of air vehicles—both manned and unmanned—being shot down.
Aircraft
Y-20 AEW and Tanker Variants To Appear Soon
The successful introduction into service of the Xian Y-20 heavy transport has freed China from reliance on the Il-76 airframe for fighter support aircraft.
Aircraft
Azerbaijan Buys the M-346 as Caucasus Stand-off Continues
Since Armenia occupied a portion of Azerbaijani territory in the 1990s, the two countries have fought a number of skirmishes along the de facto border.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Innovative UAV Technology Helps Syrian Army Offensive in Idlib
The Russian army is employing small UAVs to find targets and then provide designation for attack by laser-guided shells.
Aircraft
UK/Australia F-35 Software Lab Opens
The UK and Australia have joined forces to develop Mission Data Files for their F-35 fleets.
Rotorcraft
India and the U.S. Agree on Major Helicopter Deal
The Indian Army is due to get its desired attack helicopters, while the Indian Navy will receive much-needed replacements for the elderly Sea King fleet.
Rotorcraft
Meet the U.S. Navy’s New Training Helicopter, the Leonardo TH-119 - AIN
Meet the U.S. Navy’s New Training Helicopter, the Leonardo TH-119 - AIN
Rotorcraft
Presidential Helicopter Maintains Momentum
As the VH-92A test fleet works towards initial operational test and evaluation, Sikorsky has been contracted to build another six.
Aircraft
Royal Thai Air Force Unveils Spending Plans
New trainers, transports, and a replacement for older Thai Air Force F-16s are to be purchased over the coming years, along with improved air defenses.
Maintenance and Modifications
Collins Aerospace Expanding Across Landing Systems
Collins Aerospace held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on its new landing gear facility in Fort Worth, as it expands its Pueblo and Spokane sites.
Aircraft
FCAS Moves into Demonstration Phase, but No Part Yet for Spain
The major Franco-German FCAS partners have been given the green light for technology demonstrations, but Spanish industry is not yet involved.
Aircraft
First Be-200 Intended for Russian Navy Takes Flight
Beriev’s latest Be-200 is painted in Navy colors, but there is some doubt as to whether the type has been ordered by the defense ministry.
RSAF Chief: Upgraded F-16s, Maritime Patrol and New UAVs
Singapore’s air force chief, Major General Kelvin Khong, spoke to AIN about upcoming RSAF programs.
Maintenance and Modifications
Sustaining Military Aircraft in Southeast Asia
Customers in tropical environments require different care to keep their aircraft flying, and Boeing is working to accommodate them.
Aircraft
Defense Dominates Daily Singapore Display
With several commercial aircraft absentees, it is military hardware that has provided the main spectacle for Singapore showgoers.
Training and Workforce
Singapore’s Upgraded Chinook Sim Goes Live
The Boeing CH-47D is an important element of the RSAF’s inventory. A recent upgrade to the simulator is now providing enhanced training.
Aircraft
Singapore Gets Smart with Airbus A330 Tanker
The Republic of Singapore Air Force will work with Airbus to certify automatic refueling for the A330 MRTT.
Aircraft
USAF Legacy Fleets Survive Budget Review, in Part
The Pentagon decided not to completely retire the A-10, B-1, KC-10, and U-2 after all.
Aircraft
Boeing Sees APAC Potential for the T-7A Red Hawk
Boeing and Saab are well advanced in the development of the T-7A for the U.S. Air Force and are receiving interest from potential export customers.
Aircraft
Israel Boutique Firms Punching Above Their Own Weight
Steadicopter and UVision are at Singapore looking to make inroads in the Asia-Pacific market.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
ST Engineering Showcases Innovative and Diverse Technologies
The Singapore-based conglomerate has a new VTOL UAV, systems to control or counter drones, and fresh activity in the freighter conversion business.
Avionics
Astronautics Badger Selected for U.S. CBP, FAP Aircraft
Now standard on certain Bell helicopters, Astronautics's Badger displays were installed on the U.S. CBP P-3s, as well as a Peruvian Air Force L-100.
Aircraft
Singapore F-35 Buy Moves Closer
The island state is buying four F-35B STOVL versions, with an option for eight more.
