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
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.
Rotorcraft
KAI Flies Unmanned Light Helicopter
Korea's NI-600VT is based on the Rotorway A600 with a KAI-developed autonomous systems.
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
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
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
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
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
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
MAKS 2019: Stealthy Chinese Target, and Iranian Cruise Missile
While majoring on Russian hardware, the MAKS show gave a chance for overseas exhibitors to debut new products
Rotorcraft
U.S. Military Helos Mobilize To Help Bahamas
U.S. military helicopters flying medevac, SAR missions in the Bahamas following Hurrican Dorian.
Aircraft
MAKS 2019: Refined MiG-35 Gets New Missiles and Avionics
RAC MiG continues to develop the MiG-29 airframe with an eye on further export orders, notably from India for both the air force and navy
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Rafael Moves into the UAV World
The forthcoming acquisition of Aeronautics Ltd brings with it a portfolio of unmanned air platforms, including aerostats
Leonardo Carries Out First Flight of MAIR Missile Warning Sensor
MAIR provides a spherical warning coverage around the carrier platform and also provides an imaging capability.
Aircraft
Typhoon Pulled from Canada Competition
Airbus is no longer progressing with its bid to supply Canada with Typhoon fighters, citing concerns over security issues and ITB commirtments
Rotorcraft
Airbus Offers Tiger Upgrade to Australia
Upgrading the current Tiger fleet could save Australia AUD3 billion compared with buying new attack helicopters
Rotorcraft
MAKS 2019: KRET Showcases Updated Mi-24
New equipment and new capabilities—including an air-to-air capability—can breathe new life into a combat classic
Training and Workforce
‘Red Air’ Contractors Chalk Up Milestones
ATAC has flown its first Mirage F1 after return-to-flight overhaul, while Top Aces has surpassed 80,000 hours of contracted air services.
Aircraft
MAKS 2019: Turkish President Erdoğan Inspects Su-57, Considers Alternatives to F-35
Turkey’s president was in Moscow to view Russian fighters that could be acquired in place of the Lockheed Martin F-35.
