April 2015 Air Force Military Aviation Defence Industry News
 
 

Good things come in threes: Qatar becomes the 3rd export customer of the Dassault Rafale 3004154

Good things come in threes: Qatar becomes the 3rd export customer of the Dassault Rafale
 
According to an official statement by the French presidency, Qatar announced today its intention to purchase the Dassault Rafale multirole fighter aircraft, for a total amount of about 6.3 billion euros ($7.06 billion). The Emir of the state of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani confirmed over the phone yesterday to French president François Hollande his intention to procure 24 fighter aircraft, with an option for 12 other planes.
According to an official statement by the French presidency, Qatar announced today its intention to purchase the Dassault Rafale multirole fighter aircraft, for a total amount of about 6.3 billion euros ($7.06 billion). The Emir of the state of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani confirmed over the phone yesterday to French president François Hollande his intention to procure 24 fighter aircraft, with an option for 12 other planes.
 

Raytheon receives $20 mn from DARPA to continue air-launched hypersonic missile development 3004153

Raytheon receives $20 mn from DARPA to continue air-launched hypersonic missile development
 
The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) granted defense company Raytheon a $20 million contract to develop technology that will allow missile guidance systems to fly more than five times faster than the speed of sound, Raytheon said in a press release on Wednesday, April 29.
The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) granted defense company Raytheon a $20 million contract to develop technology that will allow missile guidance systems to fly more than five times faster than the speed of sound, Raytheon said in a press release on Wednesday, April 29.
 

Upgraded D variant of China's Shenyang J-11 fighter aircraft performed maiden flight 3004152

Upgraded D variant of China's Shenyang J-11 fighter aircraft performed maiden flight
 
The upgraded D variant of China’s J-11 fighter jet has made its maiden flight, Chinese media reported. The jet reportedly has new radar and an air refueling system. The J-11D model, which was tested in the air for the first time on Wednesday, is an upgraded variant, based on the J-11B, with an AESA radar and more composite materials. Its radar, EW systems, FBW systems, and communications equipment are the same as those aboard the Shenyang J-16.
The upgraded D variant of China’s J-11 fighter jet has made its maiden flight, Chinese media reported. The jet reportedly has new radar and an air refueling system. The J-11D model, which was tested in the air for the first time on Wednesday, is an upgraded variant, based on the J-11B, with an AESA radar and more composite materials. Its radar, EW systems, FBW systems, and communications equipment are the same as those aboard the Shenyang J-16.
 

Russia considers restarting production of Tupolev Tu-160 strategic bombers 3004151

Russia considers restarting production of Tupolev Tu-160 strategic bombers
 
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu gave instructions on Wednesday to study the issue of resuming the production of Tupolev Tu-160 (NATO reporting name: Blackjack) supersonic strategic bombers at the Kazan aviation plant in the Volga Republic of Tatarstan, told yesterday April 29 the Russian newspaper Tass.
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu gave instructions on Wednesday to study the issue of resuming the production of Tupolev Tu-160 (NATO reporting name: Blackjack) supersonic strategic bombers at the Kazan aviation plant in the Volga Republic of Tatarstan, told yesterday April 29 the Russian newspaper Tass.
 

Libyan National Army reportedly received four Mi-35P gunship helicopters 2904154

Libyan National Army reportedly received four Mi-35P gunship helicopters
 
According to local media, four new combat helicopters have been delivered to the Libya National Army. They are said to have arrived in Marj two days ago. Pictures released on social medias seem to show that the helicopters delivered are the Russian-made Mi-24P "Hind-F" and are said to have been delivered from the United Arab Emirates, reported yesterday, April 28, the Libyan online newspaper Libya Herald.
According to local media, four combat helicopters have been delivered to the Libyan National Army. They are said to have arrived in Marj two days ago. Pictures released on social medias seem to show that the helicopters delivered are the Russian-made Mi-24P/Mi-35P "Hind-F" and are said to have been delivered from the United Arab Emirates, reported yesterday, April 28, the Libyan online newspaper Libya Herald.
 

