Defense

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

Rolls-Royce LiftFan Adds STOVL Operations to F-35's Capability

The UK opted to partner with the U.S. in developing an STOVL-capable Joint Strike Fighter instead of developing a replacement for the Harrier.

Turkey Finally Seals Big Blackhawk Deal

Substantial role for Turkish industry in production of 109 Sikorsky S-70 helicopters

India Eyes the Jet-powered Predator

Maker is touting strategic ISR capability with new multispectral sensor.

Pratt Says Pending Lot 10 Deal for F-135 Will Reflect Lower Costs

The Low Rate of Initial Production Lot 10 contract is due to be finalized "relatively soon."

Sensor Fusion and Advanced Software Set F-35 Apart

15 years since Lockheed Martin won the Joint Strike Fighter evaluation, the F-35 is now in service.

For Britain, the F-35 Represents Good Value

For an initial investment of less than $2.5 billion, the UK got Level One status in the F-35 program.

BAE Systems Working on ‘Advanced’ Hawk Jet for India

Ahead of a firm agreement with HAL, the OEM is designing a new wing and exploring weapons integration

Boeing Restores 30 F/A-18C+ Models for Marine Corps

Retired F/A-18s recovered from the aircraft 'boneyard' at Davis-Monthan AFB will be returned to service with the U.S. Marine Corps.

Boeing Readies First AH-6i for Delivery to Saudi Arabia

Boeing is supplying the light attack helicopter to the Saudi Arabia National Guard under a 2014 foreign military sale.

Egypt To Receive Advanced Fulcrum Fighters from MiG

An order financed by Saudi Arabia has not yet been officially announced, but is welcome news for the Russian manufacturer.

Lockheed Martin Advances F-35’s Maintenance Backbone

Release of the third development version of the Autonomic Logistics Information System will coincide with the end of the F-35 development phase.

Croatia, Tunisia First To Receive U.S. Kiowa Warriors

The U.S. Army is divesting 340 Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warriors as a consequence of its 2013 Aviation Restructure Initiative.

German Defense Needs Debated at Berlin Air Show

New UAVs, heavy helicopters and air defense missiles were pitched – and an all-German OPV made its debut

Airbus Insists: German ‘Sensor House’ Has Strong Future

The divestment plan for its electronics and border security business has been explained by the European aerospace giant

New Engines For Russia’s Heavy-lift Helicopter

The country’s drive to eliminate reliance on Ukrainian powerplants continues, with the Mi-26 next in line.

First T-50A Jet Trainer Makes Maiden Flight

Lockheed Martin is proposing the variant of the Korea Aerospace Industries T-50 Golden Eagle for the U.S. Air Force's T-X trainer requirement.

New Canadian Training Requirement Attracts Rival Bidders

CAE and Discovery Air also eye contracted-out opportunities elsewhere, including the UK.

U.S. Air Force, Boeing Extend KC-46A Deliveries Schedule

Technical issues with the refueling boom and drogue systems have caused the service to postpone its Milestone C production decision to August.

True Value of Airstrikes Over Iraq and Syria Questioned

They are helping local ground forces regain territory from ISIS – but at a high cost in dollars and destruction

U.S. Lifts Arms Embargo on Vietnam

Maritime patrol aircraft requirement is seen, to counter China’s expansionism in the South China Sea.