October, 2010 Military Aviation News

Air Force nears UH-60 deal with Army

10/30/2010

The U.S. Air Force is close to finalizing a sole-source deal to buy up to 93 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters from the U.S. Army, according to defense industry sources.

India To Fly Tejas LSP-5 Soon

10/30/2010

Indian sources confirm to AVIATION WEEK that a flight readiness review meeting was held recently and the LSP-5 will fly “soon,” weather permitting. LSP-4 had its first flight in June.

Lockheed offers advanced F-16s to India

10/30/2010

US aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin Corporation has offered India its tailor-made advanced F-16IN Super Viper aircraft for the Indian Air Force.

Second Airbus Military tanker for RAF makes maiden flight

10/30/2010

The second A330 MRTT Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) for the UK Royal Air Force has successfully completed its maiden flight from the Airbus Military facility at Getafe, Madrid following its conversion.

Brazil's Embraer: Argentina Mulls Buying New Military Aircraft

10/30/2010

Argentina's government may participate in the development of the new military transport aircraft being designed by Brazil's Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica SA (ERJ, EMBR3.BR), or Embraer, and could buy up to six of the planes, the company said in a statement Friday.

The Vulcan’s final flight?

10/29/2010

AN HISTORIC aircraft which was Britain’s last line of defence in the Cold War could be grounded or sold unless its owners can raise £150,000 by the end of tomorrow.

F-35 buy could trigger Arctic arms race: Expert

10/29/2010

A government purchase of F-35 fighter jets could cause "angst in Russia" and trigger an Arctic arms race, Arctic sovereignty expert Michael Byers said Thursday.

Russian arms firm denies Yakhont missile deliveries contract

10/29/2010

Russian state arm company Rosoboronexport says it has no contracts for delivery of P-800 Yakhont (SS-N-26) anti-ship cruise missiles or the associated Bastion missile system, the firm's general director Anatoly Isaikin said on Thursday.

F-22 Raptor 4168 Heads To Its New Home

10/29/2010

Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor 4168 ascends over C-130H aircraft belonging to the 94th Airlift Wing at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., shortly after taking off from the company’s Marietta facility on its delivery flight to Langley AFB, Va., Tuesday.

Boeing to Showcase Intelligence Technologies at GEOINT 2010

10/29/2010

The Boeing Company will showcase its newest intelligence, geospatial and cross-domain technologies for the U.S. Intelligence Community and international customers at this year’s GEOINT 2010 Symposium, Nov. 1-4 in New Orleans.

BAE Systems Opens New F-35 Lightning II Machining Facility

10/28/2010

BAE Systems has formally opened a new state-of-the-art titanium machining facility at its Samlesbury site in Lancashire. The robotic facility will be used to manufacture detail and assembly components of the Aft Fuselage, Vertical Tail and Horizontal Tail for the F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft, further reinforcing BAE Systems’ key role in the world’s largest defence programme.

EADS Touts Light Utility Helicopter as Replacement for Aging Kiowas

10/28/2010

The Army in the coming months will complete a review to determine whether it needs to buy a new armed scout helicopter to replace its aging OH-58D Kiowa Warriors.

Russia's arms exports to reach record $10 bln in 2010

10/28/2010

Russia's arms exports are expected to hit an all-time high of over $10 billion in 2010, the head of Russia's state-run arms exporter Rosoboronexport said on Thursday.

US warplanes for India lack advance gadgets

10/28/2010

India is set to acquire American C-130J Super Hercules aircraft in a few weeks, but the airplanes would come stripped of advanced electronic equipment - all because New Delhi refuses to sign a controversial and sensitive security agreement with Washington.

U.K., German military purchases cut

10/28/2010

Fiscal constraints are forcing Britain and Germany to scale back A400M military transport aircraft purchases.

