October 2014 Air Force Military Aviation Defence Industry News
 
 

British Ministryof_Defence_orders_first_batch_of_F_35B_LightningII_stealth_fighter

British Ministry of Defence orders first batch of F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter aircraft
 
British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has announced that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has reached an agreement in principle on an order for the first production batch of four Lightning II stealth combat aircraft.
British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has announced that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has reached an agreement in principle on an order for the first production batch of four Lightning II stealth combat aircraft.
 

Chinese Shenyang J-31 5th-generation stealth fighter to appear at Zhuhai Air Show

Chinese Shenyang J-31 5th-generation stealth fighter to appear at Zhuhai Air Show
 
Over 130 aircraft of various types will participate in the 10th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition to be unveiled on November 11, 2014 in Zhuhai of south China’s Guangdong province, and the J-31 stealth fighter will also appear in Zhuhai and conduct a demonstration flight, according to Nanfang Daily.
Over 130 aircraft of various types will participate in the 10th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition to be unveiled on November 11, 2014 in Zhuhai of south China’s Guangdong province, and the J-31 stealth fighter will also appear in Zhuhai and conduct a demonstration flight, according to Nanfang Daily.
 

Taiwan set to purchase advanced trainers in 2017

Taiwan set to purchase advanced trainers in 2017
 
Taiwan is planning to purchase advanced trainers to replace its aging fleet of F-5E/F jet fighters and AT-3 jet trainers, defense minister Yen Ming said Thursday. The plans to procure advanced trainers are expected to be included in the Ministry of National Defense budget for 2017, Yen said while fielding questions from legislator Lin Yu-fang of the ruling Kuomintang before the Legislature's Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee.
Taiwan is planning to purchase advanced trainers to replace its aging fleet of F-5E/F jet fighters and AT-3 jet trainers, defense minister Yen Ming said Thursday. The plans to procure advanced trainers are expected to be included in the Ministry of National Defense budget for 2017, Yen said while fielding questions from legislator Lin Yu-fang of the ruling Kuomintang before the Legislature's Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee.
 

Raytheon and Thales to upgrade U.K. Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe capability

Raytheon and Thales to upgrade U.K. Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe capability
 
The U.K. Ministry of Defence selected the Raytheon U.K., Thales U.K. team to conduct a one-year study into upgrading existing Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems to Mode 5, which will address NATO's requirement for a new standard of IFF across all platforms.
The U.K. Ministry of Defence selected the Raytheon U.K., Thales U.K. team to conduct a one-year study into upgrading existing Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems to Mode 5, which will address NATO's requirement for a new standard of IFF across all platforms.
 

Royal Thai Air Force signed for two Airbus Helicopter's EC725 tactical transport helicopters

Royal Thai Air Force signed for two Airbus Helicopter's EC725 tactical transport helicopters
 
The airborne capabilities of Thailand’s air force will be significantly enhanced with the acquisition of two mission-ready Airbus Helicopters rotorcraft types: the light-utility EC645 T2 and the 11-ton-class EC725.
The airborne capabilities of Thailand’s air force will be significantly enhanced with the acquisition of two mission-ready Airbus Helicopters rotorcraft types: the light-utility EC645 T2 and the 11-ton-class EC725.
 

China may officially showcase two new fighter jets at Zhuhai Air Show

China may officially showcase two new fighter jets at Zhuhai Air Show
 
The 10th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition to be unveiled on November 11, 2014 in Zhuhai of south China’s Guangdong province may witness the debut of two new models of domestically-made fighters, said Zhou Lewei, head of the Zhuhai Conference and Exhibition Bureau. The most possible models may be two of the J-10B, J-15 or J-16, according to Zhou Lewei.
The 10th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition to be unveiled on November 11, 2014 in Zhuhai of south China’s Guangdong province may witness the debut of two new models of domestically-made fighters, said Zhou Lewei, head of the Zhuhai Conference and Exhibition Bureau. The most possible models may be two of the J-10B, J-15 or J-16, according to Zhou Lewei.
 

