All Defence articles – Page 39
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NewsAirbus Helicopters ‘still committed’ to H175M development despite NMH withdrawal
Despite a recent setback in the UK, Airbus Helicopters is continuing to chase sales for the military M-model variant of the H175 as it seeks a launch customer for the super-medium-twin.
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NewsItaly approved for purchase of EA-37B electronic attack mission systems
US export regulators have approved Rome to purchase sensitive mission systems for the Gulfstream G550-derived EA-37B electronic attack jet, in a deal valued at $680 million.
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NewsTaiwan backs away from building its next fighter locally
Taiwan will procure its next combat aircraft in the USA, as opposed to developing a new type locally.
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NewsIndonesian Aerospace in upgrade programme for country’s C-130s
Indonesian Aerospace is poised to embark on a major modernisation effort for Lockheed Martin C-130 tactical transports operated by the Indonesian air force.
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In depthCan the US Air Force actually make its disposable fighter jets at an affordable price?
The service is betting much of its future on developing and fielding large numbers of so-called “attritable” combat jets that cost a fraction of traditional fighter aircraft. But can that goal actually be achieved?
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NewsLeidos to test launching cruise missiles from AC-130 gunships
The US defence technology firm is preparing to test its Black Arrow small cruise missile, designed to be an affordable long-range munition that can be launched from cargo aircraft.
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NewsLockheed may pin Thailand F-16V hopes on interoperability with older jets
Lockheed Martin’s hopes for re-energising its F-16 Block 70/72 offering for Thailand’s fighter contest appear to rest on improving the interoperability of Thailand’s existing F-16 Block 15 fleet.
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NewsThailand’s first AH-6 conducts maiden flight
The first Boeing AH-6 light attack helicopter bound for the Royal Thai Army had its maiden flight in Arizona on 22 August.
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NewsUS Navy affirms commitment to fielding sixth-generation fighter
While the US Air Force is walking back its commitment to developing a manned sixth-generation combat fighter, the navy’s top officer says her service remains committed to fielding a new aircraft under its F/A-XX programme.
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NewsUS Army placing ‘many bets’ on new uncrewed systems
The US Army is rolling out a diverse range of uncrewed aerial systems for combat units small and large, with the goal of testing the wide variety of platforms currently available.
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NewsThink tank Rand outlines niche eVTOL applications for USAF
The US Air Force could benefit from the use of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in niche applications, according to think tank Rand Corporation.
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NewsHAL hands over locally produced AL-31FP engine
Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) has delivered the first of 240 AL-31FP engines less than one month after the contract was awarded.
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NewsSkydweller Aero completes tests of ultra-long-endurance solar aircraft
The Oklahoma-headquartered firm on 30 September said the Skydweller UAS successfully conducted a series of autonomous long-duration flights in recent weeks, including one sortie lasting 22h 30min and another spanning 16h.
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NewsKAI and Saab sign pact for South Korean AEW&C requirement
Saab and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have entered a memorandum of understanding (MoU) related to South Korea’s requirement for a new airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.
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NewsPentagon pressing ahead with F-35 engine upgrade
The US Department of Defense is affirming its commitment to delivering an engine upgrade for the Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter, with a recent $1.3 billion contract to propulsion supplier Pratt & Whitney to fund continued development of the initiative.
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NewsAW249 shines in Stella Alpina exercise as airframer tweaks flight-test schedule
Leonardo Helicopters now expects to have its full complement of four AW249 Fenice test aircraft flying by the early part of 2025, as development of the next-generation attack helicopter continues to progress.
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NewsFormer MiG-27 pilot takes the reins of Indian air force
An experienced fighter and test pilot has been named as the new head of the Indian air force.
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NewsRussian Su-35 nearly collides with US F-16 during Alaska intercept
In a move being decried as unsafe and unprofessional by the Pentagon, a Russian air force Su-35 fighter passed dangerously close to a US Air Force F-16 whilst the American jet was shadowing a Russian long-range bomber off the coast of Alaska.
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NewsUS Army’s Pacific combat troops already training on FLRAA tiltrotor
Infantry and aviation soldiers from the Hawaii-based 25th Infantry Division are drilling on a mock-up of Bell’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft tiltrotor to help test cabin design and ergonomics for the aircraft, whose primary role will be ferrying assault troops into battle.
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In depthCould the US Air Force restore electronic attack fighter capability?
The US Air Force has not operated a dedicated offensive electronic-attack fighter since 1998 when the service retired its EF-111 Ravens, but service leaders now appear to be embracing electronic warfare as a central aspect of modern air combat operations.