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
Helicopters, Defense Push Leonardo Higher
Leonardo's orders increase by 34 percent in the first half of 2019.
Rotorcraft
First Apaches Arrive in India
The Indian Air Force is receiving an initial batch of eight AH-64E(I)s to form the first unit
Rotorcraft
Russia Resurrects Stored Ka-29s
The growth in Russia’s assault ship capability has created a renewed demand for the shipborne assault support Ka-29 helicopter.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Northrop Grumman Adding Sigint Capabilities to Triton
Fielding expanded mission capabilities for the unmanned Trito patroller is timed to coincide with the expected out-of-service date for the EP-3E Orion.
NPKB Unveils Alternative Carrier Design for Russian Navy
The Lamantin project draws heavily on the work performed by NPKB to adapt the Vikramaditya for STOBAR operations by the Indian Navy
Korean Fighters Fire Warning Shots at Russian A-50
The airspace incursion by the AEW aircraft led Korean aircraft to fire their first shots while engaged on air defense interception duties.
Aircraft
Britain and Sweden To Partner on Future Combat Air Requirements
The much-anticipated announcement that Sweden would partner with the UK on a future fighter fell short of Swedish industry joining the Team Tempest effort
Aircraft
UK Reveals High-Tech Programs in Air, Space, and Propulsion
Hypersonics, small satellites, flying wingmen and swarming drones are all being investigated.
Rotorcraft
Leonardo TH-119 Gets IFR Approval
Leonardo's candidate for a replacement U.S. Navy training helicopter gets IFR approval from the FAA
Aircraft
Turkey Removed from F-35 Program
Washington has responded to the delivery of S-400 air defense missiles to Turkey, upholding its threat to remove the nation from the F-35 program
Rotorcraft
Serbia Outlines Helicopter Plans, Buys Mistral
A mixture of helicopters from East and West will continue to equip the Serbian forces, along with the indigenous maintenance of the existing Gazelle fleet
Aircraft
Firebird Deliveries Imminent as the OPV Makes European Debut
Northrop Grumman says that both government and commercial customers are in line to get the Firebird optionally-piloted vehicle
Turkish, Russian Defense Ministries Confirm S-400 Delivery
As the first S-400 shipments arrive in Turkey, Washington has yet to respond to what it sees as a threat to the F-35’s operational security
Aircraft
Embraer Lands First Export Order for KC-390
Portugal—already a major industrial partner in the program—is buying five KC-390s for a range of military and civilian missions
Aircraft
Russia Could Be Developing a Gunship
Media reports suggest that the An-12 tactical transport is being weaponized to create an aircraft similar to the U.S. Air Force’s AC-130
France, India Complete Garuda VI Bilateral Exercise
French and Indian pilots had the chance to fly in the Sukhoi Su-30 and Dassault Rafale.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
MQ-8C Cleared for Operations
The Bell 407-based unmanned air system is now ready to begin training crews for fleet operations
Aircraft
First C295 for Canada Takes to the Air
The first CC-295 for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s search and rescue fleet is due to be handed over later in 2019.
Army 2019: Showcase for Russia Export and Joint Development
Organized by the Russian ministry of defense, the Army exhibition showcases the latest Russian technology for potential overseas buyers.
Aircraft
Dassault and Airbus’s New Generation Fighter Program Gets a Boost
Dassault and Airbus’s New Generation Fighter Program Gets a Boost
Aircraft
Singapore Ends KC-135 Operations, AI-powered Inspection Advances
The end of the Boeing KC-135R in Singaporean service signals that the A330 MRTT is ready to take on operational missions.
Aircraft
New ‘Fat Albert’ for the Blue Angels
After some delay since approval was given by Congress, the Navy has completed on a deal to buy an ex-RAF Hercules for the Blue Angels team
Aircraft
Croatia Kicks Off a New Round of Fighter Procurement
Having failed to buy F-16s from Israel after U.S. applied restrictions, Croatia is looking for new-build F-16s or Gripens
Rotorcraft
Army 2019: Russian Helicopters Lands Orders for 108 Helicopters
New versions of armed Mi-8s and Mi-28s offer greater survivability and greater stand-off engagement capability.
Aircraft
Raptors Bolster U.S. Gulf Force
A squadron of the stealthy fifth-generation F-22A fighters is the latest asset to join Central Command as heightened tensions with Iran continue.
Aircraft
Antonov Lands Domestic Order for An-178
Thirteen aircraft are being ordered, and Antonov hopes the deal will inspire confidence in the design from other potential customers
Aircraft
UK F-35s Conduct First Operational Sorties
No weapons are believed to have been dropped, but the RAF's F-35s have now joined those of Israel and the U.S. on combat duty.
Russia to Modernize Moscow Missile Defense
To be ready in 2022, the city's new defenses will rely on conventionally armed interceptors in place of the Cold War-era nuclear missiles
Aircraft
Collins Wins More T-X Trainer Work
Newest Boeing/Saab T-X Trainer contract builds upon Collins' ejection seat and landing gear work.
Aircraft
PAC/Chengdu JF-17 Thunder Displays Maneuvers at Paris Air Show (Display 3)
PAC/Chengdu JF-17 Thunder Displays Maneuvers at Paris Air Show (Display 3)
