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.
First S-350 Vityaz SAM Delivered to Russia
The “poor man’s S-400” offers high capability but at a much-reduced cost compared with its internationally controversial stablemate.
Aircraft
First F-35A Base Achieves Full Warfighting Capability
Hill AFB in Utah is the first operational U.S. Air Force base to receive its full complement of Lockheed Martin F-35As.
Elettronica Offers Next-Gen EW System For Europe, Asia
Four companies have teamed to develop the “Praetorian Evolution" of the Eurofighter.
Aircraft
Cleared for export, Sukhoi’s Fighter Seeks Asian Orders
Russian president Vladimir Putin has taken a personal interest in ensuring export sales of the model.
India Appoints Integrated Defense Chief
India’s three armed forces now come under the purview of a single Chief of the Defence Staff, whose aim is to streamline logistics and operational assets.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Indonesia Launches Domestically-built Armed UAV Program
Indonesia’s first large UAV is due to fly for the first time this year, with production planned to get under way in 2024.
Aircraft
Piaggio Wins Avanti Evo+ Order for the Italian Air Force
The nine-aircraft Avanti order from the Italian air force is a major boost for the financially-troubled aircraft manufacturer.
Aircraft
F-35 Deliveries Exceed 2019 Target
2019 saw a considerable ramp in F-35 production compared with 2018 as the program works towards hitting its peak delivery rate in 2023.
Aircraft
MiG-27 Bows Out of IAF Service
India was almost certainly the last user of the MiG-27 ground-attack derivative of the MiG-23 “Flogger” fighter.
Aircraft
More 'Thunder' in China's Air
The latest Block III variant of the PAC/CAC JF-17 has made its first flight, while the factory in Pakistan has completed a batch of eight two-seaters.
Training and Workforce
Flying the Augmented Skies with Red 6
A demonstration flight highlighted Red 6's ability to place interactive, 3D augmented reality virtual assets in the skies.
Accidents
First Crash for Su-57 To Delay Service Entry
The pilot escaped from the stricken Su-57 over unpopulated country and was rescued by helicopter.
Aircraft
New Beginnings for the Eurofighter Typhoon
Typhoon ISPA 6 is now in the air testing the production configuration for the first operational AESA-equipped aircraft, which are destined for Kuwait.
Aircraft
Kazakhstan Becoming a Regional Aircraft Industry/Service Hub
Partnerships with companies in Russia, Israel, Turkey, and Europe are helping to strengthen Kazakhstan’s growing defense industry.
Singapore To Establish Permanent Guam Detachment
The RSAF’s search for peacetime training locations overseas has gained more impetus with the impending closure of Paya Lebar air base.
Rotorcraft
U.S. Air Force Welcomes the Grey Wolf
Boeing and Leonardo are supplying the MH-139A under a rapid acquisition program to replace aging Bell UH-1N Twin Hueys.
Aircraft
Embraer and Brazil's Air Force Launch Military Transport Study
A new Brazilian program could produce a new light transport to follow in the footsteps of the successful Bandeirante.
Russia’s Sole Carrier Catches Fire Amid Replacement Talks
The aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov suffered considerable damage during a fire that occurred during the carrier’s refit program.
Aircraft
Israel Seeks New U.S. Military Aircraft
Faced with a perceived need to maintain a qualitative edge over other forces in the region, the Israeli Air Force is hoping to buy more U.S.-made fighters.
S-400 Deployment Leads Russian Arctic Expansion
The deployment of the S-400 to an Arctic island increases Russia’s military power in the region and also strengthens overall national defense.
Aircraft
Burkina Faso and Ireland Sign Up for C295
Although the orders only cover three aircraft, the addition of Burkina Faso and Ireland brings the total number of C295 operators to 33.
Rotorcraft
Special Forces Training Center Opens in Croatia
Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary and Slovenia have opened a center to train helicopter crews tasked with supporting special forces.
Fuel
Indian Air Force Looks To Private Sector for MRO
Starting with the An-32, the IAF is to engage local industry for maintenance to focus military efforts on front-line activities.
Aircraft
First Modified MV-22 Osprey Delivered
Bell and Boeing are upgrading older Marine Corps Ospreys to increase commonality across the fleet.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Turkey’s New Raider Takes to the Air
Baykar has built on the success of its Bayraktar TB2 tactical UAV to develop a much larger, armed platform to answer a Turkish forces requirement.
Rotorcraft
MD/Elbit Team for MD 530G; More MD 530Fs for Afghanistan
Adding the Elbit Integrated Weapons System turns the MD 530G Block II into a potent light attack platform with advanced targeting capabilities.
Aircraft
First Gripen E for Sweden Flies
With the flight of the first series aircraft for Sweden, Saab now has five Gripen Es in the air, including one destined for the Brazilian air force.
Rotorcraft
Russian Air and Space Force Receives First Mi-38T
Three of the military version of the Mi-38 have been built and will be used for military evaluation trials by the Russian defense ministry.
Aircraft
NATO E-3A Upgrade Announced
NATO is spending $1 billion on keeping its aging AWACS aircraft concurrent with technology while it begins the search for a replacement in 2035.
Rotorcraft
Ryan Unveils Upgraded VR Helo Sim
Ryan Aerospace's new Helimod Mark III Plus helicopter simulator adds full control loading.
