Defense

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

Airbus Helicopters Prepares To Deliver H145Ms

The German army and Thai navy are the first customers for the military version of the EC145 T2 (now H145) twin

F-35 Maintenance Support System Advances Without Downlink

The Prognostics and Health Management downlink has been deferred for later development, according to the F-35 Joint Program Office.

Maintenance and Modifications

Boeing Will Begin Production of AH-6i 'Little Bird' This Year

The manufacturer will start production in Mesa, Ariz., for international AH-6i light attack helicopters the Saudi National Guard requires.

Bell Unveils Single-screen V-280 Cockpit

Touchscreen technology is at the heart of the panel, which won’t be installed in the aircraft until 2025 or 2030.

Boeing Chases F-16 Upgrades; Proposes A-10 Refurbishment

The manufacturer's "Off-Boeing" program unit in St. Louis is vying to supply a new mission computer for U.S. and international F-16s.

Russia Confirms S-400 SAM System for China

Advanced, long-range air defense system not previously for export is going to ‘strategic ally.’

Euro-Male Study Endorsed by Defense Ministers

France, Germany and Italy signal intent to fund project definition of an all-European medium-altitude, long-endurance UAS.

Boeing Envisions a Future Laser-Carrying Unmanned Aircraft

The hydrogen-powered Phantom Eye shows the potential of a 'stratospheric, persistent directed energy platform,' says Phantom Works chief.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

India Approves Airbus-Tata Bid To Supply 56 C-295s

The twin-turboprop military transport will be manufactured in India but not by state-owned HAL.

Sikorsky Progresses in Building Optionally Piloted Black Hawk

The helicopter manufacturer is building a production kit version of the autonomy system developed under its Matrix research program.

AirTanker Explores Alternative Leases for Refueling Fleet

Provider of tankers to UK Royal Air Force has placed only one A330 with an airline to date.

New Heavy Helicopter Deal Symbolizes Closer Russia-China Ties

Ceremony to seal joint development is witnessed by presidents of both countries.

Fatal A400M Crash Disrupts Production Recovery Plan

Four of six crew killed during failed emergency return to Seville.

Antonov Flies New Airlifter; Seeks Civil and Military Orders

Manufacturer of the An-178 eyeing Middle East and Asian potential as an An-12 replacement.

AeroVironment Seeks To Grow 'Switchblade' Missile Business

The supplier of small unmanned aircraft systems to the U.S. military is developing new variants of its Switchblade expendable flying missile.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

India Outlines New Carrier Ambitions

F-18s, F-35s, E-2s, even naval Rafales, could equip the second indigenous carrier.

Japanese Order Is the First for Dassault’s Falcon 2000 MSA

L-3 and Thales were partners in successful bid to the Japan Coast Guard.

Angola To Receive Upgraded Sukhoi Combat Aircraft

Ex-Indian Su-30K jets given new lease on life by Belarus Aircraft Repair Plant.

Report: Defense Industry Still Lags on Anti-Corruption Programs

Transparency International investigated 163 companies to produce its new index; improvement seen, but the picture remains inadequate.

Triple Whammy for Team Rafale as Qatar Buys 24

French combat jet scores third export sale in as many months; UAE could be next.