Defense

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

Russian Defense Minister’s Call to Resume Tu-160 Production

The capabilities embedded in the design of swing-wing supersonic bomber–the Blackjack–are not yet fully exploited.

World’s Most Sophisticated Bomb Ready for Production

The Raytheon SDB II has passed a vital Pentagon review, and is slated for F-15s, F-18s, F-35s and maybe F-16s.

India's Rafale Buy Spurs Offset Biz

Small and medium companies to enter into partnerships to provide offsets for the $4.24 billion MMRCA deal.

AgustaWestland Delivers AW139 to Ivory Coast

Latest delivery to Ivory Coast brings African total beyond 60, and worldwide sales close to 900.

Dassault Still Hopeful For Full Indian Rafale Deal

Production is being adjusted to accommodate export orders from Egypt and Qatar; other sales prospects discussed.

Sikorsky To Add Black Hawk to Autonomy Program

Modified S-76 has logged more than 75 hours of flight testing, including autonomous zone selection and landing.

Raytheon Pushes Long-Range Missile Defense with SM-3 Missiles, TPY-2 Radars

The radar has been cleared for export in a forward-basing mode, and the missiles are attracting international interest, says Raytheon.

H225M Passes Polish Flight Tests: Contract for 50 Awaited

Concerns over the lack of local industrial participation remain, but the previous F-16 offset deal has passed muster.

Self-contained Recce Pod Works with a Wi-Fi Link

Austria’s SCAR pod is doing well in the market thanks to its versatility.

Criticism Spurs Pratt to Drive Down F135 Costs

U.S. government investigations highlight cost and reliability issues with the F-35 powerplant.

F-35 Maintenance Reporting Evolves as Aircraft Matures

Lockheed Martin advances the F-35 Autonomic Logistics Information System, updates software, defers downlink.

Faulty Engine Control Software Caused A400M Crash

Airbus D&S says fault was confined to one aircraft, in a final production error.

European UAV ‘Sense and Avoid’ Trials Make Progress

The MIDCAS project sponsored by the EDA used an Alenia Aermacchi Sky-Y demonstrator UAV in flight trials against conflicting traffic.

CAE To Supply UK Merlin Helicopter Training Devices

OEM AgustaWestland selected the Canadian company on behalf of the Royal Navy and Marines. Lockheed Martin gets Chinook training contract.

Boeing Flies KC-46 Prototype with Aerial Refueling System

The 767-2C 'provisioned freighter' flew for the first time with an aerial refueling boom and wing refueling pods installed.

Thales Reveals Ballistic Missile Early Warning Radar

A subscale demonstrator of Europe’s first BMEWS is nearly ready for testing.

Northrop Grumman's 'OpenPod' Aimed at F-15 Requirement

Months after Lockheed Martin unveiled its 'Legion Pod,' Northrop Grumman introduces a new sensor pod with infrared search and track system.

Sikorsky S-97 Raider Enters Flight-test Phase

Prototype is representative of a multimission, high-speed helicopter for the U.S. Army, manufacturer says.

Thales Wins UK Crowsnest Surveillance Contract

Royal Navy Merlin Rotorcraft fleet to be re-equipped.

Embraer Delivers First Upgraded A-4 Skyhawk to Brazilian Navy

New lease of life for venerable combat jet that fits on country’s sole aircraft carrier