Defense

Essential news and analysis from the defense aerospace sector. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs in military aircraft, engines, and avionics.

Belarus Buys More Russian Jets, Helicopters

The country has become the fifth to receive Yak-130s, and has renewed its fleet of Mil Mi-8s.

Redesigned Mi-8 On Display But Not Yet Certified

The Mi-171A2 borrows from the Mi-38: both helicopters appeared at the HeliRussia 2017 show.

New Officer Takes Charge of Pentagon's F-35 Program

Navy Vice Adm. Mat Winter assumes command of the $379 billion procurement from retiring Air Force general Christopher Bogdan.

HAL Flies A Second Light Utility Helicopter

The LUH is one of two replacements for India’s large fleet of French-origin Alouettes.

Trade Row Threatens Canada’s Fighter Replacement Plans

An interim—and controversial—buy of Super Hornets may fall victim to row with US over alleged subsidies to Bombardier.

Antonov An-132 Advances with First Flight and New Partner

Turkey has joined the Ukraine and Saudi Arabia in development of the multipurpose twin turboprop.

China’s Z-19E Attack Helicopter Pitched at Global Market

The first flight of China export Z-19 attack helicopter signals the maturity of the country’s rotary-wing capabilities.

Boeing, Lockheed Martin Benefit From Saudi Arms Package

The White House announced $110 billion in arms and services agreements during President Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia.

Boeing: T-X Offering for U.S. Air Force is 'Production Relevant'

The manufacturer has produced two jets from a clean-sheet design to compete for the Air Force's T-X advanced jet trainer requirement.

BAE Systems Rolls Out First Typhoon and Hawk for Oman

Deliveries begin this year to replace Jaguars and supplement a previous buy of Hawks

Boeing Confident of Meeting KC-46 Testing, Delivery Targets

The manufacturer plans to complete certification testing and begin delivering the 767 military derivative by the end of the year.

Pentagon Reports $500 Million in Possible Helicopter Sales

MD 530Fs for Kenya, Bell 429s for Slovakia, and CH-47Ds for Greece would all be supplied under FMS terms

U.S. Navy Seeks Helo Simulators for Primary Training

The service seeks to extend aircraft life by transferring a portion of training to simulators.

China's AG600 Mega Seaplane Prepares For First Flight

The AG600 is designed for a variety of parapublic and military missions.

Airlander Hybrid Airship Flies Again

Modifications have been made after last year’s heavy landing. But firm customers are still awaited.

BAE Systems Claims Next-generation Threat Warning

Aircraft and helicopter survivability against missile attack could be significantly improved, says company

First F-35B Assembled Outside of U.S. Rolls Out in Italy

Plans call for the first flight of the inaugural F-35B rolled out of the Cameri final assembly and checkout facility to take place in August.

AeroVironment Unveils 'Snipe' Nano Quadrotor Drone

Designed for close-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, the Snipe is worn on the operator's clothing and launched by hand.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Airbus Successfully Flight-tests Automatic Air Refueling

An F-16 was connected to an A330 MRTT using image processing software

U.S. Military, Federal Agencies Join on Counter-drone Efforts

FAA executives described a multi-pronged federal campaign to control and counter small drones at a meeting of the Drone Advisory Committee.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles