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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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)
No Alternative to Ballistic Missile Defense in Central Eastern Europe
It seems there's no alternative to ballistic missile defense in central Eastern Europe.
Visegrad4 Seek To Boost Their Air Power
Boosting defenses while also trying to maintain relations with Russia, due to needing to maintain legacy equipment, is not easy.
Aircraft
F-15EX - Eagle Renaissance
In operation for more than four decades, the aircraft is seeing a resurgence in the U.S. and abroad.
Aircraft
Rosoboronexport Exports Totaled $6 Billion in 2018
Rosoboronexport is the only organization sanctioned to export Russian military services and technologies, but is unable to fly at the show.
Aircraft
Super Hornet Targets Europe for Sales
Finland, Germany and Switzerland are all in the market for new fighters, while Canada and India also have upcoming requirements
Maintenance and Modifications
Airbus/Cosling Mx Software Chosen for French Mirage 2000 Fleet
Airbus Defence & Space and Cosling have been selected to provide aircraft maintenance software for the French air force's Mirage 2000 fleet
ATC
Rafael Sky Spotter Outdoes Radar
Rafael’s infrared-based surveillance system provides complete coverage of regional airspace with the ability to conduct identification.
AIM-9X Added to NASAMS Armory
Normally considered and air-to-air weapon, the AIM-9X has been successfully tested from the NASAMS launcher without modification
