MARCH 2018 news

Air Forces - Aerospace and Defense Industry


Lockheed Cyber Solutions division to compete for USAF Unified Platform contract

The Cyber Solutions division of Lockheed Martin on March 6 announced its plans to compete for the U.S. Air Force’s Unified Platform contract by unveiling details about the Henosis prototype, a joint integrated mission system, at the company’s annual Media Day.

Undisclosed Middle Eastern country orders Puma II AE UAS

AeroVironment, Inc. yesterday announced that a major country in the Middle East has awarded the company a contract valued at $44.5 million (USD) for Puma II AE small UAS featuring the new Mantis i45 sensor.

Rostvertol launched production of Mi-28UB second batch

Russian Helicopters launched the production of a second batch of Mi-28UB training helicopters for the Defense Ministry. The rotorcraft are assembled by Rostvertol and will be supplied by the end of the year, the holding said.

IAF Helicopter Division about to integrate new Mobileye protection system

The Israel Air Force's (IAF) Flight Test Squadron is currently performing a series of tests regarding helicopter safety, at the end of which the capability to detect proximity and prevent possible collisions will be integrated into the IAF Helicopter Division, the service press office unveils today.

TFab Manufacturing wins $19M order under US Army LIMWS program

TFab Manufacturing, LLC, (TFab) a subsidiary of Tyonek Manufacturing Group, Inc. (TMG) and Tyonek Native Corporation, has been awarded a $19 million contract to support the Limited Interim Missile Warning System (LIMWS). LIMWS is the U.S. Army's competitive procurement activity to provide upgraded capability to the warfighter beyond the AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning System (CMWS).

Su-30SM fighter jet officially accepted into VVS service

Multirole Su-30SM fighter jet was accepted into service of the Russian Aerospace Forces by a resolution of the Russian president of January 12, 2018, the Vympel corporate publication of the Toropov Vympel Company of the Tactical Missiles Corporation (KTRV) reported.

Thales' rockets complete firing campaigns with Airbus HForce weapon system

Thales has been recently awarded a contract from Airbus Helicopters for the test of its rocket systems to boost the H145M mission capability, the French Group said on March 5, 2018.

New Kinzhal hypersonic missile being tested by Russian Air Force

The Russian armed forces have already received the air-launched Kinzhal (Dagger) missile complex, President Vladimir Putin said last week in his State of the Nation Address.

RAAF receives first F-35A mobile mission system facilities

The first two mobile mission system facilities to support the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) F-35A aircraft have been delivered by Lockheed Martin Australia, the RAAF announced on March 5, 2018.

Nigerian Air Force graduates first CH-3A UAV pilots

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on 2 March 2018 graduated the first set of in-house trained pilots for its CH-3A Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), as part of the human capacity development initiatives of the current NAF leadership, the service said on its Facebook page.

Antonov and Saudi partners sign MoU for An-132 production

Antonov Company, Taqnia Aeronautics, a subsidiary of Saudi Technology Development and Investment Co (TAQNIA) and WAHAJ, an affiliate of SIPCHEM have signed a three-party MoU to manufacture the AN−132 aircraft.

Boeing launches new unmanned systems development program in Australia

Australia will be home to Boeing’s largest autonomous systems development program outside of the United States following a new partnership agreement with the Queensland Government, the US giant said on March 1st.

T-50 fighter jet successfully tested in Syria says Shoigu

Two fifth-generation T-50 fighter jets have successfully completed a two-day test program in Syria, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on March 2, 2018.

Airbus comments Belgium participation in MMF program

Airbus Defence and Space has received a firm order for an Airbus A330 MRTT Multi Role Tanker Transport from Europe’s organisation for the management of cooperative armament programmes – OCCAR – on behalf of NATO Support & Procurement Agency (NSPA), the European aircraft maker said today.

Iran Unveils Modified Sidewinder Missile for anti-armor role

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) on Wednesday unveiled a new air-to-ground missile that can be mounted on combat helicopters, Press TV reported. Dubbed Azarakhsh (Thunderbolt) seems to be an AIM-9P short-range air-to-air missile modified for anti-armor role.

Indra to protect Spanish A400Ms with InShield DIRCM System

Indra InShield DIRCM System (Direct Infra-Red Counter-Measure System) has been selected to equip up to nine A400M military transport aircrafts of the Spanish Air Force, the Spanish defense company said on February 23, 2018.

France launches new airborne SIGINT platform program

French Defense Minister Florence Parly has launched on Wednesday the plan of a new strategic intelligence aircraft program titled "Universal electronic warfare capability" (CUGE).

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