Defense

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

U.S. Navy Maps V-22 Future, Plans Carrier Delivery Variant

The service seeks 44 new tiltrotors to replace the Northrop Grumman C-2 Greyhound for carrier onboard delivery mission.

Pratt & Whitney, JPO Contest Critical F-35 Engine Reports

The U.S. Department of Defense IG and Government Accountability Office were sharply critical of the F135 engine program.

Saab Signs Weapons Contract for Brazilian Gripens

Brazilian, Israeli and South African missiles are slated for integration.

EU Leaders Mull Military Action To Destroy People-Smuggling Vessels

Possible roles for UAVs considered after current patrol and rescue efforts deemed inadequate.

LAAD 2015: U.S. Presence Down After Rivals Win Contracts

Saab and Embraer signed Gripen agreement at Latin American Defense and Security Show. Sagem also boosted Brazilian production.

Poland Chooses European Helicopters and American Missiles

The Airbus Helicopters Caracel and the Raytheon Patriot missile system will boost the country’s military capability.

X-47B Accomplishes First Unmanned Aerial Refueling Mission

The Northrop Grumman-built unmanned combat demonstrator will be retired now that it has completed its final test objective.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

U.S. Air Force Reorganizes Bombers Under One Command

B-1Bs will shift from the Air Combat Command to join B-2s, B-52s and LRS-B under the Air Force Global Strike Command.

AgustaWestland, Bristow Chase U.S. Navy Training Business

The consortium is pitching the AW119Kx for pilot training.

F-35 To Make Civil Airshow Debut at EAA AirVenture

An F-35A based at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., will appear midway through the event, the organizers announced.

Indian Rethink Is Leading To a Smaller Rafale Deal

Procurement funds may be switched to indigenous LCA and Indo-Russian FGFA.

VH-92A Presidential Helo Will Stay Close to Civil Certification

The Navy program office developing the new presidential helicopter plans to maintain the S-92 civil airworthiness certification.

Navy Restarts Effort To Fit 'Due Regard' Radar on Triton

The U.S. Navy has restarted the development of a sense-and-avoid radar system for the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Pratt & Whitney Wages 'War on Cost' to Lower F135 Price

Pratt & Whitney said it has reduced the cost of the F135 turbofan by 55 percent since the sixth flight-test engine.

Operation Inherent Resolve Makes Uncertain Progress

Islamic State forces lose some ground in Iraq but still control large areas. Syrian situation unclear.

India Confirms Order for 36 Dassault Rafale Fighters

After three years of negotiations, the Indian government tells Dassault it wants the Rafales to be delivered rapidly.

Ka-52 Attack Helicopter Enters Russian Service

Russian MoD is also funding a version for naval operations.

Bangladesh Takes Delivery of Yak-130 Jets

The weaponized trainer has also been exported to Algeria and Belarus

U.S. Announces Proposed Arms Sales to Pakistan, Egypt

Pakistan has requested 15 Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, while Egypt is seeking additional Hellfire missiles.

Pratt & Whitney Rolls Out Engine Fix to F-35 Fighter Fleet

The engine manufacturer is retrofitting a part of its F135 engine to resolve the problem that prevented the international debut of the F-35.