Defense

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

SAIC Offering Eclipse 550s for USAF Pilot Trainer Bid

Company would provide a fleet of Eclipse VLJs for no up-front investment by the U.S. government, at a fee-per-flight-hour.

October 8, 2015

U.S. Air Force to Contract for Supply, Repair of Saudi F-15s

The service expects to award contracts next year for sustainment of Royal Saudi Air Force F-15C/D, S and new F-15SA models.

October 7, 2015

Raytheon Makes Radar Available for JStars Contenders

Raytheon would play different roles on at least two of the industry teams competing for the U.S. Air Force JStars recapitalization program.

October 6, 2015

Egypt, France In Discussions Over NH90 Helicopter Buy

Tactical transport and naval helicopters would be used on newly ordered Mistral-class landing ships, along with Kamov KA-52 attack helicopters.

October 5, 2015

Russian Air Force Enters Middle East Fray With Strikes in Syria

The Russian service reported conducting nearly 100 bombing raids as of October 5 in coordination with the Syrian army.

October 5, 2015

U.S. Army Issues Request for Improved Turbine Engine Design

The service will award 'up to two' contracts for a two-year preliminary design phase of the engine planned for Apache and Blackhawk helicopters.

October 1, 2015

Boeing, BAE To Develop New Electronic Warfare Suite for F-15

The U.S. Air Force selected Boeing as prime contractor for the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System.

October 1, 2015

India Seeks To Strengthen Unmanned Fleet with Heron UAVs

The large Israel Aerospace Industries reconnaissance drone will serve 'as a deterrent,' according to an Indian Air Force official.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

September 29, 2015

India Signs $3 Billion in Orders for Apaches, Chinooks

The defense ministry signed contracts for both direct commercial and foreign military sales of helicopters and supporting equipment.

September 29, 2015

Egypt Orders KA-52 Combat Helos, Considers MiG-35s

Helicopters may be stationed on Mistral class landing ships originally intended for Russia, but supplied to Egypt instead.

September 28, 2015

Boeing, U.S. Air Force Fly First Tanker-Configured KC-46A

The first flight of a full KC-46A tanker accomplishes a key milestone in the Air Force's decision to start building the new mission aircraft.

September 26, 2015

Source Selection 'Soon' for America’s New Stealthy Bomber

Details of the secretive Long Range Strike – Bomber (LRS-B) program are slowly emerging, as rival bidders await USAF’s choice.

September 22, 2015

Northrop Grumman and Selex Combine To Offer IRST Pod

The partners are eyeing a U.S. Air Force requirement that would equip F-15 fighter with a new air-air detection capability.

September 22, 2015

Boeing Proposes New Life, Lethality for F-15C Fighter

The manufacturer's 'F-15 2040C' upgrade would extend the life of the air superiority fighter as a complement of the F-22 Raptor.

September 22, 2015

British Defense Review Overshadows DSEI Show in London

But there was missile news from MBDA and Thales, while Lockheed Martin briefed the SC-130J maritime Hercules conversion.

September 21, 2015

Algeria Buys More Su-30MKs as Iranian Interest Grows

The North African country will soon have 56 in its fleet; Iran wants to license-produce the Sukhoi fighter.

September 21, 2015

AFA Conference Tackles Budget, Acquisition and Cyber Issues

U.S. Air Force leadership defends major programs and describes new operating concepts.

September 18, 2015

First Flight of KC-46A Tanker Is Planned for September 25

The first flight of a 'full-up' tanker with aerial refueling equipment installed is the KC-46A program's next major milestone.

September 16, 2015

Russia Has 'Closed the Gap' With U.S., NATO Air Power

The commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa warns that Russia has achieved parity with allied air forces in Europe and elsewhere.

September 14, 2015

TR-X: The Skunk Works Studies A New High-Altitude Jet

Lockheed Martin is spending company funds on a U-2 replacement that could be multi-mission.

September 13, 2015