Boeing Exhibits Key Defense Systems at Inaugural DEFENSYS Trade Show in Greece

10/28/2010

The Boeing Company will showcase key products -- including the CH-47 Chinook and AH-64 Apache helicopters, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet strike fighter, the ScanEagle unmanned aircraft system, and Harpoon and Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) weapons -- at the first DEFENSYS trade show, Oct. 28-31 in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Russian arms exporter denies MiG-31 fighter contract with Syria

10/28/2010

Russia does not have a contract to supply MiG-31 Foxhound fighter jets to Syria, the head of the Russian state-run arms exporter Rosoboronexport said on Wednesday.

Russia, India to begin design of 5G-fighter in December

10/28/2010

Russia is planning to sign in December an agreement with India on the preliminary design of a joint fifth-generation fighter aircraft, a senior Russian aircraft industry official said on Wednesday.

When US jets patrolled France

10/27/2010

Jack Walsh was just out of high school when, after six months’ training, he was assigned to a base in France. This summer, aged 72, he returned to the Châteauroux-Déols Nato airbase, in the Indre, with other veterans. It was closed in 1967, when France left the military command structure of Nato, and now operates as a test ground for planes and freight airport and scrapage centre. He spoke to Nick Rowswell about life in France in the 1950s, how he thought the country had changed, and how the exp

India eyes Typhoons in air drill with U.K.

10/27/2010

India and the United Kingdom have taken to aerial war-games expected to assess India's first participation of airborne early warning and control system aircraft and interest in Eurofighter Typhoon jet fighters.

France sees A400M finance deal by end of year

10/27/2010

A formal financing contract for the A400M European military transport aircraft could be signed by the end of the year, a senior French arms official has said.

Weapons Manufacturers Focus on Miniaturizing Munitions for Unmanned Aircraft

10/27/2010

As the Defense Department increasingly relies upon unmanned aircraft to fight insurgents, companies are developing smaller bombs that are more suitable for drones.

Russia to compete for helicopter tender to Afghanistan

10/27/2010

Russia will compete for a helicopter tender for the U.S. anti-terrorism campaign in Afghanistan, the head of the Russian delegation said at the Euronaval 2010 exhibition in Paris.

Irregular warfare offers new role for propeller driven aircraft

10/26/2010

Bringing back the propeller-driven fighter in the age of counterinsurgency may seem to some a belated no-brainer or to others a wasteful diversion with potentially suicidal risk to the pilot.

Indian C-17 Deal Seen As Near

10/26/2010

The contract is likely to be finalized during President Barack Obama’s visit to India, due to begin on Nov. 4, industry executives say. India is in talks with the U.S. government to purchase 10 airlifters at a cost of up to $5.8 billion, which includes training, ground equipment and other items.

France desperate for Rafale sales in Persian Gulf

10/26/2010

The French are driving hard to clinch orders for Dassault's multi-role Rafale fighter in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait to keep the jet's production line going.

Iran training Taliban fighters to use surface-to-air missiles

10/26/2010

Iranian military advisers have been training Taliban fighters in Afghanistan on the use of surface-to-air missiles, a potential game changer in the war if insurgents can use such weapons effectively, several current and retired military officials told The Washington Examiner.

Boeing Receives US Army Contract for Low Rate Initial Production of AH-64D Apache Block III

10/26/2010

The Boeing Company today announced it has received a $247 million contract to begin Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) for the U.S. Army’s AH-64D Apache Block III helicopter, the most advanced multi-role combat helicopter in the world. The contract, signed by the U.S. government on Oct. 22, covers production of eight Apache Block III helicopters in the Lot 1 configuration.

Second AW159 Lynx Wildcat Makes Its First Flight

10/25/2010

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the second AW159 multi-role military helicopter successfully completed its maiden flight at AgustaWestland’s Yeovil facility yesterday.

Eurofighter Supervisory Board meets in New Delhi for the first time

10/25/2010

Eurofighter has upped its ante on the IAF MMRCA contract. For its long-term cooperation with India, the Supervisory Board of Eurofighter GmbH is meeting in New Delhi the first time. CEOs from Eurofighter partner companies which includes EADS, BAE Systems and Alenia Aeronautica are visiting New Delhi from 25th to 26th October 2010.

