Defense

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

32 New Airbus Helicopters for UK Flying Training

Training service provider Ascent has awarded the last part of the new Military Flying Training System (MFTS)

AeroVironment Unveils Tethered and Sub-Launched Drones

The Pentagon is evaluating the 'Tether Eye' tethered drone to combat terrorism. The Navy will equip submarines with tube-launched 'Blackwing.'

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

All-Russian Mi-38 Version To Enter Production

A replacement for Russia's Mi-8/17 helicopters is finally in prospect, now that the Western engines and avionics are no longer included.

Saab Rolls Out the New Gripen E Fighter

But while its many enhanced features were highlighted, the Swedish company is still promoting the recently updated C/D version.

UK Confirms Development of New Spear Missile for F-35

MBDA’s Spear weapon will offer long-range and precision, but not until the mid-2020s.

Diamond Aircraft Flies a New Turbo-Trainer

The Austrian company is entering the civilian and military trainer market with a claimed lower-cost offering.

New Russian Naval Helicopter Previewed

Updates also provided on existing Kamov machines, including Ka-27 series and long-delayed first flight of Ka-62.

Chinese Airpower Poses Serious Threat

The Pentagon’s latest report describes continued improvement in the country’s military aerospace capabilities.

Jordan Boosts Air Fleet With UH-60s, STOL Transports and UAVs

Former U.S. Army Black Hawks and Polish M28s, plus Camcopter and Falco UAS, all acquired for counter-terrorism effort.

Denmark Confirms F-35 after Evaluating Fighter Alternatives

The Stealth Fighter was judged more cost-effective than the Eurofighter and the Super Hornet in a 21-month evaluation

Thales Sells Helmet Mounted Cueing System To Spanish Air Force

Pilots flying the EF-18 Hornet will cue and designate targets using a system that already serves on US Air Force A-10s and F-16s.

Thai Navy Accepts Its First Two Airbus H145M Helicopters

A total of 17 of the lightweight multi-role H145 series are heading for Thailand

British Arms Sales To Saudi Arabia Questioned

Civilian casualties in the Yemen conflict have prompted another call to re-examine dealings that are significant for BAE Systems.

GA-ASI Reports Certifiable Predator-B Progress as UK Commits

Ground testing of new fuselage structure has been completed; the UK is negotiating a contract.

U.S. Air Force Eyes Small UAS; Services Favor VTOL Capability

The Air Force will release a strategic plan for using smaller unmanned aircraft systems than it has traditionally operated.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Leonardo Reveals New Lightweight Surveillance Radar

The Osprey is an AESA type that offers 360-degree coverage without moving parts

Textron Systems Progresses With RQ-7B Shadow V2 Upgrade

Nearly all of the 117 Shadow systems operated by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps are under contract for the V2 upgrade, Textron Systems says.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

India Seeks New Radar-Carrying Aerostats

Despite a previous accident, the country is again considering lighter-than-air surveillance solutions.

Vietnam To Receive the Last ‘Classic’ Flankers

But production of advanced versions of the Sukhoi fighter for export will continue through at least 2020.

Heli-One Secures Upgrade of Malaysia’s S-61 Fleet

It will work with local MRO AIROD to provide a glass cockpit for these venerable medium-lift helicopters.