Boeing Defense to provide Helicopter Aircrew Training System to Australian Armed Forces

Boeing Defense to provide Helicopter Aircrew Training System to Australian Defence Force
 
A modern helicopter training system for Australian Armed Forces personnel has been approved by the Australian Government, Defence Minister Senator David Johnston announced today, October 23rd. Senator Johnston said the new training system would better prepare Navy and Army aircrew to transition to the ADF’s current combat helicopter fleet, as well as the advanced helicopters entering service this decade.
A modern helicopter training system for Australian Defence Force's personnel has been approved by the Australian Government, Defence Minister Senator David Johnston announced today, October 23rd. Senator Johnston said the new training system would better prepare Navy and Army aircrew to transition to the ADF’s current combat helicopter fleet, as well as the advanced helicopters entering service this decade.
 

Lockheed Martin and Roketsan to jointly develop future SOM-J cruise missile

Lockheed Martin and Roketsan to jointly develop future SOM-J cruise missile
 
Roketsan and Lockheed Martin signed a agreement yesterday for collaboration on the SOM-J, a new generation air-to-surface Standoff Cruise Missile for the F-35 Lightning II. The SOM system is an autonomous, long-range, low-observable, all-weather, precision air-to-surface cruise missile. The SOM-J variant is tailored for internal carriage on the F-35 aircraft. The companies will jointly develop, produce, market and support SOM-J for internal carriage on the F-35 aircraft or external carriage on other aircraft.
Roketsan and Lockheed Martin signed a agreement yesterday for collaboration on the SOM-J, a new generation air-to-surface Standoff Cruise Missile for the F-35 Lightning II. The SOM system is an autonomous, long-range, low-observable, all-weather, precision air-to-surface cruise missile. The SOM-J variant is tailored for internal carriage on the F-35 aircraft. The companies will jointly develop, produce, market and support SOM-J for internal carriage on the F-35 aircraft or external carriage on other aircraft.
 

Slovakia approves the purchase of two C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft

Slovakia approves the purchase of two C-27J Spartan tactical military transport aircraft
 
The Slovak military will purchase two Italian tactical transport aircraft C-27J Spartan for, the government decided at its October 22 session. This move completes the almost six-year procurement process that began in 2008 in the wake of the crash of military aircraft An-24 close to Hungarian village Hejce in which 42 Slovaks died.
The Slovak military will purchase two Italian tactical transport aircraft C-27J Spartan for, the government decided at its October 22 session. This move completes the almost six-year procurement process that began in 2008 in the wake of the crash of military aircraft An-24 close to Hungarian village Hejce in which 42 Slovaks died.
 

Elbit Systems awarded contract for upgrading F-5 fighter jets

Elbit Systems awarded contract for upgrading F-5 fighter jets
 
The Israeli defense company Elbit Systems announced Wednesday that it has been awarded contracts from an unnamed Asian country for roughly $85 million, as Israel's Asian ties continue to blossom. Most of the contract is for an avionics upgrade program to the American-made Northrop F-5 fighter jet, and the rest is for the supply of electro-optic and communications systems, in a deal that will be carried out over the course of three years.
The Israeli defense company Elbit Systems announced Wednesday that it has been awarded contracts from an unnamed Asian country for roughly $85 million, as Israel's Asian ties continue to blossom. Most of the contract is for an avionics upgrade program to the American-made Northrop F-5 fighter jet, and the rest is for the supply of electro-optic and communications systems, in a deal that will be carried out over the course of three years.
 

India grounds complete Su-30MKI fighter aircraft fleet

India grounds entire Su-30MKI fighter aircraft fleet
 
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has grounded its entire fleet of Russia-developed Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft to undergo safety checks, an IAF spokesperson said in an official statement Wednesday, October 22.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has grounded its entire fleet of Russia-developed Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft to undergo safety checks, an IAF spokesperson said in an official statement Wednesday, October 22.
 

