Defense

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

Retiring Army Bells Not Heading to Civvy Street

The Army is shedding more than 300 helicopters as it transitions to a twin-engine fleet.

Dassault Delivers First Rafale Combat Jets to Egypt

The first pilots and mechanics, plus the initial logistics chain, was set up in only six months.

Japan’s New Maritime Patroller Makes International Debut

The Kawasaki P-1 was flown to the UK’s premier airshow, but is an unlikely contender for that country’s maritime aircraft requirement.

Boeing Reports Second Charge Related to KC-46 Program

The manufacturer will absorb an after-tax charge of $536 million due to 'higher estimated engineering and manufacturing costs' of tanker.

Navalized Ka-52 Alligator Makes Public Debut in Russia

The more powerful Ka-52K was shown with Kh-35 and Kh-38 anti-ship missiles.

U.S. Clears New Upgrade Offer for South Korea KF-16s

Resubmitted package favors Lockheed Martin to upgrade 134 fighters, replacing earlier solution offered by BAE Systems.

JAGM Hits Targets as Lockheed Martin Awaits Army Contract

The manufacturer expects an Army contract decision later this year leading to low-rate initial production of the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile.

Airbus Helicopters Eyes Big Indian Deals with New Joint Venture

European company will partner with the Mahindra Group to compete with American and Russian OEMs for hundreds of orders.

Bell Boeing Marks First International V-22 Sale to Japan

The U.S. Navy awarded the joint venture a $332.5 million contract modification to deliver five MV-22 Osprey tiltotors.

Poland’s Patriot Deal Includes Interim U.S. Deployment

The need for speed counted against competing air defense missile systems in Poland’s recent selection.

RIAT and DSEI: British Defense Shows Attract Widespread Support

Paris drop-outs are among many aerospace companies that will be present at two major events in the UK this year.

Thales, IAI Flight Test NATO-Standard Data Link on Heron

The companies said they conducted risk reduction flight tests in Israel of a Heron UAV equipped with a Thales-Elisra data link system.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Large Russian Aircraft Carrier Design Unveiled

Nuclear-powered design could form basis for further cooperation with India and China

South Korea Selects Airbus A330 MRTT as Future Tanker

The Airbus model was chosen over Boeing's new KC-46A and a Boeing 767 tanker conversion proposed by Israel Aerospace Industries.

EU Creates Naval Task Force as Refugee Crisis Worsens

Italian aircraft carrier will lead efforts to rescue, and stem the tide of, migrants crossing the Mediterranean.

Russia Confirms More Tu-160 Bombers

In addition to an upgrade program for 16 survivors from earlier production.

Australia Flies First Large Drone in Unrestricted Airspace

The Royal Australian Air Force started flying the IAI Heron at Rockhampton Airport in advance of a joint training exercise with U.S. military.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

First Ski-jump Takeoff Flight-test for F-35B

The technique will be used to launch F-35Bs from British and Italian aircraft carriers.

CAE Ventures into Live Military Training

CAE has bought the NFTC flying school in Canada as a prelude to competing for more training system requirements.

Training and Workforce

French MoD Supporting Innovative Small Companies

Two technologies, flax fiber composites and 3D glasses for tactical tables, are on display.