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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
Defense Dominates Daily Singapore Display
With several commercial aircraft absentees, it is military hardware that has provided the main spectacle for Singapore showgoers.
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
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
Israel Boutique Firms Punching Above Their Own Weight
Steadicopter and UVision are at Singapore looking to make inroads in the Asia-Pacific market.
Avionics
Hensoldt Shows New SIGINT System
Germany-based sensor house Hensoldt is also displaying a variety of airborne electronic equipment at the Singapore Airshow.
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
Major Aircraft Acquisitions in U.S. DoD Proposed FY21 Budget
U.S. FY2021 defense budget funds 247 new aircraft from major programs worth a collective $23.8 billion.
Maintenance and Modifications
Thailand Shows Off Tiger Fighter Upgrade
Thailand remains committed to the venerable Northrop F-5 and has undertaken a far-reaching modernization effort to keep a squadron flying into the 2030s.
Aircraft
U.S. Navy Receives First Osprey Tiltorotor
The carrier onboard delivery version of the tiltrotor has greater internal fuel capacity than the Marine and Air Force versions.
Aircraft
Singapore F-35 Buy Moves Closer
The island state is buying four F-35B STOVL versions, with an option for eight more.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
EOS Remote Weapon Can Counter Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
The EOS R400S-Mk2 remote weapon system with a 30 mm ATK M230 LF cannon will be mounted on a THeMis unmanned ground vehicle.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Ascent Vision Showcases Counter-UAS Imaging System
Ascent Vision Technologies has launched a new multi-mission imaging system for maritime counter-UAS and ISR missions.
Aircraft
Britain’s Poseidon Adventure Begins
With the delivery of the first Boeing P-8 to its base in Scotland the RAF has a maritime patrol aircraft on its books for the first time in over a decade.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Rafael To Unveil Compact Electro-optical Infrared System
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems says MicroLite is capable of providing around-the-clock wide-area persistent surveillance.
Malaysia’s ‘Flanker’ Flaunts Missile Capability
When it entered service in the late 1980s the high-speed Kh-31 caused a stir in the West, and it remains a powerful anti-ship/anti-radar weapon today.
Rotorcraft
Bell 412EPX Makes Asia Debut
Subaru and Bell continue to develop the Bell 412, in part driven by a Japanese military requirement for a new utility helicopter.