Embraer officially rolled out the KC-390 military transport aircraft

Embraer officially rolled out the KC-390 military transport aircraft
 
Brazilian planemaker Embraer unveiled its new KC-390 military transport Tuesday as the country expands its foray into the global security and defense air transport market. Developing the KC-390, the biggest plane Embraer has produced, cost $1.9 billion, paid by the Brazilian Air Force in partnership with Argentina, the Czech Republic and Portugal.The new aircraft was presented at Embraer's testing facility at Gaviao Peixoto in Sao Paulo state at a ceremony attended by Brazil's defense minister, Celso Amorim.
Brazilian planemaker Embraer unveiled its new KC-390 military transport Tuesday as the country expands its foray into the global security and defense air transport market. Developing the KC-390, the biggest plane Embraer has produced, cost $1.9 billion, paid by the Brazilian Air Force in partnership with Argentina, the Czech Republic and Portugal.The new aircraft was presented at Embraer's testing facility at Gaviao Peixoto in Sao Paulo state at a ceremony attended by Brazil's defense minister, Celso Amorim.
 

Poland eyes on Lockheed Martin's Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile for its F-16 fighter jets

Poland eyes on Lockheed Martin's Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile for its F-16 fighter jets
 
Poland wants to buy cruise missiles from the U.S. Air Force “without delay” if the price comes down, Bloomberg reported today. Under a streamlined procedure for NATO allies, congressional committees this month approved a proposed package of as many as 40 of the Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missiles made by Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT) and upgrades to Poland’s fleet of F-16 fighter jets to carry them, together valued by the Pentagon at as much as $500 million.
Poland wants to buy cruise missiles from the U.S. Air Force “without delay” if the price comes down, Bloomberg reported today. Under a streamlined procedure for NATO allies, congressional committees this month approved a proposed package of as many as 40 of the Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missiles made by Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT) and upgrades to Poland’s fleet of F-16 fighter jets to carry them, together valued by the Pentagon at as much as $500 million.
 

Russian Helicopters' Mi-38 pre-series production prototype made its maiden flight

Russian Helicopters' Mi-38 pre-series production prototype made its maiden flight
 
The fourth prototype of the new multirole Mi-38 helicopter has carried out a series of ground runs and completed its first flight at Russian Helicopters' (part of State Corporation Rostec) Kazan Helicopters' test flight centre. The helicopter was piloted by a team comprising commander and test pilot Vladimir Kutanin, the second pilot was second class test pilot Maxim Shezhin, and chief flight test engineer, second class, Sergei Panin.
The fourth prototype of the new multirole Mi-38 helicopter has carried out a series of ground runs and completed its first flight at Russian Helicopters' (part of State Corporation Rostec) Kazan Helicopters' test flight centre. The helicopter was piloted by a team comprising commander and test pilot Vladimir Kutanin, the second pilot was second class test pilot Maxim Shezhin, and chief flight test engineer, second class, Sergei Panin.
 

KRET delivers first batch of Himalaya onboard defense systems for Russian T-50 PAK FA fighter jet

KRET delivers first batch of Himalaya onboard defense systems for Russian T-50 PAK FA fighter jet
 
Russian Concern Radioelectronic Technologies (KRET), a subsidiary of Rostec Corporation, has delivered the first batch of Himalayas, the innovative electronic warfare (EW) systems, for the T-50 advanced frontline aircraft.“We are currently testing it,” General Director Nikolay Kolesov told today, October 21. “T-50 prototypes are already equipped with the Himalayas onboard defense system. The system is used in plane tests,” Kolesov said.
Russian Concern Radioelectronic Technologies (KRET), a subsidiary of Rostec Corporation, has delivered the first batch of Himalayas, the innovative electronic warfare (EW) systems, for the T-50 advanced frontline aircraft.“We are currently testing it,” General Director Nikolay Kolesov told today, October 21. “T-50 prototypes are already equipped with the Himalayas onboard defense system. The system is used in plane tests,” Kolesov said.
 