Kazakhstan looking at U.S. military planes

10/25/2010

Kazakhstan is interested in buying some American military transport aircraft, the country's air force chief of staff says.

Pentagon plans 4 new helos

10/25/2010

The Pentagon is fleshing out its plans to change the way it buys and develops helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft.

Kyrgyzstan’s uncertain future looms over fate of U.S. air base

10/25/2010

Taking advantage of an invitation to tour this small U.S. air base as a friend of a civilian Kyrgyz national who works here, tobacco producer Ulvgbek Abazgano took a moment to reflect as he struggled to describe what he was feeling.

Tankers extend RAAF's reach to northern Asia

10/23/2010

F0r an investment of almost $2 billion - relatively modest by defence standards - Australia is about to acquire five aircraft that will dramatically boost the capability of the defence forces, and the RAAF in particular.

U.S. Navy Boeing P-8A Poseidon launches first sonobuoys

10/23/2010

A U.S. Navy Boeing P-8A Poseidon launched sonobuoys for the first time on Oct. 15, Naval Air Systems Command announced Thursday.

U.S. Advances Saudi F-15 Package

10/22/2010

The Obama administration notified Congress it plans to sell Saudi Arabia up to $60 billion in advanced military aircraft, including F-15s equipped with bunker-buster bombs that Washington sees as part of an effort to contain Iran.

CSIO device to perfect fighter pilots' aim

10/22/2010

Indian fighter pilots will be able to strike at the enemy with an accuracy that others can only hope to achieve. All thanks to the head up display (HUD) developed and tested by Central Scientific Instruments Organization (CSIO), Chandigarh. Overcoming limitations of hitting a target within a range of 10-100m, they have cut it down to single digit accuracy.

Airbus Military looks to India for A400M Grizzly airlifter

10/22/2010

European aerospace major EADS is on the verge of bringing into markets its new A400M Grizzly to compete in Indian military proposals for inducting giant airlifters to boost its strategic reach.

Noise: IAF planes on radar

10/22/2010

In the first ever move of its kind in India to mitigate noise pollution around an airport, the aviation ministry and DGCA have asked the defence ministry to avoid flying their old and extremely noisy military aircraft in and out of Delhi airport. At the same time realising the security requirements, the aviation authorities have suggested a practical alternate also by suggesting the movement of such aircraft be limited to runway 27 (that's closest to Dwarka side).

Russian, Kazakh pilots to hone live-firing skills prior to CSTO drills

10/22/2010

Russian and Kazakh combat pilots will take part on Friday in live-firing exercises in preparation for the upcoming large-scale exercises of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the Russian Defense Ministry said.

Hard bargain on US pacts

10/21/2010

New Delhi has decided to play hardball on military pacts with the Pentagon after expectations were raised that the pending agreements may be signed during the visit of Barack Obama in about two weeks from now.

Boeing confident with Indian Super Hornet bid

10/21/2010

Boeing is optimistic it will make the shortlist for India's medium multirole combat aircraft (MMRCA) requirement in 2011 with its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, says Rick McCrary, capture team manager for its Defense, Space & Security business unit.

UN’s plea for helicopters in Congo going unheard

10/21/2010

Struggling to contain a horrifying epidemic of mass rapes and murders, United Nations peacekeepers in Congo say they desperately need one thing above all: helicopters. But more than 50 countries – including Canada – have failed to help.

World's fastest helicopter races above Palm Beach County

10/21/2010

Sikorsky had picture perfect weather to show off the world's fastest helicopter Wednesday morning, and X2 test pilot Kevin Brendenbeck didn't waste the opportunity.