Alenia Aermacchi showcases for the first time the M-345 Ground Based Training Demonstrator Device 2804152

Alenia Aermacchi showcases for the first time the M-345 Ground Based Training Demonstrator Device
 
During ITEC, the annual International Forum for the Military Training, Education and simulation sectors, held on 28-30 April 2015 in Prague, Alenia Aermacchi is showcasing, for the first time, the M-345 Ground Based Training Demonstrator Device (GDD). The M-345 GDD, painted in “Frecce Tricolori” livery, is an advanced flight simulator, representative of the flight qualities of the Alenia Aermacchi M-345 HET aircraft and offering a replica of the cockpit and the main flight controls of the aircraft.
During ITEC, the annual International Forum for the Military Training, Education and simulation sectors, held on 28-30 April 2015 in Prague, Alenia Aermacchi is showcasing, for the first time, the M-345 Ground Based Training Demonstrator Device (GDD). The M-345 GDD, painted in “Frecce Tricolori” livery, is an advanced flight simulator, representative of the flight qualities of the Alenia Aermacchi M-345 HET aircraft and offering a replica of the cockpit and the main flight controls of the aircraft.
 

L-3, Exelis to develop EW self-protection solutions for USAF's AC/MC-130J Commando II aircraft 2904151

L-3, Exelis to develop EW self-protection solutions for USAF's AC/MC-130J Commando II aircraft
 
Exelis and L-3 Platform Integration are partnering to provide cutting-edge electronic self-protection capabilities for the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command’s (AFSOC) AC/MC-130J Commando II aircraft. The team’s combined experience in electronic warfare (EW) and platform integration will allow rapid development of a highly advanced yet low-risk solution to protect Air Force special operations aviators from the evolving radio frequency threats they face in their global missions.
Exelis and L-3 Platform Integration are partnering to provide cutting-edge electronic self-protection capabilities for the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command’s (AFSOC) AC/MC-130J Commando II aircraft. The team’s combined experience in electronic warfare (EW) and platform integration will allow rapid development of a highly advanced yet low-risk solution to protect Air Force special operations aviators from the evolving radio frequency threats they face in their global missions.
 

U.S. approves $1.5 bn support contract for RAAF F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fleets

U.S. approves $1.5 bn support contract for RAAF F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fleets
 
The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and future fleet of EA-18G Growler Aircraft Sustainment and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.5 billion. The principal contractor will be The Boeing Company in St. Louis, Missouri.
The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and future fleet of EA-18G Growler Aircraft Sustainment and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.5 billion. The principal contractor will be The Boeing Company in St. Louis, Missouri.
 

Saab unveiled upgraded PS-05/A Mk4 radar system for the Gripen C/D fighter aircraft 2804157

Saab unveiled upgraded PS-05/A Mk4 radar system for the Gripen C/D fighter aircraft
 
Defence and security company Saab announced today, April 28, it has developed the PS-05/A fighter radar to a new version designated Mk4, which gives Gripen C/D improved performance and operating range. The development is a significant step on the roadmap for the future capability enhancement of the Gripen C/D.
Defence and security company Saab announced today, April 28, it has developed the PS-05/A fighter radar to a new version designated Mk4, which gives Gripen C/D improved performance and operating range. The development is a significant step on the roadmap for the future capability enhancement of the Gripen C/D.
 

Belarusian Air Force takes delivery of four Yak-130 trainer aircraft 2804154

Belarusian Air Force takes delivery of four Yak-130 trainer aircraft
 
A solemn ceremony to hand over four new training and light combat aircraft Yak-130 to personnel of the 116th guards assault airbase took place at the Lida airfield on 27 April, reported yesterday the Belarusian newspaper BelTA. The four new aircraft will make up an independent wing as part of the airbase.
A solemn ceremony to hand over four new training and light combat aircraft Yak-130 to personnel of the 116th guards assault airbase of the Belarusian Air Force took place at the Lida airfield on 27 April, reported yesterday the Belarusian newspaper BelTA. The four new aircraft will make up an independent wing as part of the airbase.
 

