Defense

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

UK Nimrod Program Suffers More Cost and Delay

The flight-test program for the BAE Systems Nimrod MRA.4 maritime patrol aircraft is behind schedule, and costs have risen by $150 million in the past year

January 16, 2009

Embraer Redesigns C-390 and Seeks Launch This Year

Embraer has redesigned its C-390 tactical transport after advice from the Brazilian Air Force (FAB).

January 16, 2009

More Competition Seen in European Defense Procurement

A new measure to open up defense procurement by European countries to greater competition will become law within the next 18 months.

January 16, 2009

SCAC Eyes First Potential Customer

Sukhoi Civil Aircraft (SCAC) identified its first potential customer in Southeast Asia last month when it announced an agreement with Indonesia’s Kartika A

December 30, 2008

Norway Confirms Choice of F-35, to Saab's Displeasure

Saab reacted with vigor to a statement by the Norwegian government that the Gripen fighter was inferior to the Lockheed Martin F-35 JSF in most aspects of

December 16, 2008

India and Russia Agree on Helo Deal, Review Joint Defense Projects

India agreed to buy 80 Mil Mi-17V-5 helicopters worth $1.2 billion during a visit to Delhi by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev early this month.

December 16, 2008

European MALE Designs Challenge U.S. and Israeli UAVs

Two new medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAVs are due to make their first flights next year as European aerospace companies challenge the lead in this

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

December 16, 2008

Malaysia Abandons Eurocopter EC725 Purchase

Malaysia announced it would buy 12 Eurocopter EC725 Cougar medium-lift helicopters, then changed its mind two weeks later.

December 16, 2008

“Paveway” or “paveway?” It Depends Who’s Talking

Lockheed Martin last month secured a $30 million contract from the U.S.

December 16, 2008

EADS Seeks Early Go-ahead for Advanced UAV

New information on UAV developments at EADS emerged during a recent media briefing day in Germany.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

November 20, 2008

F-35 Goes Supersonic as Critics Cite Lack of Agility

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has exceeded Mach 1 for the first time–a timely achievement after a recent Rand study suggested that the design lacked maneuv

November 20, 2008

New Japanese Missiles Shown at Formal Review

A ceremonial review of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) last month included the static display of two new Japanese air-to-air missiles that are now

November 20, 2008

Zhuhai Airshow Includes Debut of China's J-10 Fighter

China’s new J-10 combat aircraft made its public debut at the Zhuhai airshow last month.

November 20, 2008

Typhoons For Sale as UK, Italy Try to Offload Tranche 3

As negotiations continue between Eurofighter and the four European partner nations over the Tranche 3 buy, reports are proliferating that Italy and the UK

November 20, 2008

Partner nations pressured to close Eurofighter deal

Eurofighter CEO Aloysius Rauen made a strong plea here yesterday for the four partner nations–the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain–to close the deal for 236 mo

October 16, 2008

Industry Pushes E-Scan Radar for Eurofighter

Eurofighter has offered India codevelopment of an active antenna for the Typhoon’s Captor radar, as part of its bid to secure that country’s 126-unit order

October 15, 2008

Diamond DA42 Twin Star Bids for Surveillance Orders

An all-composite four-seat general aviation aircraft made in Austria is attracting serious interest in the ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissan

October 15, 2008

Further Tanker Woes for the U.S. Air Force

While the U.S.

Maintenance and Modifications

October 15, 2008

Fighter Competitions Narrow in Brazil and Switzerland

Although India’s 126-aircraft requirement is the main prize for the world’s fighter manufacturers, major procurement decisions in Brazil and Switzerland ar

October 15, 2008

Airlift Leads Qatar’s Major Force Upgrade

Lockheed Martin announced on October 7 a $393.6 million contract to supply four C-130J-30 “stretched” Hercules military transports to the Qatar Emiri Air F

October 15, 2008