Defense

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

GE Begins Full Fate Engine Tests

The military technology could have applications for civil rotorcraft.

October 10, 2016

Lockheed Martin Deploys 'Vector Hawk' from Undersea Drone

The Marlin MK2 autonomous underwater vehicle launced the collapsible fixed-wing Vector Hawk during a U.S. Navy technology exercise.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

October 10, 2016

Poland Scraps Big Airbus Helicopters Contract

Offset negotiations on the deal for 50 EC725s failed, although the company reported new export orders elsewhere.

October 5, 2016

Indian Air Force Confirms Jaguar Re-engine Plan

IAF chief is bullish on Rafale, but cautious on FGFA project with Russia

October 5, 2016

U.S., Other Nations Sign Declaration on Armed Drone Exports

Major drone producers Israel, Russia, China and India are not among 45 signatories to the joint declaration on the export of weaponized UAVs.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

October 5, 2016

Manufacturers Announce Army Engine Program Developments

Advanced Turbine Engine Company and GE Aviation reported developments in separate U.S. Army engine development efforts.

October 4, 2016

Euro-MALE Unmanned System Study Is Finally Launched

Four nations are sharing the cost of a two-year exercise, that may eventually lead to an operational system in 2025

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

October 4, 2016

Textron Systems Touts Hybrid 'Aerosonde HQ' Small Drone

The Aerosonde HQ adds four rotors to what is an otherwise catapult-launched small unmanned aircraft system.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

October 3, 2016

Japan’s First F-35 Rolls Off Lockheed Martin Production Line

Recent events include sensor-to-shooter test, and prospects for a block buy and a new or upgraded engine.

September 29, 2016

Mixed Prospects for Boeing Military Aircraft

New F-15 and F-18 exports seem likely, but uncertain requirements affect prospects for KC-46 tanker and 737 derivatives.

September 28, 2016

U.S. Navy Orders First Three Production MQ-4C Tritons

The service plans to deploy the RQ-4B Global Hawk maritime derivative unmanned aircraft system in late 2017.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

September 28, 2016

India Finally Confirms Rafale Deal

An inter-governmental agreement with France has been signed for 36 aircraft.

September 23, 2016

South Africa’s AHRLAC Advances Toward Production

Two unidentified customers have been secured, and a new factory is being built.

September 22, 2016

Bell Unveils 'Vigilant' Unmanned Tiltrotor for U.S. Marine Corps

The new drone design leverages work Bell has done on the V-280 tiltrotor it is developing for the U.S. Army's joint multi-role demonstration.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

September 22, 2016

BAE Systems Touts Advanced Chip For Comms, EW and SIGINT Systems

The company’s US-based Electronics Systems business has used DARPA funding to develop flexible, wide-spectrum integrated circuits.

September 21, 2016

U.S. Air Force Defends F-35A, Readies Fix for Grounded Jets

The service plans to repair 15 grounded F-35As by December; it will then implement the fix on 42 jets on Lockheed Martin's assembly line.

September 21, 2016

Experts: Unmanned Aircraft Must Operate in Contested Airspace

The capability to operate in contested environments, autonomy and networking will be key future capabilities, experts say.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

September 20, 2016

Nigerian Air Force Orders More Russian Helicopters

Mil Mi-17/24/35 rotorcraft are a key weapon against terrorism for the African state.

September 20, 2016

Air Force Evokes Doolittle Raid in Naming B-21 the 'Raider'

The service announced the name of the new long-range strike bomber after a suspenseful build-up at the annual Air Force Association conference.

September 19, 2016

China’s L-15 Jet Displayed by Zambia In South Africa

At the Africa Aerospace and Defence Show, the first export examples were shown equipped with Chinese weapons

September 16, 2016