U.S. Agrees to Sell Up to $60 Billion of Military Aircraft to Saudi Arabia

10/21/2010

Boeing and United Technologies could win billions of dollars of orders from a U.S. deal to sell military aircraft to Saudi Arabia. The U.S. State Department plans to sell as much as $60 billion worth of planes and helicopters to the Arab country over the next two decades, in an attempt to help protect the Middle East against the threat of Iranian military expansion, Andrew Shapiro, assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs, said during a news conference Wednesday.

Indonesia set to continue buying arms from Russia

10/20/2010

Indonesia will continue its military-technical cooperation with Russia, the country's defense minister said on Wednesday.

Gulf states eye new combat jets

10/20/2010

As the U.S. Congress mulls the administration's plans to sell Saudi Arabia advanced F-15S strike jets and other weapons worth some $60 billion, Riyadh's Persian Gulf partners are also looking at new combat aircraft to counter Iran.

First Gripen flight for Saab´s new CEO

10/20/2010

Håkan Buskhe has only been CEO of Saab for one and a half months but he has already travelled the globe marketing Gripen to several countries. Yesterday, Mr Buskhe got his first flight in the Gripen fighter, taking-off from the Saab airfield in Linköping, Sweden.

Navy aircraft carriers not operational for 26 years

10/20/2010

The Royal Navy is set to lose its ability to fly combat jets off aircraft carriers for the next 26 years under defence cuts to be announced today, The Daily Telegraph has learnt.

Scrap the MMRCA, buy US F-35s

10/20/2010

Given the global buzz around the Indian Air Force ongoing $10-billion procurement of 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA), my suggestion to scrap the process and, instead, go in for a straight buy of Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightening II fighters is admittedly radical. But consider this: when the F-35 enters service, a couple of years from now, it will comfortably outclass every one of the six fighters that the IAF is currently evaluating.

India mulls Boeing Globemaster III deal

10/20/2010

India and Boeing remained locked in negotiations for the former's purchase of as many as 10 military transport aircraft by Dec. 15.

U.K. considers dropping STOVL version of F-35

10/19/2010

Britain may drop plans to purchase the short-takeoff, vertical-landing (STOVL) version of the Lockheed Martin F-35 strike aircraft and replace it with the conventional carrier variant of the Lighting II.

Taxed by wars, aging air tankers suffer fleet fatigue

10/19/2010

The last new KC-135 Stratotanker was delivered to the U.S. Air Force in 1964. After nearly a decade of war, the fleet’s age is showing, most profoundly to the men and women on the ground who keep the 415 tankers flying.

Taiwan interested in F-35 fighters

10/19/2010

Deputy defense minister Andrew Yang says Taiwan is interested in buying F-35 fighter jets in the future. Those jets are more advanced than the F-16C/Ds which Taiwan has requested to purchase from the United States.

Ukraine and Venezuela to develop cooperation in aviation

10/19/2010

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has said he highly appreciates the prospects for cooperation with Ukraine in the aviation industry.

China welcomes U.S. intent to waive ban on C-130 aircraft export

10/19/2010

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) spokesman Yao Jian said Friday that China welcomes the U.S. intent to waive the embargo on the export of C-130 planes to China for use in oil spill response operations.

PAF to participate in aviation, aerospace exhibition in Beijing

10/18/2010

Pakistan Air Force (PAF) will participate for the first time in an international aviation and aerospace exhibition being held in China next month.

Israel Ministry of Defense Signs Agreement for Purchase of F-35 Aircraft

10/18/2010

The Israeli Minister of Defense Director General (Maj. Gen. Ret.) Udi Shani, has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance for the procurement of F-35 Lightning II aircraft, produced by Lockheed Martin. Pratt & Whitney's F135 engine will power the initial purchase of the Israel Air Force's F-35 aircraft. The F135 is the only engine currently powering the F-35 aircraft and is in production today. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. company.

Thai fighter jet crashes, killing pilot

10/18/2010

Authorities say a Thai air force pilot was killed when his F16 fighter jet crashed into a mountain in northern Thailand during a training drill.Police Maj. Gen. Chamlong Nomsien says the aircraft has one of four planes from the Royal Thai Air Force taking part in the Monday exercise.He said the planes took off from an air base in central Thailand and one of them suddenly vanished from radar.