Australian Ministry of Defence gives green light for Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter upgrade

Australian Ministry of Defence gives green light for Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter upgrade
 
Australian Minister for Defence Senator David Johnston today announced he has given Combined Pass approval for an interim Tactical Data Link for the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters in service with the Australian Army. Under LAND 2089 Phase 3B, a total of 21 Tiger helicopters will be upgraded with a tactical information exchange solution that further integrates the Tiger into the combined arms land force battlespace.
Australian Minister for Defence Senator David Johnston today announced he has given Combined Pass approval for an interim Tactical Data Link for the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters in service with the Australian Army. Under LAND 2089 Phase 3B, a total of 21 Tiger helicopters will be upgraded with a tactical information exchange solution that further integrates the Tiger into the combined arms land force battlespace.
 

Finnish Ministry of Defence launches fighter jets fleet replacement process

Finnish Ministry of Defence launches fighter jets fleet replacement process
 
The Ministry of Defence has commissioned a working group to investigate what type of air defence system Finland needs in the future. Replacing the aging Hornet fighter fleet will cost an estimated 6 billion euros. Owing to the hefty price tag, the working group is also looking to see whether it’s possible to upgrade the existing fleet, which has been in service since 1995.
The Finnish Ministry of Defence has commissioned a working group to investigate what type of air defence system Finland needs in the future. Replacing the aging Hornet fighter fleet will cost an estimated 6 billion euros ($7.7bn). Owing to the hefty price tag, the working group is also looking to see whether it’s possible to upgrade the existing fleet, which has been in service since 1995.
 

India eyes on Nirbhay cruise missile air-launched variant

India eyes on Nirbhay cruise missile air-launched variant
 
DRDO is developing an air-launched version of the 1,500-km-range Nirbhay sub-sonic cruise missile which would be capable of being fired from the Air Force's frontline Su-30MKI combat aircraft. "This Nirbhay missile would be capable of being used from air, land and ships and submarines. An air-launched version of the missile is also being planned," DRDO chief Avinash Chander told PTI here.
Indian Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing an air-launched version of the 1,500-km-range Nirbhay sub-sonic cruise missile which would be capable of being fired from the Air Force's frontline Su-30MKI combat aircraft. "This Nirbhay missile would be capable of being used from air, land and ships and submarines. An air-launched version of the missile is also being planned," DRDO chief Avinash Chander said.
 

Taiwan received fifth and last batch of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters

Taiwan received fifth and last batch of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters
 
Taiwan has taken the delivery of six more AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States, the fifth and final batch of a NT$59.31 billion (US$1.95 billion) order for 30 of the newest Apache model. They flew to an Army Aviation Special Forces base in Tainan Sunday evening after being unloaded and assembled in the southern port city a day earlier, the Army said.
Taiwan has taken the delivery of six more AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States, the fifth and final batch of a NT$59.31 billion (US$1.95 billion) order for 30 of the newest Apache model. They flew to an Army Aviation Special Forces base in Tainan Sunday evening after being unloaded and assembled in the southern port city a day earlier, the Army said.
 

Chinese Y-20 strategic transport aircraft to enter service in People's Liberation Army in two years

Chinese Y-20 strategic transport aircraft to enter service in People's Liberation Army in two years
 
The Y-20, China's first domestically designed large transport aircraft developed by Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation, is likely to enter service with the People's Liberation Army in the next two years, Chinese newspaper People's Daily reported on Oct. 16.
The Y-20, China's first domestically designed large transport aircraft developed by Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation, is likely to enter service with the People's Liberation Army in the next two years, Chinese newspaper People's Daily reported on Oct. 16.
 

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