Military Aviation News Archive

New air tanker fleet is still pie in sky

02/22/2010

The multibillion-dollar competition to build aerial refueling tankers for the Air Force is expected to kick off this week as the Pentagon spells out its latest requirements to replace its aging fleet of Eisenhower-era aircraft.

New Israeli giant drone ‘Eitan’ capable of reaching Iran

02/22/2010

The Israelis have unveiled a type of drone known as Eitan, (“strong” in Hebrew) the size of a Boeing 737. The drone, a Heron TP operated by some NATO countries, is getting a lot of attention in the Middle East media, because its range extends to Iran.

Brazil unveils airlifter programme partner strategy, timetable

02/21/2010

Brazilian aerospace company Embraer has revealed more details about its plans concerning international partners for its KC-390 military tanker and transport aircraft programme. South Africa's Denel Saab Aerostructures (DSA) is known to be interested in becoming one of the industrial partners in the KC-390.

First Gripen C arrives

02/21/2010

Cape Town traffic was faced with an unusual hazard at midday yesterday: the first two Saab Gripen C single-seat fighters destined for the South African Air Force were being towed to AFB Ysterplaat.

India speeds up $11 bln fighter jets purchase

02/21/2010

India will narrow down the number of bidders by mid-2010 for its $11 billion fighter jet tender, a minister said, in a closely watched deal where diplomacy and strategic interests will play a big role.

Lockheed to deliver Hercules in Dec, expects more tenders

02/21/2010

American defence giant Lockheed Martin on Tuesday said it will deliver the first C-130J Hercules aircraft in December this year to the the Indian Air Force and expressed hope to receive Letter of Request (LOR) for six more planes.

USAF May Shift F-35 In-service Date

02/21/2010

Just weeks after the Pentagon announced a restructuring of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, the U.S. Air Force is now re-evaluating when the plane will be considered ready for service, Air Combat Command chief Gen. William Fraser said Feb. 19.

22 EARS Tankers Refuel Combat Aircraft

02/21/2010

Every day, the Air Force reports dozens of successful flights supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Fighters, bombers and other combat aircraft provide overwatch for troops on the ground, protecting the war fighters and deterring the enemy.

U.S. Navy Plans Armed UCAS-D Follow-on

02/20/2010

The U.S. Navy is planning to demonstrate an armed, sensor-equipped, carrier-based unmanned combat aircraft system (UCAS) by 2018, as a follow-on to carrier-suitability and autonomous aerial-refueling demonstrations planned for completion in 2013.

S. Korea Releases RFP For UCAV

02/20/2010

South Korea’s technologically ambitious defense ministry aims to test a scaled demonstrator for a stealthy combat drone by 2013, extending the country’s expertise in unmanned aircraft and hedging against cancellation of the KF-X fighter program.

U.S. 'to give Lebanon light attack planes'

02/20/2010

The United States is reported ready to provide light attack aircraft to the Lebanese army and to establish an elite Special Forces unit, a major step toward boosting the military's now-feeble firepower.

The Government gets equipment to escalate war on drug trafficking

02/19/2010

With the inauguration of a modern Command and Control Center to view satellite images and of the radars acquired together with the Super Tucano intercept planes and equipment to heighten border security, the Government aims to escalate the war against drug trafficking via air and land.

U.A.E. eyes South Korean T-50 jets

02/19/2010

The United Arab Emirates has taken a fresh jab at talks to purchase the South Korean-built T-50 jet trainer following stalled negotiations to acquire its rival, Italy's M-346 trainer.

Restive Russia reiterates strategic ties

02/19/2010

The missiles are out in full strength at the Defexpo in Delhi’s enormous Pragati Maidan complex, but it seems that flower pots are also being considered as potential weapons of influence for India’s growing defence market. At least, that is what some Russians seemed to believe.

MiG 29 to be inducted today

02/19/2010

The fourth generation Russian-origin jet fighter aircraft, MiG-29K, which would be used for carrier-based operations, would be formally inducted into the Indian Navy on Friday in presence of Defence Minister A K Anthony on Friday.

A400M talks hone in on inflation, military gadgets

02/19/2010

A thorny inflation clause and a shopping list of military gadgets dominated closing stages of talks to rescue the delayed A400M troop plane on Thursday as France held out the prospect of a deal next week.

Lockheed cuts costly F-35 fighter jet delays

02/19/2010

Lockheed Martin Corp. says it has reduced delays in the development phase of its F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jet to about 13 months. That's far less than the 30-months earlier feared and puts the program in the running for millions of dollars in Pentagon performance awards.

India to speed up military upgrade

02/19/2010

India will continue to selectively buy arms and aircraft from suppliers in the US and other countries—excluding Russia, with which it has an inter-government pact—through the foreign military sales, or FMS, route that bypasses competitive bidding, defence minister A.K. Antony said.

Pakistan inducts multi-role jets developed jointly with China

02/19/2010

The Pakistani Air Force on Thursday inducted the first squadron of JF-17 Thunder multi-role combat aircraft it jointly developed with China as part of its efforts to maintain a “balance” of conventional forces in the region.

Bangladesh Looks to Order Fighters, MPAs in 2010

02/18/2010

Flight International reports that Bangladeshi planning minister A.K. Khandker has informed Parliament that the government intends to buy “a squadron” of fighters and 2 maritime patrol aircraft, as part of its 2010 procurement plans. This would be a significant commitment for Bangladesh, whose 2008-2009 defense budget came in at around $1 billion.

New Zealand Comments on Lagging C-130 Hercules Aircraft Life Extension Programme

02/18/2010

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) of New Zealand is working to ensure the successful completion of the C-130 Hercules life extension programme, following the news that Safe Air in Blenheim is planning to reduce its workforce by a hundred positions.

Eurofighter's mission in India: Making the shortlist

02/18/2010

On Monday, two Eurofighter Typhoon fighters of the Luftwaffe —- the German Air Force —- took off from the Laage Air Base in Germany on probably the most important mission the plane has flown.

Third Lockheed Martin F-35B Lands At NAS Patuxent River

02/18/2010

Piloted by Lockheed Martin F-35 Test Pilot Jeff Knowles, the third F-35B Lightning II short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) stealth fighter landed at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., today.

Lockheed Martin Completes Paveway II Plus Laser Guided Bomb Flight Test Program

02/18/2010

Lockheed Martin has successfully completed the paveway II Plus Laser Guided Bomb (LGB) F/A-18 qualification flight test program. The paveway II Plus LGB uses an enhanced laser guidance package, significantly improving the precision of current paveway II LGBs.

Boeing Returns E-4B National Airborne Operations Center Aircraft to Service

02/18/2010

The Boeing Company delivered an E-4B National Airborne Operations Center aircraft to the U.S. Air Force on Feb. 8, after 11 months of maintenance at Boeing’s Wichita facility. The aircraft returns to service in support of the center’s mission -- providing senior government and military decision makers with connected and protected air travel.