CF-18 contract stays in Calgary

10/18/2010

The Harris Corporation will continue to provide avionics maintenance on the CF-18 until the military replaces the craft with the controversial F-35 Lightning II fighter in 2020.

Airbus Military mulls plan to bag multi-billion India deal

10/18/2010

As India seeks to boost its strategic reach by inducting more mid-air refuellers, European defence major EADS has announced that it would aggressively bid for the multi-billion reopened contract by offering latest technology.

New Airbus Military Training Centre opens in Seville

10/17/2010

The new Airbus Military Training Centre has been opened today in Seville (Spain).

C-27J Spartan Visit a Success at the North Dakota Air National Guard

10/17/2010

A Familiarization Tour, conducted by L-3 Platform Integration, Alenia North America, and the companies’ joint venture, Global Military Aircraft Systems, took place at the 119th Wing Airbase today. The day was filled with briefings and familiarization flights for the Airmen and North Dakota National Guard leadership.

RAF reacts ahead of UK defence review which anticipates deep spending cuts

10/15/2010

A senior RAF officer has warned that cuts to military aircraft numbers would leave the United Kingdom vulnerable to attack. Air Marshal Timo Anderson, director general of the Military Aviation Authority, addressed MPs in a private talk, and gave a stark assessment on cuts expected to be outlined next week.

Taiwan: developing unmanned military aircraft

10/15/2010

Taiwan's defence ministry said Tuesday it was developing an unmanned surveillance aircraft, showing that the island's arms race with China has not ended despite improving ties.

Lots of 'hogs' in the skies over Boise this week

10/15/2010

There will be a lot more military aircraft than usual in the skies over southwest Idaho this week. It’s all part of the "Hawgsmoke 2010" competition at Gowen Field.

HAL to play critical role in fifth gen aircraft

10/15/2010

Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) will be playing a critical role in the design and development of the much-vaunted Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) programme , contrary to expectations , the state-owned defence undertaking’s chairman and managing director told ET.

France’s Rafale jet struggles to hit its target overseas

10/15/2010

Nicolas Sarkozy likes to portray himself as the executive president. He sees himself as France’s salesman-in-chief promoting the country’s flagship exports, clinching deals around the world, especially with fast-growing emerging countries like China, India, Brazil and the oil-rich Gulf nations. He has even set up a so-called “war room” in his Elysée palace to support military and civil exports.

DOD retiring famous military aircraft

10/14/2010

Employees working at various test sites throughout Yuma Proving Ground will no longer hear the familiar sounds of either of the two O-2 Skymaster the installation has soaring high overhead.

Super Hornets will put RAAF back on the regional front foot

10/14/2010

The air force is about to reverse a decade of decline with a string of new aircraft. THE balance of power in Asia is changing faster than the new Gillard government would like.

India, Vietnam agree to tone up defence ties

10/14/2010

India and Vietnam on Wednesday decided to tone up their defence-related engagement, with New Delhi agreeing to carry forward its assistance to Hanoi in its ongoing military modernisation.

Egypt air force chief downplays importance of US F-35 sales to Israel

10/14/2010

Commander of the Egyptian Air Force Reda Mahmoud Hafez on Wednesday downplayed the military importance of a recent decision by Washington to provide Israel with a number of US F-35 fighter jets and dismissed fears that the move might alter the regional balance of power.

Israeli firm sells UAV assembly components to Russia

10/14/2010

Israel Aerospace Industries said on Wednesday it has signed a contract with the Russian defense firm Oboronprom on the delivery of assembly components and servicing for aerial drones.

Russia reveals detailed data on defense spending until 2013

10/13/2010

Russia has made public for the first time in many years a detailed account of its defense spending until 2013, the Vedomosti daily said on Tuesday.

