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
Switzerland Outlines New Air Defense Requirements
Switzerland is looking for a new fighter to enter service around 2025, along with a ground-based air defense system
Aircraft
More Aircraft Added To FY2018 Defense Spend
F-35s, Super Hornets, KC-46s and Hercules all figure in additional aircraft appropriated by Congress
Aircraft
Skunk Works Reveals Stealthy UAV Demonstrator
The X-44A first flew in 2001 and led to developments that are still mostly classified.
Aircraft
Japan To Ponder F-35B Buy; Korea’s First F-35A Takes Flight
Japan's ruling party is putting together a plan for greater national security that could include the acquisition of the STOVL version of the F-35
Six of Six for LRASM as Service Entry Nears
Lockheed Martin's LRASM has achieved six back-to-back successes in flight trials as it is readied for operational carriage by the B-1B.
Aircraft
Australia Declares IOC for Poseidon
With six of a likely 15 Boeing P-8As now in service, the Royal Australian Air Force has officially declared the type ready for operations.
Aircraft
Taiwan’s Ching-kuo Upgrade Complete, SEAD Role Next
The modernization of Taiwan's IDF fleet is complete, while an F-16 upgrade is getting under way. The nation is also interested in the F-35.
Rotorcraft
Russian Defense Ministry To Take Mi-38T This Year
After a stop-start development, Mil's successor to the legendary Mi-8 series has entered production for the Russian armed forces.
Rotorcraft
NH90s and H125s Ordered for Qatar Force Modernization
Qatar has finalized a deal with prime contractor Leonardo to buy 28 NH90s for its air force and navy, plus Airbus Helicopters H125 trainers.
Russia’s Next-generation S-500 SAM Enters Production
The latest Russian SAM system can protect large areas against attacks by aircraft and missiles.
Aircraft
GlobalEye Conducts First Flight
Having been rolled out in February, the first Saab GlobalEye has taken to the air for the first time.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
U.S. Air Force Ends Predator Operations
Having undertaken operational sorties for more than two decades, the Predator is handing the RPA baton over to its larger successor, the MQ-9 Reaper.
Aircraft
Indonesia: State-owned Companies Could Front A400M Deal
Indonesia’s air force has an interest in acquiring up to five A400Ms, and the state-owned PPI company could be representing the service.
Aircraft
Green Light for Follow-on Saudi Typhoon Deal
After years of negotiation, Saudi Arabia announces its intention to proceed with the procurement of 48 more Typhoons to add to its earlier batch.
Aircraft
Fifth-generation Fighters Officially Move Into Next Phases
Both China's J-20 and Russia's Su-57 have reached significant milestones—at least officially—but the programs both face engine-development delays.
Aircraft
Marine F-35Bs Undertake Operational At-sea Deployment
VMFA-121 has the honor of making the F-35B’s ship-borne operational debut
Aircraft
Uruguay Interested in Chinese L-15 Trainer
The Latin American air force could seek eight Chinese jet trainers
Maintenance and Modifications
Boeing To Modernize Navy Super Hornets
Under the SLM program the F/A-18E/F will gain at least 3,000 hours more life, and later a major enhancement to its operational capabilities.
Putin Unveils Kinzhal Hypersonic Missile
Among a number of defense-related revelations made by Russia's President is a Mach 10 attack missile that Putin claims is already in service
Rotorcraft
LifePort Awarded Ballistic Protection Systems Contract
LifePort's Ballistic Protection Systems help parapublic and military crews lower the risk of ground-based ballistic threats.
Training and Workforce
Pampa III Trainer Contract Approved
Argentina's FAdeA will deliver the first three of what it hopes will be up to 40 advanced trainers to the Argentine air force
Aircraft
France Launches New Sigint Aircraft Program
A business jet from the Dassault Falcon family will be the platform for a new Comint/Elint system
Training and Workforce
HAI Helps Military Personnel Transition To Civilian Jobs
The military-to-civilian workshop attracted a diverse set of military pilots, technicians, and active-duty service members.
Maintenance and Modifications
Avionics Upgrade To Boost Capability of USCG MH-65 Helos
The pilots can also set the system to fly directly to that position, fly a search pattern and view the point or the flight plan on a digital map.
Rotorcraft
MD Helicopters on a Roll with Military Contracts
Deliveries of the first five of 30 of new MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters to the Afghan Air Force are slated to begin delivery in May.
Rotorcraft
Airbus Helicopters UH-72 Lakota Arrives in Las Vegas for Heli-Expo 2018
Airbus Helicopters UH-72 Lakota Arrives in Las Vegas for Heli-Expo 2018
Avionics
Astronautics Connectivity Hardware Testing Begins
Astronautics is at Heli-Expo 2018 with its new air-ground communications system, RoadRunner EFI, and multifunction display system.
Rotorcraft
Recon is Honeywell's next-gen HUMS
Honeywell's latest health and usage monitoring system processes data much faster, enabling real-time sharing with operators and maintainers.
Aircraft
F-35 and Super Hornet Back on the Table for Canada
Canada has issued a list of potential suppliers for its new fighter, including two controversial U.S. choices
Aircraft
Russia Deploys Su-57s to Syria
Four development aircraft have been sent to the warzone for evaluation under combat conditions
