Defense

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

MEADS Partners Eye Poland as Savior

The program's nine-year development is set to end this year, with no production order from the U.S., Germany or Italy.

New Indian Regime Will Sign Long-Delayed Deals

Multi-role combat aicraft and multi-role tanker are among the aircraft covered by deals likely to be signed this year.

German, European Defense Woes Undermine Berlin Airshow

Defense exhibitors and attendees at ILA Berlin are mostly focused on German requirements, but the Germans are not buying anything.

Mixed Messages, Outlook for Future Euro-MALE UAV

The question of certification looms large in any evaluation of future MALE UAVs for European nations.

Germany Offered Manned Israeli Substitute for Euro Hawk Sigint System

The proposal is a Sigint conversion of a Bombardier Global 5000.

Manufacturer Says Troubled NH-90 Has Come of Age

Swiss Reject Gripen Buy in Referendum

Switzerland chose the Gripen after a thorough and protracted evaluation, and a framework agreement worth about $3.5 billion was signed in February 2013.

No Clear Plan for Triton 'Due Regard' Radar, Navy Says

Due-regard rader will make the Triton capable of detecting aircraft not equipped with a transponder or not using it to avoid detection.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

U.S. Using MC-12s for Nigerian Surveillance

Air Force using the twin turboprops to locate the more than 200 school girls kidnapped by Boko Haram.

World-First Claim for Israeli Camera Technology

Camera-on-chip technology makes possible superior image quality in miniature cameras, says the company.

Iraq May Spend $790 Million on Beechcraft AT-6C Strike Aircraft

Iraq is the first announced customer for the AT-6.

New MD540A Armed Scout Helo Shown in Jordan

The SOFEX show marks the first showing of the armed scout helicopter outside the U.S.

BAE, Raytheon Advance Laser Rocket Business

The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon will be fitted on new Royal Jordanian Air Force CASA-235 light gunships.

Mystery Object in Near-collision May Be Russian UCAV

Sikorsky Lands Contract for U.S. Presidential Helicopter

The VXX will replace the aging fleet of Sikorsky VH-3Ds and VH-60Ns flown by Marine Helicopter Squadron One for presidential and VIP transport.

Gunship Version of CN-235 Transport Enters Service

The ATK-designed mission package allows the aircraft to undertake a range of gunship and ISR missions.

Iraq F-16 Flies; U.S. Requests More Upgrades

Orders from Iraq and other nations have extended the F-16 production line through 2017.

Sikorsky Rolls Out Heavy-lift CH-53K Helicopter

The mostly composite helicopter–dubbed the “King Stallion”–will fly by year-end, with operational service expected in 2019.

Boeing Flies Production-configured AH-6i Helicopter

Flight status moves the program closer to full-scale production.

Cost Overrun Brings Scrutiny to MQ-8 Fire Scout

Unit cost increases triggered “critical” breaches of the Nunn-McCurdy amendment, requiring that Congress be notified.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles