All Defence articles
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NewsUS Army soldier becomes first non-aviator to operate autonomous UH-60 demonstrator
A US Army soldier has become the first non-aviator to independently plan and execute missions using Sikorsky’s optionally piloted UH-60 Black Hawk demonstrator in training exercises.
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NewsAnduril logs first flight with YFQ-44A autonomous fighter prototype
US air force secretary Troy Meink heralded the start of competitive flight-testing as a key breakthrough in the effort to field a new class of uncrewed tactical jets known as Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
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NewsUS Navy contractor phasing in Robinson TH-66 for rotary-wing training
US Navy and Coast Guard pilot trainees will receive basic rotary-wing instruction using Robinson’s TH-66 light helicopter under a new partnership with contractor Helicopter Institute.
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In depthUSAF seeks 22% fighter fleet expansion to 1,558 jets by 2035
The US Air Force requires a 22% expansion of its fighter fleet to 1,558 aircraft by 2035, up from 1,271 currently, according to an analysis report obtained by FlightGlobal that cites global security requirements and an ageing inventory as major impediments to the goal.
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NewsNew Chinese trainer hints at need to train fifth-generation pilots
Images circulating on Chinese social media show a new twin-engine advanced jet trainer featuring canted tails and low-observable design elements, potentially aimed at preparing pilots for fifth-generation fighter operations.
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NewsAustralia begins P-8A Poseidon capability upgrade programme
The first Australian Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft has entered a capability upgrade programme that will improve its submarine detection and targeting capabilities.
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In depthLawmakers urge Boeing to end 12-week strike at fighter plant strike
Sixteen House Armed Services Committee members have written to Boeing chief executive Kelly Ortberg demanding resolution of the 12-week strike at the company’s St Louis fighter production facility, citing national security concerns as delays impact F-15EX deliveries.
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NewsUS Air Force ‘hurricane hunter’ flight turned back by severe turbulence
A US Air Force weather reconnaissance flight was forced to return early after encountering severe turbulence while collecting data on Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm that later struck Jamaica.
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NewsFrench navy to lease trio of Pilatus PC-24 business jets from Jet Aviation
Jet Aviation is to acquire a trio of Pilatus PC-24 midsize business jets for lease to the French navy as transport and training assets.
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NewsItaly lines up follow-on order for 29 AW249 Fenice attack helicopters in €1.22 billion deal
Italy has begun the process of contracting a third batch of Leonardo AW249 Fenice attack helicopters for its army in a deal valued at €1.22 billion ($1.41 billion).
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AnalysisSecond J-36 prototype emerges with configuration changes
Fresh imagery from Chinese social media indicates a second prototype of China’s three-engined J-36 fighter has begun test flights, featuring significant configuration modifications including revised engine intakes, landing gear arrangement and exhaust system.
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NewsBell names chief commercial officer as new CEO after Atherton promotion
Rotorcraft manufacturer Bell has appointed chief commercial officer Danny Maldonado as its new chief executive, effective January, following Lisa Atherton’s promotion to lead parent company Textron.
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NewsTextron plans Wichita assembly for Beechcraft M-346N military trainer
US airframer Textron will build its new Beechcraft military jet at its Wichita hub if it secures a US Navy contract to supply the service’s next-generation trainer programme.
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NewsAirbus to pitch Eurofighter as replacement for Portugal’s F-16 fleet
Airbus Defence & Space has signed a memorandum of understanding with Portuguese manufacturers to develop a Eurofighter industrial proposition for the country’s F-16 fighter replacement programme.
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NewsTurkey orders 20 Eurofighter Typhoons under £5.4bn deal
Turkey has agreed to purchase 20 Eurofighter Typhoon fighters in a £5.4bn deal that will extends production UK manufacturing sites into the 2030s.
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NewsSeoul reviews AH-64E plans, with CH-47F as only bidder for special ops deal
Seoul is reviewing its planned acquisition of 36 additional Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, while the CH-47F Chinook has emerged as the only bidder for a separate special operations helicopter requirement.
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AnalysisUS Air Force strategy ‘likely to fail’ in Taiwan conflict, new report warns
Academic study concludes US Air Force approach to airpower in East Asia during major war against China would likely fail, with Chinese missiles capable of targeting regional facilities used by American forces.
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NewsUS Air Force OA-1K Skyraider crashes during Oklahoma training mission
A US Air Force OA-1K Skyraider II turboprop crashed during a training mission in Oklahoma on 23 October, with both crew escaping injury. The incident involved one of the service’s newest light-attack aircraft.
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NewsSaab discussing extra production hub to support Ukrainian Gripen E purchase
Saab is already looking at ways of significantly increasing production of its Gripen E fighter to satisfy a major opportunity to equip the Ukrainian air force from later this decade, chief executive Micael Johansson says.
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In depthKAI advances KF-21 export drive as fighter nears service entry
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is pursuing its first international sale of the KF-21 Boramae fighter while advancing development of a single-seat FA-50 variant and exploring an ambitious tactical transport project.