Military Aviation News Archive

Gates Tells Brazil’s Jobim Boeing Jet ‘Most Capable’

02/24/2010

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates told Brazilian counterpart Nelson Jobim today that Boeing Co.’s F/A-18 fighter jet offers the best technology in the $7.5 billion competition to modernize the South American nation’s fleet.

Republican renews bid for multiyear F-18 deal

02/24/2010

A key House Republican plans to press Navy leaders this week on the Pentagon's apparent reluctance to enter into a multiyear deal with Boeing Co. for F/A-18 aircraft, arguing that the costs saved are worth the risks of a long-term financial commitment.

US Air Force, lawmakers spar over 2nd F-35 engine

02/24/2010

U.S. Air Force officials defended on Tuesday a Pentagon decision to cancel development of the second engine for Lockheed Martin Corp's F-35 jet fighter, but acknowledged it was a "close call."

Boeing Cuts C-17 Output by 33%, Awaits Foreign Orders

02/24/2010

Boeing Co., the second-largest defense contractor, is scaling back production of the C-17 military cargo plane by a third so it can extend the life of the assembly line while waiting for international orders.

India speeds up plane purchases

02/24/2010

Indian air force pilots have begun testing two Eurofighter Typhoon combat jets for flight evaluation trials, part of an order for 126 planes in a deal valued at $10 billion.

Germany Prepares to Deploy UAVs to Afghanistan

02/23/2010

With the first German Air Force UAV crews trained in Israel, Germany is preparing to send the first of its Israeli-supplied Heron 1 to Afghanistan by March, Luftwaffe officials said.

BAE Systems Looks Beyond Mantis Spiral 1

02/23/2010

In October 2007, not even the design concept had been selected, but 24 months later the Mantis medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned air vehicle demonstrator flew for the first time—even allowing for some non-program-related distractions.

Accidents a matter of concern: IAF chief

02/23/2010

Admitting that aircraft crashes were a matter of concern, the Indian Air Force (IAF) chief, Air Chief Marshal Pradeep Naik said Monday they couldn't be entirely ruled out.

France warns EADS not to expect more aid on A400M

02/23/2010

European defense and aerospace giant EADS should not expect any more government money to help salvage the over-budget A400M military transport plane, the French defense minister said Monday.

Lockheed Martin F-35 Poised to be Backbone of USAF Fighter Fleet

02/23/2010

The United States Air Force officially becomes the first F-35 Lightning II customer later this year, when the first of the stealth fighters is delivered to Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The delivery will initiate a massive recapitalization of the Air Force's multi-role fighter fleet, and will usher in profound increases in capability, a Lockheed Martin executive said Friday.

Don’t delay fighter deal

02/23/2010

At a time when the combat power of the Indian Air Force is at an all-time low (29 squadrons, against a sanctioned strength of 39.5 squadrons and a required strength of 45 squadrons), two significant events connected with the enhancement of its capabilities are underway without much fanfare and are hopefully gathering momentum quietly, away from the public gaze.

Pentagon paints grim picture of Taiwan air defense

02/23/2010

The Pentagon has painted a grim picture of Taiwan's air defense capabilities, saying that many of the island's 400 combat aircraft would not be available to help withstand an attack from rival China.

LONGBOW LLC Awarded $86 Million to Support and Sustain U.K. Apache Attack Helicopters

02/23/2010

The LONGBOW Limited Liability Company, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman [NYSE: NOC], was recently awarded an $86 million contract from AgustaWestland to support LONGBOW FCR systems on the United Kingdom Apache AH Mk-1 aircraft.

Unmanned K-MAX Delivers

02/22/2010

USMC Considers 'Synchropter' for Cargo Drops in Hostile Terrain

Why the Air Force Needs the F-22

02/22/2010

Cancelling the F-22 Raptor, the most capable fighter plane ever produced, is yet another act in the tragedy of a nation that, bankrupting itself, embracing moral decline, and apologizing to its enemies, is losing the will to prevail. In pursuit of false prosperities that have failed even the economy, America for three presidencies and an entire generation has diminished its arsenals, unbalanced its military, and forgotten its genius for strategy.

Drone pilots have a front-row seat on war, from half a world away

02/22/2010

In a low, tan building in Nevada, Air Force personnel sit in padded chairs and control aircraft over Iraq and Afghanistan. They are 7,500 miles away, yet feel more affected by war than ever.

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.