February 2024 news

Defense Aviation and Aerospace Industry


 

Boeing delivers first MQ-25 Stingray refueling drone to US Navy for airframe integrity testing phase

On February 21, 2024, Boeing Defense announced on its Twitter account that it had delivered the first MQ-25 Stingray drone to the U.S. Navy. Designed for carrier-based aerial refueling, the drone now enters a phase of airframe integrity testing. The MQ-25 Stingray represents the world's first operational, carrier-based unmanned aircraft, equipped with aerial refueling and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities aimed at enhancing the capabilities and versatility of the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) and Carrier Strike Group (CSG).

Indian Air Force incorporates advanced flight control technology into Tejas Mk1A LCA

On February 20, 2024, the Defense Minister announced the successful integration of an advanced flight control system, the 'Digital Fly by Wire Flight Control Computer' (DFWCC), into the prototype of the Tejas Mk1A. This integration marks a significant step towards realizing the government's policy of self-reliance.

KAAN Turkish Stealth Fighter Prototype Makes Successful First Flight

On February 21, 2024, the maiden flight of Türkiye's next-generation fighter jet prototype, named KAAN, was completed. Orchestrated by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), this event represents Türkiye's most significant technological advancement to date, aimed at bolstering its defense capabilities and reinforcing its strategic influence on the international stage.

Indian Air Force to modernize fleet with new batch of 16 C295 transport aircraft

In February 2024, as part of the 'Make in India' initiative, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is celebrating the integration of the first 16 C295 aircraft, marking the beginning of the replacement of its aging Avro-748 fleet. This initial phase of the acquisition program, formalized in September 2021, underscores India's ambition to renew its aerial capabilities with more modern and efficient aircraft.

US approves military sales to Italy for AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles & SDB II Small Diameter Bombs

On February 15, 2024, the United States approved two Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to Italy. The first includes a package of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and associated equipment, estimated at $69.3 million. The second involves the procurement of Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II), or GBU-53/B, along with related equipment, totaling an estimated cost of $150 million.

Ukraine to develop and purchase Turkish Kaan fifth-generation stealth fighter jet

During an interview on CNN Türk on February 15, 2024, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Türkiye, Vasyl Bodnar, revealed that Ukraine has expressed its intention to acquire and deploy the Turkish Kaan ('King') fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. Ambassador Bodnar discussed the partnership, noting that Ukrainian engineers are also involved in the development of a jet engine for the Kaan aircraft.

MQ-4C Triton UAS prepares for Australian skies as Northrop Grumman launches pre-delivery phase

On February 15, 2024, Northrop Grumman announced the transition of Australia's first MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial system (UAS) to the next stage of its deployment process. The UAS was transported from the Palmdale Aircraft Integration Center in California to Patuxent River for the final phase of preparations before being delivered to Australia. The MQ-4C Triton is expected to support the operations of the P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft fleet in monitoring the nation's maritime interests.

New Zealand modernizes its air fleet with the C-130J-30 Super Hercules

The Royal New Zealand Air Force's (RNZAF) first C-130J-30 Super Hercules has rolled off Lockheed Martin's production line in Georgia, USA, now sporting its official livery, complete with the RNZAF Kiwi emblem and the 40th Squadron's marine compass.

Boeing announces deployment of CH-47F Block II Chinooks for US Army

The United States Army has taken a significant step forward in enhancing its heavy-lift helicopter capabilities with the acquisition of additional CH-47F Block II Chinooks from Boeing. This move highlights the Army's commitment to modernizing its fleet with cutting-edge technologies and designs, ensuring operational readiness and optimizing future maintenance costs.

Canada boosts Ukraine aid with a $60 million to train F-16 fighter pilots

Canada has increased its support for Ukraine with an additional $60 million investment to train Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 fighter jet, as announced by Defense Minister Bill Blair. This announcement was made in the lead-up to a NATO ministerial meeting in Brussels.

Merlin collaborates with US Air Force to pilot autonomous technology on KC-135 tanker

Merlin, a company specializing in the development of safe and autonomous flight technologies, has entered into a partnership with the United States Air Force (USAF). This collaboration, which involves the Air Mobility Command (AMC) and the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), aims to transform the iconic KC-135 Stratotanker by integrating Merlin's cutting-edge Pilot system for autonomous operations.

India's Defense Ministry to purchase 6 locally-made Netra MK 1A AWACS

According to BNN on February 13, 2024, the Indian Ministry of Defence is considering the approval of the acquisition of six domestically-developed Netra Mk-1A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. This could potentially strengthen the Indian Air Force's (IAF) air defense capabilities, given that the IAF currently operates only five AWACS aircraft, fewer than its regional neighbors Pakistan and China, which possess nine and thirty AWACS respectively.

General Atomics unveils XQ-67A sensing drone for US Air Force

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) has unveiled its new unmanned aerial vehicle, the XQ-67A, specifically designed for the US Air Force Research Laboratory's Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) program. This program, shrouded in secrecy, aims to deploy drones capable of guiding fighter jets and transmitting essential information on targets and threats to pilots.

US Army cancels further development of FARA Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft program

The FARA program, short for Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft, has been abruptly terminated by the US Army, as reported by Antony Angrand in Air & Cosmos. This decision stems from the rapid evolution of battlefield technologies, which now offer more cost-effective and high-performing alternatives to manned systems.

Quantum Systems introduces Qube 640 most efficient drone-based LiDAR

Quantum-Systems GmbH, a Munich-based innovator in drones employing state-of-the-art multi-sensor technology, unveils its next-generation LiDAR scanner, the Qube 640, exclusively developed in collaboration with YellowScan for the Trinity Pro eVTOL fixed-wing drone.

Sikorsky completes flight tests of three Greek Navy MH-60R Seahawk helicopters

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has completed testing of the integrated mission systems and sensors aboard three MH-60R Seahawk helicopters purchased by the Hellenic (Greek) Navy.

BAE Systems delivering CMWS advanced missile warning systems to US allies

BAE Systems received $114 million in Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contracts from the U.S. Army for AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS), a combat-proven aircraft survivability system for rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft that integrates missile warning, hostile fire indication, and countermeasure controls. CMWS provides the U.S. and its allies with advanced threat detection and countermeasure control capabilities that protect aircraft and air crews who operate in hostile battlefield conditions.

Nigerian Air Force receives 5 new aircraft including two Turkish-made T129 Atak helicopters

As reported by Militarnyi, the Air Force of Nigeria recently received five new aircraft: two Turkish-made TAI T129 Atak helicopters, two Diamond 62 airplanes manufactured by the Austrian company Diamond Aircraft, and one King Air 360ER from Textron Aviation. The King Air 360ER has been specially modified to conduct reconnaissance missions.

WDS 2024: US company AeroVironment showcases Jump 20 VTOL UAS

At the World Defense Show 2024 (WDS 2024) in Saudi Arabia, the US company AeroVironment is showcasing its Jump 20 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), fixed-wing unmanned aircraft system, which offers a range of capabilities and applications. Its deployment in support of US military forces emphasizes its potential in defense operations, as demonstrated by its successful integration of the Switchblade 300 loitering munition.

GA-ASI demonstrates A2E concept with US Air Force Special Operations Command

During a series of demonstrations in December 2023, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) worked collaboratively to execute several capability demonstrations as part of the Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) concept development.

Page 2 of 3