October 28, 2014 Military Aviation News

Saab and Brazil Sign Contract for Gripen NG

10/28/2014

Defence and security company Saab has signed a contract with the Brazilian Federal Government (Ministry of Defense through the Aeronautics Command, COMAER) covering the development and production of 36 Gripen NG fighter aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force. The total order value is approximately SEK 39.3 billion. Saab and COMAER have also signed an Industrial Co-operation contract to deliver substantial technology transfer from Saab to Brazilian industry.

The A-7 Corsair II Finally Takes Its Last Flight After 49 Years

10/28/2014

Last week, defense journalist Giovonni Colla spent some time in Greece at Araxos Air Base to capture what would be a bittersweet moment in the history of combat aviation – the retirement of the humble, but incredibly effective, Ling-Temco-Vought A-7 Corsair II. Though it's better known as the SLUF. Or Short Little Ugly Fucker.

America’s 60 Year-Old Nuclear Bomber Might Finally Get a New Engine

10/28/2014

For decades, the Pentagon has been toying with the idea of upgrading the B-52 bomber, first built in the mid-1950s. Will they finally get around to it, this time? The U.S. Air Force is taking a serious look at overhauling the nearly 60 year-old B-52 bomber—including a new engine for the ancient plane. The question is not whether it makes sense, but why it hasn’t been done before.

HAL Nashik completes upgrade of first IAF Su-30 MKI aircraft

10/28/2014

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has successfully completed the upgrade of first Su-30MKI multi-role combat aircraft at its facility in Nashik, Maharashtra, India. The company test pilots will now fly the aircraft to validate its performance before handing it over to the Indian Air Force (IAF) next month, as reported by Business Standard.

DOD and Lockheed Martin Announce Principle Agreement on Purchase of F-35s

10/28/2014

The U.S. Department of Defense and Lockheed Martin have reached an agreement in principle for the production of 43 F-35 Lightning II aircraft. Officials anticipate the Low-Rate Initial Production lot 8 (LRIP 8) contract to be finalized in the coming weeks. The contract is for fiscal year 2014 with deliveries beginning in 2016.

Boeing Delivers 300th CH-47F Chinook to U.S. Army Ahead of Schedule

10/28/2014

Boeing this month delivered to the U.S. Army, 75 days ahead of schedule, the 300th CH-47F Chinook helicopter. “This marks another benchmark for the CH-47F program,” said Lt. Col. Michael Hauenstein, the Army’s CH-47F product manager, Office of the Project Manager, Cargo Helicopters. “More importantly, we have met this benchmark ahead of schedule, within cost, and produced an aircraft that performs as required worldwide.

Russia Sold $9.8 Billion in Arms, Military Equipment in 2014: Official

10/28/2014

Since the beginning of 2014, Russia has sold $9.8-billion in arms and military equipment abroad, the deputy director of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation said Tuesday. “According to the figures for October of this year, Russia has exported arms and military equipment totaling $9.8 billion,” Anatoly Punchuk, who is heading the Russian delegation at the Euronaval-2014 exhibition in Paris, told RIA Novosti.

US Assessing Claims That Islamic State Militants Possess MANPADS: US Department of State

10/28/2014

The Unites States is examining the claims that Islamic State (IS) militants could possess modern anti-aircraft missile systems that can down passenger jets, Spokesperson for the US Department of State Jen Psaki said. According to German media reports, the German foreign intelligence agency BND reportedly briefed the country's parliament at the end of last week on the new threat coming from the violent IS grouping.

Pentagon Confirms IS Has Limited Anti-Aircraft Weaponry

10/28/2014

The US Department of Defense confirmed that the Islamic State (IS) has limited anti-aircraft weaponry in its arsenal, Commander Elissa Smith at the Office of the Secretary of Defense told RIA Novosti on Monday. “We can confirm ISIL [IS] has limited anti-aircraft artillery capability, mostly used in a ground combat role.

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