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. Tanker Decision Still Awaited

The Pentagon’s decision in the third round of the KC-X competition is now expected next month.

January 7, 2011

Yet More King Airs for U.S. Recon Operations over Afghanistan

Boeing has won the enhanced medium-altitude reconnaissance and surveillance systems (EMARSS) competition to supply low/medium-altitude airborne reconnaissa

January 7, 2011

Eurocopter Makes Progress with NH-90, Tiger and X3

Eurocopter ended 2010 with a flurry of progress announcements, some of which related to previously delayed military programs in Europe.

January 7, 2011

Marshall Aerospace Completes Tristar Upgrade

Marshall Aerospace has completed development of an avionics upgrade for the UK Royal Air Force (RAF) fleet of nine Lockheed Tristar tanker-transports.

January 7, 2011

Sikorsky X2 destined for military app

Having achieved its target speed of 250 ktas in September, Sikorsky continues to flight-test the X2 demonstrator but at a slower pace.

December 28, 2010

Ceremony Marks UK Retirement of Harriers

Sixteen Harrier GR.7/9 V/STOL (vertical and/or short take-off and landing) jets flew over the UK Midlands Wednesday to mark the type’s retirement from Brit

December 16, 2010

F135 Engine Progresses as F136 Alternative for F-35

Pratt & Whitney has delivered the first F135 production-standard STOVL engine to Lockheed Martin for the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter program.

December 16, 2010

X-37 Spaceplane Lands But Purpose Still Clouded

The U.S.

December 16, 2010

Unmanned Helos Make Rapid Progress in the U.S.

Remotely controlled helicopters could be delivering cargo to U.S.

December 16, 2010

Japan Replaces UH-60Js...with More UH-60Js

Japan’s Ministry of Defense has selected Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to supply 40 license-built Sikorsky UH-60J+ helicopters for the Japan Air Self Defence

December 16, 2010

Fourth Production JSF Batch Contracted

Lockheed Martin received a $3.5 billion contract modification to build 31 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters for the fourth low-rate initial production batch.

December 3, 2010

KC-X embarrassment, and further delay

The U.S.

December 3, 2010

More Gripens for Thailand; recce pods for South Africa

In November, Saab received the expected follow-on order for six more Gripen fighters for Thailand.

December 3, 2010

Venezuela looks to China; Bolivia looks to Iran

Venezuela is buying up to 12 Shaanxi Y-8 transports from China.

December 3, 2010

Last hurrah for the ‘Pig’

In a ceremony held at RAAF Amberley, Queensland, the Royal Australian Air Force retired its General Dynamics F-111 fleet on December 2.

December 3, 2010

F-35 and V-22 Targeted by U.S. Fiscal Reform Commission

The U.S.

November 19, 2010

A400M Flight Tests–and Negotiations–Continue

EADS announced “the conclusion” of talks to amend the <link news/single-news-page/article/fresh-doubts-over-a400m-as-europe-tightens-its-belt-25484/ _blan

November 19, 2010

Embraer Sells Super Tucanos to Indonesia

Embraer has sold eight Super Tucano turboprops to the Indonesian air force.

November 19, 2010

Korea Aerospace Seeks KF-X Partners

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is courting outside manufacturers to participate in its KF-X stealth fighter program.

November 19, 2010

Sikorsky Makes Progress with International S-70i

PZL-Mielec has flown the second Sikorsky S-70i

November 19, 2010