MAY 2018 news

Air Forces - Aerospace and Defense Industry


PLAAF H-6K bombers land for the first time on South China Sea airport

The People's Liberation Army Air Force landed its H-6K bomber aircraft on an airport in the South China Sea during a recent exercise, marking the first time Chinese bombers have used an airport in the region..

First production Mi-171A2 multirole helicopter completes maiden flight

The first production helicopter Mi-171A2 has taken a test flight at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant owned by the Russian Helicopters Holding Company (part of Rostec). The first multirole Mi-171A2 will be delivered to UTair-Helicopter Services for experimental operation in polar regions.

Russian State Flight Test Center to be first to receive MiG-35 fighters

Russia's State Flight Test Center in Akhtubinsk in south Russia will be the first in the Aerospace Force to receive Mikoyan MiG-35 (NATO reporting name: Fulcrum-F) fighter jets after their state trials are completed, Air Force Commander and Aerospace Force Deputy Commander-in-Chief Andrei Yudin said.

China plans to deliver AG600 amphibious aircraft by 2022

The China-developed AG600 large amphibious aircraft is expected to be delivered to customers by 2022, says manufacturer the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

Orbital ATK and IMI to jointly promote MPR bombs family for US

Orbital ATK and IMI Systems Ltd. have announced a teaming agreement in which Orbital ATK will produce and supply a U.S. version of IMI’s 500-lb Multi-Purpose Rigid Bomb (MPR500) and the MPR family of bombs for the United States, the two companies said on May 9, 2018.

PLAAF J-20 fighter jets perform first over-the-sea combat training

China's J-20 stealth fighter jets have begun their first-ever combat training over the ocean, a spokesperson confirmed Wednesday. "It will help the air force better fulfill its sacred duty of safeguarding China's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity," said Shen Jinke, spokesman for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force.

Israel smashed Iranian-operated installations in Syria

On the 9-10 May night, retaliating to a mass attack by Iranian rockets on Israeli positions in the Golan region, the Israeli armed forces fired a large number of missiles on Iranian operated installations in Syria.

IAF' Upgraded C-130HI Karnaf airlifter declared operational

The Israeli Air Force C-130HI "Karnaf" aircraft was officially declared operational in an induction ceremony held last Wednesday in Nevatim AFB. The aircraft reached operational status after a year-long modification process, which extends the aircraft's lifespan using advanced avionic systems.

PLAAF' Y-20 airlifter conducts first airdrop and air delivery training exercise

China's Y-20 heavy transport aircraft has undergone its first airborne and air delivery training, said the Chinese air force on Tuesday. According to Shen Jinke, spokesperson of the air force, it marked a leap in the air force's strategic delivery and long-distance airborne combat abilities.

Indian Mi-17 helicopters to get new EW suites

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to fit 90 legacy Mi-17-family helicopters with new electronic warfare (EW) suites, according to the Tribune newspaper.

Russia's Mi-38T military chopper about to take flight

Russia's new Mi-38T military helicopter designed for airborne troops will conduct its maiden flight in May, local news said Friday. "The plan is to see the helicopter, which is being adapted to the Defense Ministry's requirements, take off on its maiden flight in May," the Sputnik news agency quoted a spokesperson of Kazan Helicopters, the manufacturer of the aircraft, as saying.

Saab opens new Gripen facility in Brazil

Saab unveils a 5,000-square-meter facility for its future Gripen fighter jet aerostructures plant: Saab Aeronáutica Montagens (SAM), in the city of São Bernardo do Campo, in São Paulo state, Brazil. This is another important step in the Gripen Programme in Brazil. Saab Aeronáutica Montagens (SAM) will produce aerostructures for the Brazilian Gripen fighter and is preparing to become part of Saab´s global supply chain.

Russian MoD Cancels Il-96-400TZ Aerial Tanker Contract

Russian Defense Ministry refused to develop Il-96-400TZ long-range aerial tanker, newspaper Izvestia reports.

Su-35S fighter jets officially entered service with PLAAF

The People`s Republic of China`s (PRC`s) Ministry of National Defense has confirmed that the People`s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has introduced into service Sukhoi Su-35S (NATO reporting name: Flanker-E+) multirole combat aircraft supplied by Russia.

BAE lands $175M US Navy order for APKWS laser-guided rockets

The U.S. Navy has awarded BAE Systems a $175 million contract for more than 7,000 cost-efficient Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guided rockets, the defense contractor announced on May 8, 2018.

USAF starts Light Attack Experiment's Phase Two

Flying began May 7, 2018, for the US Air Force’s second phase of the Light Attack Experiment at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico.Pilots are flying the Sierra Nevada/Embraer A-29 Super Tucano and the Textron Aviation AT-6B Wolverine during a three-month, live-fly experiment to gather additional information about aircraft capabilities, as well as partner nation interoperability, prior to a potential light attack purchase.

Afghan Air Force gets two more A-29 Super Tucanos

A new wave of two A-29 Super Tucanos arrived at Moody Air Force Base in support of the USAF 81st Fighter Squadron’s training mission for the Afghan Air Force pilots, April 24 and 26.

Russia lost eight helicopters in Syria since 2015

A Russian Kamov Ka-52 (NATO reporting name: Hokum-B) helicopter has crashed in Syria, killing both pilots, the Defense Ministry’s press office said. "A Russian Ka-52 helicopter crashed while performing a routine flight over eastern regions of the Syrian Arab Republic. Both pilots were killed," the press office said.

Nigerian Air Force receives additional Mi-35M combat helicopters

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) received two Mil Mi-35M (NATO reporting name: Hind-E) gunships in late April, according to the press department of the service. Pictures were released on the NAF official Facebook page.

Aviall joins Bronco Combat Systems team

Boeing, through its subsidiary Aviall, today announced Aviall’s leadership role in supply chain management for the production of the Advanced High-Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft (AHRLAC), developed by Paramount Group. Aviall also is joining the recently launched industry team Bronco Combat Systems to bring the Bronco II aircraft to the U.S. market.

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