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
Mil To Absorb Kamov Following High-speed Rotorcraft Win
The selection of Mil’s design to form the basis of a new high-speed combat helicopter was the catalyst for a merger of the two rotary-wing design bureaus.
Aircraft
More F-35 Fighters for South Korea
The Republic of Korea is to buy 20 more F-35 stealth fighters, but the exact nature of the requirement remains a source for debate.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
A-Darter Missile Certified by Brazil and South Africa
Denel’s short-range weapon has been brought to fruition with Brazilian help, and is now ready for operation with the Gripen
Rotorcraft
Bell-Boeing V-22 Tiltrotor Fleet Tops 500,000 Hours
The U.S. military's fleet of 375 Bell-Boeing V-22 tiltrotors has flown more than half a million hours.
Rotorcraft
Marines AH-1Z Gets Boost from F-35B Pairing
The AH-1Z Viper is being used in combination with F-35Bs on attack missions, a teaming that will be enhanced by a forthcoming datalink upgrade
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Russia Advances UAV Forces, Sheds Light on Syrian Experiences
Although relatively slow to adopt unmanned technology, Russia has grown its UAV force considerably in terms of numbers and capability
Aircraft
More Hawkeye Exports as U.S. Navy Introduces Enhancements
Japan and France are in the process of buying E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes to replace their current E-2C fleets.
Rotorcraft
Bell Unveils Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) Design
Bell's Model 360 "Invictus" with feature "proven technologies" the company says
Aircraft
China Shows Supersonic UAV, Bombers, and SAMs
Among the debutants at the October 1 parade in Beijing were the much-anticipated supersonic UAV and the latest missile-carrying version of the H-6.
Rotorcraft
Russia To Resume Buying "Indigenized" Ansat
Moscow has demanded that the helicopters destined for its armed forces have no Western equipment, including the powerplant
Aircraft
More Rafale Fighters for India?
At a time when it prepares to formally accept its first aircraft, India appears likely to sign for a second batch of Rafales in the coming months.
Rotorcraft
U.S. Congress Approves Thai AH-6i FMS
Thailand has been approved to receive the light attack helicopter, which is sought to provide special forces support.
Aircraft
Taiwan Unveils New Advanced Trainer
The AT-5 Yung Yin (Brave Eagle) is a modern derivative of the two-seat version of the F-CK-1 light fighter, but with simplified systems and reduced power
Rotorcraft
KAI Flies Unmanned Light Helicopter
Korea's NI-600VT is based on the Rotorway A600 with a KAI-developed autonomous systems.
Rotorcraft
Leonardo Pledges New Support Center for Navy Helo Trainer
Leonardo said it would build a new Florida support center if selected for the U.S. Navy's new training helicopter program.
Rotorcraft
Bell Hopeful of Philippines Deal as APAC Region Seeks More Attack Helicopters
Despite selecting the T129, the Philippines could turn to Bell for attack helicopters, while the AH-1 is in the running for other Asia-Pacific requirements
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Stingray Takes to the Air
Boeing’s MQ-25 unmanned carrierborne tanker gets flight trials under way at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport
Bell's Hastings Honored for Continued Service to U.S.
Hastings has more than 30 years of government and military service, and has held leading roles with Bell, Northrop Grumman, BAE and DOD.
Aircraft
First F-35s for the Air National Guard
The “Green Mountain Boys” of the Vermont ANG are the first Guard unit to receive the fifth-generation Lightning II
Aircraft
Assembly for Japan’s First KC-46A Begins; Problems Continue for USAF Program
Japan is the first export customer for the KC-46, and expects to get its first of an initially approved batch of four aircraft in 2021
Raytheon Unveils Peregrine Air-to-air Missile
The new weapon aims to fill the middle ground between the AIM-9X and the AIM-120, combining good range performance with the AIM-9X’s agility
Aircraft
T-X Becomes T-7A Red Hawk
The winning Boeing T-X design is named in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen and the U.S. Air Force’s first African American fighter squadron
Aircraft
F-35A Sale to Poland Gains Approval
Poland’s desire to replace the last of its Soviet-era fighters with state-of-the-art Western equipment has got the green light from Washington
Aircraft
UAE Now Has Three ISR Exec Jet Programs
A new company is converting Challenger 650s. Meanwhile, fresh details have emerged of a long-delayed project to convert Global 6000s
DSEI 2019: Unusual Cargo Delivery Drone Gets Contracts
Designed for tactical resupply, the Silent Arrow has been developed for US Special Forces and foreign customers
Aircraft
DSEI 2019: Italy Joins the Tempest Team
The Italian government has followed Sweden in joining the UK-led sixth-generation fighter initiative, while MBDA has unveiled further weapon concepts.
Aircraft
B-52H ‘Buffs’ Demonstrate Global Reach
The aging warriors continue to span the globe on “show of force” missions that test the B-52H bomber’s ability to reach any part of the planet.
Rotorcraft
HAL Awaits Contract for LUH
India’s Light Utility Helicopter is virtually ready for production, and a factory is being prepared, but a contract still awaits.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Enlarged Derivative of Orion UAV Under Development
Having successfully fielded the Orion, including an operational debut over Syria, KT is now working on a larger vehicle in the HALE class
