April 04, 2012 Military Aviation News

First F-35 For The Netherlands Rolls Out Of F-35 Production Facility

04/04/2012

The first F-35 Lightning II for The Netherlands rolled out of the F-35 production facility on April 1. This is the latest step in the production process leading to its eventual assignment to Eglin AFB, Fla., later this summer. The Netherlands will use the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) jet, known as AN-1, for training and operational tests for pilots and maintainers.

Belarus to Build Vertical Takeoff Drones

04/04/2012

The Belarusian State Military-Industrial Committee is planning to develop a range of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability, the committee’s chairman Sergei Gurulev said. “We are considering a wide range of UAVs with VTOL capability – from mini-sized to medium and heavy class UAVs,” Gurulev said in an interview with “VPK.Belarus” publication.

Brazil to insist on technology transfer in defense deals

04/04/2012

Brazil, which is close to awarding a lucrative jet fighter contract, said Tuesday that it would insist on technology transfer in its defense agreements. "In all its alliances, Brazil will put on the table the demand for technology transfer," Education Minister Aloizio Mercadante told foreign correspondents. "We no longer intend to have the passive attitude we used to have throughout our history," he added.

American Eurocopter unveils new military aircraft

04/04/2012

American Eurocopter unveiled a helicopter if plans to build at its Columbus manufacturing facility. On Monday, company officials introduced the Armed Aerial Scout 72X plus combat helicopter during a presentation in Nashville. The company says the aircraft is an armed version of the UH-72 Lakota light utility helicopter currently being built in Columbus.

Budget Woes Leave Army Aviation Few Options

04/04/2012

The Army plans to stick with its current helicopter inventory over the next two decades, opting to wait until 2030 at the earliest to revolutionize a fleet flown hard around Iraq and Afghanistan. Army helicopters will receive upgrades over the next two decades, as they always have, but the austere budget environment has forced the Army to try and keep its current fleet in the air for as long as it can.

Money and the military

04/04/2012

The ministry of defence (MoD) is the final authority on defence purchases. The department of defence production oversees purchases. The department is vested with the overall responsibility for growth of indigenous defence industry as well as framing of policies.

Boeing Completes On-cost, On-schedule Delivery of F-15K Slam Eagles to Korea

04/04/2012

Boeing delivered the final two F-15K Slam Eagles to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) on April 2 at Daegu Air Base. All ROKAF F-15Ks were delivered on cost and on schedule. "Boeing is proud to have worked with the ROKAF to ensure that their F-15Ks included all the capability and power necessary to defend their homeland through 2040 and beyond," said Roger Besancenez, F-15 Program vice president for Boeing.

Lockheed Martin Commemorates 4,500 F-16 Aircraft Deliveries

04/04/2012

Lockheed Martin commemorated the 4,500th F-16 Fighting Falcon delivery today with a ceremony for employees, customers, former executives and elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Kay Granger and Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price.

Baku Says No Israeli Bases For Iran Strike

04/04/2012

Azerbaijan denies reports that Israel is to set up military bases aimed at Iran on its territory, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said on Tuesday. In late March, Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry denied a media report saying it granted Israel access to air bases near the Iranian border. "This information is absurd and groundless,” ministry spokesman Teymur Abdullayev said.

Russian Military to Use Civilian Planes

04/04/2012

Russia's military-transport aviation will use civilian An-124 Ruslan Condor heavy-lift transport aircraft owned by large carriers, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said on Monday. “Orders will be placed for dozens of aircraft - 60-70 Ruslans,” he said. It was not immediately clear whether the military will pay for the use of cargo aircraft or simply commandeer them in the interest of “national defense.”

Russia's Defense Ministry Wants Strike Drone

04/04/2012

Russia’s Defense Ministry has issued a technical specification for development of a strike unmanned air vehicle (UAV), Izvestia daily said on Monday quoting a high-level source. Tranzas company will build the UAV's on-board electronics as well as its navigation and control systems. The airframe, which will weigh about five tons, will be produced by the Kazan-based Sokol design bureau.

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