Indian Air Force likely to receive four more Tejas light combat aircraft by 2015-end 2804153

Indian Air Force likely to receive four more Tejas light combat aircraft by 2015-end
 
The Indian Air Force is likely to get four more indigenously made light combat aircraft Tejas by the end of the current financial year from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, National Aerospace Laboratories' Director Shyam Chetty has said. "The four aircraft may adhere to international standards on end-to-end accuracy," Chetty said, adding, further research was on to meet the parameters stipulated by the IAF.
The Indian Air Force is likely to get four more indigenously made light combat aircraft Tejas by the end of the current financial year from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, National Aerospace Laboratories' Director Shyam Chetty has said. "The four aircraft may adhere to international standards on end-to-end accuracy," Chetty said, adding, further research was on to meet the parameters stipulated by the IAF.
 

Lockheed Martin to supply USAF with more C-130 support and training solutions 2804152

Lockheed Martin to supply USAF with more C-130 support and training solutions
 
Lockheed Martin continues to advance C-130 military airlifter aircrew and maintenance training under recent contract awards from the U.S. Air Force valued at more than $80 million, the US-based company announced yesterday, April 27.
Lockheed Martin continues to advance C-130 military airlifter aircrew and maintenance training under recent contract awards from the U.S. Air Force valued at more than $80 million, the US-based company announced yesterday, April 27.
 

PZL-Swidnik to provide Uganda with GrandNew, W-3A Sokol helicopter for law enforcement 2804151

PZL-Swidnik to provide Uganda with GrandNew, W-3A Sokol helicopter for law enforcement
 
PZL-Swidnik, an AgustaWestland company, announced that it has signed a contract with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uganda for the delivery of a GrandNew and a W-3A Sokol helicopter. These aircraft, which are to be delivered in 2015, will be operated by the Uganda Police to perform law enforcement missions across the nation.
PZL-Swidnik, an AgustaWestland company, announced that it has signed a contract with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uganda for the delivery of a GrandNew and a W-3A Sokol helicopter. These aircraft, which are to be delivered in 2015, will be operated by the Uganda Police to perform law enforcement missions across the nation.
 

Rheinmetall to upgrade NH90 Helicopter Cockpit Trainer for the German Bundeswehr

Rheinmetall to upgrade NH90 Helicopter Cockpit Trainer for the German Bundeswehr
 
The German Bundeswehr is currently upgrading its helicopter training programme with simulation technology from Rheinmetall. In March 2015 the Simulation and Training business unit of Rheinmetall Defence was awarded a contract from Germany’s BAAINBw defence procurement agency to upgrade all NH90 Cockpit Trainer to IOC+ configuration and with additional software modules from Rheinmetall’s Asterion product line.
The German Bundeswehr is currently upgrading its helicopter training programme with simulation technology from Rheinmetall. In March 2015 the Simulation and Training business unit of Rheinmetall Defence was awarded a contract from Germany’s BAAINBw defence procurement agency to upgrade all NH90 Cockpit Trainer to IOC+ configuration and with additional software modules from Rheinmetall’s Asterion product line.
 

Russia to start testing Arctic version of the Mi-8AMTSh-VA helicopter by November 2704153

Russia to start testing Arctic version of the Mi-8AMTSh-VA helicopter by November
 
Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant (part of Russia Helicopters Holding Company) is developing Mi-8AMTSh-VA helicopter designed for operation in the Arctic Region, Voenno-Promishlenniy Courier reports. «The fuselage assembly is being completed. We are receiving documentation for installation of systems. The helicopter should be transferred to the final assembly workshop in April. The work (including testing) should be completed in October or November,» a source said.
Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant (part of Russia Helicopters Holding Company) is developing Mi-8AMTSh-VA helicopter designed for operation in the Arctic Region, Voenno-Promishlenniy Courier reports. «The fuselage assembly is being completed. We are receiving documentation for installation of systems. The helicopter should be transferred to the final assembly workshop in April. The work (including testing) should be completed in October or November,» a source said.
 

