Greg Waldron
Greg Waldron is the Defence Managing Editor at FlightGlobal, leading the publication’s global defence coverage. Based in the Asia-Pacific, he has reported extensively on the rise of Chinese airpower and broader airpower developments across the region and worldwide. Since joining FlightGlobal in 2009, Waldron has received multiple journalism accolades, including the 2023 Aerospace Reporter of the Year award. Prior to this, he worked as a freelance writer covering a wide range of topics—including aviation, finance, healthcare, and travel—and began his career reporting on Asia-Pacific stock markets for a major newswire.
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NewsIndiGo A320neo engine failure traced to maintenance assembly error
A maintenance assembly error during a shop visit led to extensive internal damage in a Pratt & Whitney PW1127G engine powering an IndiGo A320neo, forcing the aircraft to return to Amritsar in February 2023, investigators have concluded.
NewsSouth Korea launches EW aircraft programme
South Korea has formally commenced development of its new electronic warfare (EW) aircraft, with defence contractor LIG Nex1 leading a W1.9 trillion ($1.3 billion) programme targeting deployment in 2034.
NewsUS clears Singapore’s planned purchase of four P-8A Poseidons
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has approved the potential sale of four Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to Singapore, along with torpedoes, systems and support equipment, marking a significant enhancement of the city-state’s maritime surveillance capabilities.
NewsGA-ASI, Calidus sign UAE co-production pact for MQ-9B, Gambit
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has signed a memorandum of understanding with UAE-based Calidus Aerospace covering potential co-production of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft and Gambit collaborative combat aircraft in the Emirates.
NewsSharp Airlines crew departed with pitot covers still fitted
The crew of a Sharp Airlines Fairchild SA227 freighter departed Townsville in darkness and rain without removing pitot tube covers, leading to erroneous airspeed readings during the 10 February flight, Australia’s safety bureau reports.
NewsSri Lanka air force to receive 10 ex-US Navy TH-57s
Sri Lanka’s air force will receive 10 Bell TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopters formerly operated by the US Navy, with deliveries commencing in February to bolster training and disaster response capabilities following the devastating Cyclone Ditwah.
NewsTunisia takes delivery of former USAF C-130H
The Tunisian air force has taken delivery of a single Lockheed Martin C-130H tactical transport that formerly served with the US Air Force (USAF).
In depthCompetition intensifies to replace Southeast Asia’s ageing transport fleet
Southeast Asia’s ageing fleet of tactical transports – averaging 45.5 years for legacy C-130s – is creating significant replacement opportunities for Airbus Defence & Space, Embraer and Lockheed Martin, as nations modernise military airlift capabilities amid growing operational demands.
NewsMQ-9B SeaGuardian validates expanded ASW capability
General Atomics and the US Navy have validated expanded anti-submarine warfare capabilities for the MQ-9B SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft, with the type capable of deploying up to 80 sonobuoys and Multi-static Active Coherent technology for enhanced maritime surveillance.
NewsKF-21 completes four-year flight test campaign
Korea Aerospace Industries has completed flight testing of its KF-21 fighter two months ahead of schedule, with six prototypes accumulating 1,600 accident-free sorties since the programme’s maiden flight in July 2022.
NewsGermany orders eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian RPAs
Germany has ordered eight General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9B SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft.
NewsElbit secures $275m Asia-Pacific helicopter protection contract
Elbit Systems has secured $275 million in contracts from an undisclosed Asia-Pacific nation to supply helicopter self-protection systems over five years, coinciding with major upgrade efforts for South Korea’s rotorcraft fleet.
NewsLockheed Martin appoints former Australian army officer as regional chief
Lockheed Martin has appointed former Australian army officer Jeremy King, a veteran of major defence acquisition programmes, to lead its operations across Australia and New Zealand.
In depthSoutheast Asia accelerates fighter procurement amid heightened geopolitics
Regional air forces are recapitalising combat fleets as geopolitical tensions prompt governments to prioritise defence capabilities, with Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand leading procurement efforts despite funding constraints and fragmented acquisition strategies.
NewsTaiwan urges faster Auto-GCAS installation after F-16V disappears
Taiwan’s air force is pressing the USA to accelerate installation of automatic ground collision avoidance systems across its F-16V fleet after a fighter disappeared during a night sortie on 6 January, with the pilot reporting computer malfunctions before transmission ceased.
NewsBangladesh explores JF-17 acquisition to replace ageing fighters
Bangladesh is discussing the potential acquisition of JF-17 fighters with Pakistan as it seeks to replace an aging combat fleet that includes Soviet-era MiG-29s and Chinese F-7s averaging over two decades in service.
NewsBoeing Australia appoints former RAAF air vice-marshal as president
Boeing Australia has appointed Steve Roberton, a former Royal Australian Air Force air vice-marshal and fighter pilot, as president for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, effective 5 January.
NewsPakistan test launches Taimoor cruise missile from Mirage
The Pakistan air force has successfully test-launched its indigenously developed Taimoor cruise missile from a Dassault Aviation Mirage IIIE fighter, with the weapon demonstrating a precision strike capability at ranges up to 324nm.
NewsTaiwan F-16Vs to get anti-stealth boost with Legion pods
The USA has awarded Lockheed Martin a $329 million contract to urgently supply 55 Legion infrared search and track pods for Taiwan’s F-16V fleet, enhancing the island’s ability to detect low-observable Chinese combat aircraft amid escalating regional tensions.
NewsHAL conducts maiden flight of Dhruv NG civilian helicopter
Hindustan Aeronautics has flown an upgraded civilian variant of its 5.5t Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter, powered by locally developed engines and featuring enhanced safety systems.