Iraqi air force cadets learning to fly

10/13/2010

On a sweltering summer day here recently, 49 young Iraqi cadets sprinted off a C-130 cargo plane to start a three-year journey that Iraqi officials hope will be an important step toward military self-sufficiency.

How to get more air force for the dollar

10/13/2010

The Harper government's decision to forgo a typical competitive process to select Canada's replacement for its aging CF-18s has drawn considerable fire in the editorial pages of this country. Discussion has centred on the issues of competition and the examination of alternative aircraft that might meet Canada's fighter aircraft needs. What has not been examined in particular is what precisely those needs are.

Israel to Military Exercise for a Possible Iran Operation

10/13/2010

The Israeli and Greek Air forces started a joint four-day exercise code-named Minoas 2010 over Crete and the western Peloponnese Peninsula,where as same as Iran coasts, debka file 's military sources report.

Chinese warplanes refueled in Iran enroute to NATO exercise in Turkey

10/13/2010

Turkish sources said Teheran enabled Chinese fighter-jets to refuel in Iranian air space in September. They said the four Chinese Air Force Su-27 combat aircraft had been on their way to Turkey to participate in the NATO-aligned Anatolian Eagle air exercise.

Iran opens airspace to China warplanes

10/12/2010

The Islamic Republic of Iran has reportedly opened its airspace to Chinese warplanes taking part in joint military maneuvers with Turkey.

One $220m C-17 aircraft Acquisition equates to $493m for Sustainment

10/12/2010

The Government of Kuwait has requested a possible sale of "one" C-17 aircraft from Boeing. But with just one aircraft, Kuwait operators will find themselves waiting on the ten elements of LOGISTICS before they can provide: "humanitarian, disaster, and peacekeeping missions, and/or transporting dignitaries, etc."

Brazil delays decision for jets deal

10/12/2010

Adding to a prolonged delay, Brazil says it will wait until the end of the month, when presidential elections will have been completed, to decide on a multibillion-dollar purchase of new combat jets.

P-8A Poseidon: A New Model For Military Procurement

10/12/2010

The Navy is developing a military version of the widely used Boeing 737 airliner to serve as its next-generation maritime patrol aircraft. Designated the P-8A Poseidon, the land-based jet will perform anti-submarine, anti-surface and intelligence-gathering missions for the joint force once it becomes operational in 2013.

India Eyes Su-30 AESA Upgrade

10/12/2010

India is looking at fitting its Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters with Russian Phazotron Zhuk-AE active, electronically scanned array (AESA) radars.

India chooses Russian prototype for its fifth generation aircraft

10/12/2010

The joint development of a fifth generation fighter aircraft has moved to the fore of Russian-Indian cooperation. The issue was discussed during Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov's recent visit to India. But an important question remains: Which fifth generation fighter are we taking about? The first prototype of the T-50 aircraft built under the PAK FA project is already flying in Russia.

It's Sukhoi vs Eurofighter as IAF 'takes on' RAF

10/11/2010

Top-notch fighters and other aircraft from India and UK will match their combat skills in the `Indra-Dhanush' joint exercise at Kalaikunda airbase in West Bengal later this month.

Russian Air Force to receive first Su-35 by yearend - Sukhoi

10/11/2010

The Russian Defense Ministry will receive its first Su-35 fighter plane by the end of the year, Russia's Sukhoi Aircraft Design Bureau said on Monday.

US may lift Chinese arms embargo

10/11/2010

The United States appears ready to lift its 21-year-old arms embargo against China in the wake of President Obama's request on Saturday to ease restrictions on the sale of cargo aircraft to Beijing.

Ill-equipped Philippine military to acquire 26 planes, helicopters from Italy, Poland

10/09/2010

The Philippine air force will acquire 26 trainer and combat utility aircraft from Italy and Poland to bolster its capability to carry out anti-insurgency attacks and respond to disasters, an official said Sunday.