Norway, US to conduct observation flight over Russia under Open Skies Treaty 2704152

Norway, US to conduct observation flight over Russia under Open Skies Treaty
 
Head of Russia's National Nuclear Risk Reduction Center Sergei Ryzhkov reported that American and Norwegian specialists will fly over the territory of Russia under the Treaty on Open Skies. "Within the framework of the international Treaty on Open Skies a joint US-Norway mission will conduct an observation flight over the territory of the Russian Federation in the period of April 27-30, 2015, on [a] Romanian Antonov An-30 observation aircraft," Ryzhkov said.
Head of Russia's National Nuclear Risk Reduction Center Sergei Ryzhkov reported that American and Norwegian specialists will fly over the territory of Russia under the Treaty on Open Skies. "Within the framework of the international Treaty on Open Skies a joint US-Norway mission will conduct an observation flight over the territory of the Russian Federation in the period of April 27-30, 2015, on [a] Romanian Antonov An-30 observation aircraft," Ryzhkov said.
 

US approves possible FMS to India for follow-on support of country's C-130J Super Hercules aircraft 2704151

US approves possible FMS to India for follow-on support of country's C-130J Super Hercules aircraft
 
The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to India for Follow-on Support of C-130J Super Hercules Aircraft and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $96 million. The principal contractor will be the Lockheed-Martin Company in Marietta, Georgia.
The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to India for Follow-on Support of C-130J Super Hercules Aircraft and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $96 million. The principal contractor will be the Lockheed-Martin Company in Marietta, Georgia.
 

Airbus Helicopters to supply Ukraine with H125 light utility helicopters

Airbus Helicopters to supply Ukraine with H125 light utility helicopters
 
According to Interfax-Ukraine, the Ukroboronprom state concern has signed agreements on supply of tactical radio communications systems and single-engine helicopters to Ukraine with French companies. The Ukrainian company signed contract for the supply of H125 helicopters and tactical radio communications systems, Interfax told yesterday, April 23.
According to Interfax-Ukraine, the Ukroboronprom state concern has signed agreements on supply of tactical radio communications systems and single-engine helicopters to Ukraine with French companies. The Ukrainian company signed contract for the supply of H125 helicopters and tactical radio communications systems, Interfax told yesterday, April 23.
 

China to deliver last batch of 50 JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft to Pakistan by 2019

China to deliver last batch of 50 JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft to Pakistan by 2019
 
China will turn over the last batch of 50 FC-1 Xiaolong fighters, also knwon as JF-17 Thunder, to Pakistan over the next three years, said Li Pei, the former head of the aircraft project under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, in a report by the Chinese newspaper People's Daily.
China will turn over the last batch of 50 FC-1 Xiaolong fighters, also knwon as JF-17 Thunder, to Pakistan over the next three years, said Li Pei, the former head of the aircraft project under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, in a report by the Chinese newspaper People's Daily.
 

Saab and Brazil sign a $245 mn contract for Gripen NG weapon acquisition

Saab and Brazil sign a $245 mn contract for Gripen NG weapon acquisition
 
Defence and security company Saab and the Brazilian Ministry of Defence, through the Aeronautics Command (COMAER), have signed a contract for Gripen NG weapon acquisition. The total order value is approximately USD 245 million. The order is expected to be booked by Saab during the second half of 2015.
Defence and security company Saab and the Brazilian Ministry of Defence, through the Aeronautics Command (COMAER), have signed a contract for Gripen NG weapon acquisition. The total order value is approximately USD 245 million. The order is expected to be booked by Saab during the second half of 2015.
 

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