All Defence articles
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News
Latest F-35 configuration may not be ready for service until 2025
Already months behind schedule, US government auditors now predict the latest Technical Refresh 3 configuration of the Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter will not be ready for service until 2025, as the airframer struggles to resolve technical issues hindering flight certification of the new systems.
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Airbus Helicopters looks to build future Europeran military rotorcraft on Racer ‘foundation’
Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters chief executive, maintains that European industry must collaborate on an indigenous future rotorcraft for its domestic customers, despite counterpart Leonardo’s decision to partner with Bell for a key NATO-led initiative.
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BAE Systems to develop new towed jammer for US Navy F/A-18E/Fs
The US Navy has selected BAE Systems to develop a Dual Band Decoy (DBD), an advanced countermeasures pod to help protect the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The company says that the DBD, which will be towed behind a fighter, provides comprehensive radio frequency protection that protects aircraft from enemy missile ...
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Aurora now sole designer in Pentagon heavy-lift seaplane effort
Boeing subsidiary Aurora Flight Sciences is now the sole participant in a Pentagon effort to develop a heavy-lift amphibious transport, after a proposed design from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems was eliminated over schedule and technical concerns.
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In depth
‘It will improvise’: Shield AI’s dogfighting algorithm developed novel fighter tactics
The founder of Shield AI, the company behind the artificial intelligence that recently powered an autonomous F-16 fighter in US Air Force dogfighting drills, says its algorithm has shown ability to improvise, and has even developed novel air combat tactics no human pilot would likely employ.
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US clears sale of 300 Sidewinder missiles to Romania
The US government has cleared the possible sale of Raytheon AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II air-to-air missiles to Romania.
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AG600 conducts first night sorties as part of certification drive
AVIC has conducted the first night sortie with its AG600 amphibian to test the aircraft’s lighting system.
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Hermeus begins testing pre-cooler technology for hypersonic engine
Hypersonic developer Hermeus has begun testing a proprietary pre-cooler technology that will allow a standard Pratt & Whitney F100 jet engine to operate at higher speeds and with greater efficiency.
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In depth
L3Harris poised to deliver first OA-1K Armed Overwatch turboprop
Although the Armed Overwatch programme to develop a new close-air support turboprop has been criticised by government auditors, US Special Operations Command stands by the concept and contractor L3Harris is poised to deliver the first aircraft.
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US F/A-18s overfly Guyana amid border dispute with Venezuela
The government of Guyana says it gave permission for two US Navy Boeing F/A-18 fighter jets to pass over the capital Georgetown, amid a border dispute with neighbouring Venezuela over access to valuable oil fields.
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Korean aircraft sale suggests 747-8I derivative to replace E-4B
The sale of five Korean Air aircraft to Sierra Nevada Corporation suggests that a derivative of the Boeing 747-8I could replace the US Air Force’s E-4B “Doomsday” aircraft.
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A-10s escort US ballistic missile submarine during strait transit
Ground-attack A-10 fighters from the US Air Force overflew the USS Nebraska ballistic-missile submarine during a transit through the Strait of Juan de Fuca, as the air force continues seeking new missions for the ageing jets.
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USA no longer pursuing amphibious MC-130 variant
Although they described the concept as technically feasible, procurement officials at the US Special Operations Command say they are no longer pursuing a kit that could modify the Lockheed Martin MC-130J for amphibious take-offs and landings, citing budget constraints and competing priorities.
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Turkey offers Malaysia participation in Kaan fighter programme
Turkey has offered Malaysia the opportunity to participate in the Turkish Aerospace Kaan fighter programme, as deliveries of the Anka unmanned air vehicle to the Southeast Asia nation remain on track.
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Australian E-7A helps Filipino, US aircraft sink decommissioned ship
Aviation assets from Australia, the Philippines, and the USA have participated in a joint training effort to target and destroy a decommissioned ship.
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Singapore probes first fighter crash in two decades
Singapore is investigating the crash of a Lockheed Martin F-16 on 8 May, its first fighter crash in two decades.
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Army special mission aviators will field V-280: SOCOM
Although no formal decision has been disclosed, procurement officials with the US Special Operations Command now confirm the army’s special operations aviation regiment will field Bell’s V-280 tiltrotor in the mid-2030s, shortly after the US Army’s conventional aviators do so.
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SOCOM to extend AH-6 service life following cancellation of new scout aircraft
Special Operations Command had hoped to replace its multi-role A/MH-6 helicopter with the US Army’s next-generation Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft, whose development has since been cancelled.
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News
USA clears Sniper pod buy for Malaysian F/A-18D fleet
The US government has cleared Malaysia to obtain new targeting pods for fighter aircraft, as well as a deal to upgrade anti-radiation missiles used by the United Arab Emirates.
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Airbus completes acquisition of UAS maker Aerovel
Airbus has finalised its acquisition of unmanned air systems (UAS) manufacturer Aerovel, boosting its exposure to the tactical UAS market.