Defense

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

BAE Systems Secures More Tornado Work

Company will support the RAF fleet through retirement in 2019.

NATO Strengthens Force in the East

A new NATO multinational team is taking over the enhanced air defense detachment in the Baltic republics.

Alenia Flies Full-Spec MC-27J

The MC-27J Praetorian concept retains the capability of the regular C-27J but can be rapidly converted for special missions.

U.S. Navy Releases Draft RFP for UClass Vehicle

Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing and General Atomics received the draft proposal document.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

MiG, Aviadvigatel Confirm MiG-31 Development

RAC MiG is working on new versions of the aircraft more capable than the current MiG-31BM.

Australia Approves 58 More Lockheed Martin F-35s

F-35s will replace the RAAF’s older F/A-18A/B Hornets, which the air force plans to withdraw from service by 2022.

Japan Bolsters Southern Air Defenses

For better surveillance capability over its southern waters, Japan has established 603 Hiko-tai (squadron) at Naha air base on Okinawa

U.S. Army, Sikorsky Demonstrate Autonomous Black Hawk

The Black Hawk serves as a second testbed for Sikorsky’s Matrix research program to develop and field systems for autonomous vertical takeoff and landing.

New Zealand’s Super Seasprite Takes Wing

The refurbished Super Seasprites are expected to serve with the Royal New Zealand Navy through at least 2030.

Japanese Stealth Demonstrator To Fly This Year

“Shinshin” future fighter demonstrator is a few months behind schedule but set to be revealed–then fly–this year.

F-35 Will Make International Debut in UK This Summer

The UK is a first-tier partner on the aircraft, which it views as a major boost to British combat air power.

Selex ES Advances Gripen Systems

The BriteCloud digital radio frequency memory jamming decoy is an option on the Gripen.

Textron AirLand Scorpion Logs 50 Flight-Test Hours

The prototype has flown to 30,000 feet and at 120 to 310 knots calibrated airspeed, with a maximum airspeed tested of 430 ktas.

India Wants Long-endurance Awacs

Air Force issues RFP for aircraft outfitted for airborne warning and control system role.

Navy's 'Unfunded' Order Would Extend EA-18G Growler Line

Current plans call for Boeing to deliver the final EA-18Gs in 2016, but the 22 Growlers the Navy requested would extend that through 2017.

Israel Receives First C-130J Shimshon

The Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules will operate with the 103 Squadron of Israel's Air and Space Force.

U.S. Deputy Program Manager Outlines F-35 Fixes

Modified bulkheads will address cracking issues in early production versions of the Joint Strike Fighter.

U.S. Navy Advances Triton Without 'Sense-and-Avoid' Settled

The U.S. Navy is taking a “layered approach” to meeting the see-and-avoid requirement until it finds a technology solution.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

HAL Edged Out In Trainer Competitions

The Indian Air Force has and urgent need for Stage II intermediate jet trainers.

Bulgaria Reacts To Stepped-up Russian Surveillance Flights

Between March 1 and 26 Russian aircraft approached Bulgaria on nine occasions, flying without flight plans and requiring investigation.