French Form Rafale Training Squadron

10/09/2010

France has stood up a squadron of Rafale F3 multirole fighters at its big fighter base at St. Dizier, in Eastern France, to train pilots transitioning to the new combat aircraft.

SAAF dog fighters in danger of being kenneled

10/09/2010

A severe funding shortfall is dogging the South African Air Force’s (SAAF) fighting ability and placing the highly expensive and capable Saab Gripen combat aircraft in danger of being mothballed. This means that, if funding levels continue at current levels, only the BAE Systems Hawk Mk120 training jets will be kept flying, the Department of Defense’s (DoD) 2009/10 annual report states.

Price Talks Imminent On Indian LCA GE F414

10/08/2010

Price negotiations will begin soon for 99 General Electric F414 fighter jet engines selected to power the Mk II version of the Indian Air Force’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

Hose falls from Marine plane onto home

10/08/2010

A 75-foot refueling hose fell from a large cargo plane that was part of an air show Saturday and landed on a house in a San Diego County neighborhood, according to military officials. No one was injured.

India set to buy around 300 5th generation fighters from Russia

10/08/2010

India is planning to buy up to 300 co-produced fifth-generation fighters and 45 utility transports from Russia, the Indian defense minister said on Thursday.

Israeli Ministry Of Defense Selects Lockheed Martin F-35 For Its Next-Generation Fighter

10/08/2010

Following the Israeli Government decision to select the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II as the Israel Air Force’s next-generation fighter aircraft, Israeli Ministry of Defense Director General (Maj. Gen. Ret.) Udi Shani signed the Letter of Offer and Acceptance for the procurement of the F-35 aircraft earlier today in New York.

Indian Air Force gears up to celebrate its 78th anniversary

10/07/2010

Ahead of the 78th Air Force Day, to be celebrated on Friday, the officers and airmen of the Indian Air Force (IAF) presented an impressive dress rehearsal at the Hindon airbase near Ghaziabad.

Norwegian defence budget: “A good, but tight, defence budget”

10/07/2010

The Government proposes continuing investment in the Armed Forces in 2011 – with a defence budget of NOK 39,249 million. Increased activity, new materiel and security in the High North will be given priority. Increased funding and new efficiency measures in the Armed Forces will in fact represent a strengthening of the defence budget in excess of NOK 300 million.

OEF anniversary: Deployed tanker pilots discuss supporting Afghanistan ops

10/07/2010

In the past nine years, Air Mobility Command statistics show AMC tankers have off-loaded more than 12.2 billion pounds of fuel to aircraft for worldwide military operations, including Operation Enduring Freedom.

Russia, U.S. to Jointly Build Heavy Cargo Aircraft

10/07/2010

Russia and the U.S. are considering the possibility of jointly building a heavy military cargo aircraft, Russia's Defense Minister Anatoli Serdyukov said on Tuesday.

A330 Tanker Gets Military Type Certificate

10/07/2010

In advance of the Royal Australian Air Force’s receipt of its first Airbus A330-based Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) in the coming weeks, Spanish military authorities have provided the aircraft’s military type certificate.

India, Russia to discuss new giant fighter jet deal

10/06/2010

India and Russia will hold talks this week on a multi-billion-dollar deal to supply up to 250 advanced stealth fighter jets to the technology-starved Indian Air Force, officials said on Tuesday.

Japan eyeing U.S. drones

10/06/2010

Japan is considering buying at least three U.S.-made spy aircraft to monitor China's military buildup and North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

Medevac! Medevac! Lifeline over Afghanistan

10/06/2010

As soon as I got off the military aircraft that took me there, I saw a helicopter with a red cross sign painted on it. I approached a crew doing a routine check on their aircraft and, after introducing myself, they explained the details of my embed and gave me some instructions. They pointed me to a section in the chopper where they said I should keep my body armor and helmet, which I have to put on when we flew.

Prince William takes part in first RAF air-sea rescue mission

10/06/2010

Prince William has undertaken his first air-sea rescue mission with the RAF in an offshore operation off Cumbria to help a stricken oil-rig worker.

India Goes Airborne

10/06/2010

The first of six C-130J Super Hercules for India took to the skies for its maiden flight yesterday. The aircraft will now complete a series of company and customer flight tests prior to delivery in December. The second and third aircraft are due to fly within the next few weeks.

Russia's Sukhoi begins Su-33 Flanker-D trials

10/06/2010

Russia's Sukhoi aircraft holding revealed on Tuesday it has begun ground and flight trials of the modernized fourth generation Su-33 naval fighter.

Ukraine's Antonov aircraft producer to compete for multi-billion U.S. tanker tender

10/05/2010

Ukraine's state-run Antonov aircraft producer will compete with U.S. aerospace giant Boeing and Europe's EADS in a multi-billion tender to supply almost 180 airborne refueling tankers to the United States Air Force (USAF), Antonov's President and General Designer Dmitry Kiva said on Monday.

Israel Aerospace Industries to Unveil the "Panther" – a New UAV for Tactical Missions- at 2010 Latrun Conference

10/04/2010

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will unveil its new revolutionary tilt-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for tactical missions, the Panther, at the Latrun Conference in Israel, October 5-7, 2010. The Panther will be exhibited for the first time internationally at the Association of the United States Army's (AUSA) 2010 Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington D.C., October 25-27.

Northrop Grumman, Bell Helicopter Conduct First "Power-On" of New Fire-X Medium-Range Vertical Unmanned System

10/04/2010

Northrop Grumman Corporation and Bell Helicopter, a Textron company (NYSE:TXT), have moved a significant step closer to being able to offer military users a vertical unmanned system that can ferry cargo – either internally or externally – over extended distances.

Saab receives billion order for an airborne surveillance system

10/04/2010

The order concerns delivery of the Saab 2000 AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning & Control) system, which comprises of a Saab 2000 aircraft equipped with the advanced ERIEYE radar system. The contract also includes ground equipment as well as logistics and support services.

Ukraine, Russia plan to build 13 modernized An-70 military transport planes

10/04/2010

Ukraine and Russia plan to build 13 upgraded An-70 short take-off and landing tactical military transport aircraft, the president and chief designer of Ukraine’s Antonov state enterprise told Itar-Tass on Saturday.

Navy to purchase $5.3 billion worth of combat aircraft

10/02/2010

The U.S. Navy is purchasing 124 combat aircraft from defense contractor Boeing as part of a $5.3 billion multi-year contract, the company and the Naval Air Systems Command announced.

US reassures Saudis with arms

10/01/2010

As it prepares to withdraw "fully" from Iraq, the US seems to be concerned about its security posture in the Gulf and the Middle East at large. Amidst mounting domestic pressure to limit its direct military involvement worldwide, and particularly in the Middle East, the Obama administration will be trying to re-establish the regional balance of power, which has been disrupted by the removal of Iran's two key rivals — the Taliban and Saddam Hussain.

Washington pins hopes on Indian fighter deal

10/01/2010

The US administration is stepping up pressure on India to buy US military hardware five weeks ahead of Barack Obama’s first state visit to India.

SAAB optimistic about Indian MMRCA results

10/01/2010

As India's biggest defence contract of USD 10 billion to acquire 126 Medium Multi-role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) nears final stages, the lone Swedish contender SAAB is optimistic of making it to the downlist.

India picks US engines over European for Tejas

10/01/2010

The Americans have upstaged the Europeans yet again in the tussle for the lucrative Indian defence market. The heart of Indian Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA), finally on its way to becoming operational after 27 long years, will be American rather than European.

Lockheed Martin Delivers First Production C-5M Super Galaxy To U.S. Air Force

10/01/2010

Lockheed Martin completed delivery of the first production C-5M Super Galaxy at a ceremony here today with officials from Air Mobility Command, Air Force Material Command and Dover Air Force Base, Del.

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