June 2015 Air Force Military Aviation Defence Industry News
 
 

Sri Lanka could become the first export customer of the PAC JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft

Sri Lanka could become the first export customer of the PAC JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft
 
According to the Pakistani daily 92NewsHD, Sri Lanka could become the first foreign country to acquire Pakistan's multi-role combat aircraft JF-17 Thunder, and the Pakistan Air Force will begin delivery of the fighter to Sri Lanka from 2017.
According to the Pakistani daily 92NewsHD, Sri Lanka could become the first foreign country to acquire Pakistan's multi-role combat aircraft JF-17 Thunder, and the Pakistan Air Force will begin delivery of the fighter to Sri Lanka from 2017.
 

Northrop Grumman to supply US Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve with anti-missile systems

Northrop Grumman to supply US Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve with anti-missile systems
 
Northrop Grumman Corporation has been awarded a delivery order from the US Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA) to deliver an advanced anti-missile system to the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command, the US company announced today, June 22, 2015.
Northrop Grumman Corporation has been awarded a delivery order from the US Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA) to deliver an advanced anti-missile system to the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command, the US company announced today, June 22, 2015.
 

France takes delivery of its seventh Airbus A400M military airlifter

France takes delivery of its seventh Airbus A400M military airlifter
 
The French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) announced today it has received on Friday June 19, 2015 the seventh A400M Atlas military transport aircraft ordered for the French Air Force. The aircraft received the MSN19 serial number. In addition to capabalities already available on previously delivered aircraft, MSN19 comes with the ability to deploy airborne troops from the rear ramp.
The French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) announced today it has received on Friday June 19, 2015 the seventh A400M Atlas military transport aircraft ordered for the French Air Force. The aircraft received the MSN19 serial number. In addition to capabalities already available on previously delivered aircraft, MSN19 comes with the ability to deploy airborne troops from the rear ramp.
 

KRET started production of the new President-S on-board defense system

KRET started production of the new President-S on-board defense system
 
KRET has begun the production of President-S on-board aircraft defense systems which provide effect counter measures to rockets with infrared and optical targeting warheads, the Russian state corporation Rostec announced on June 17, 2015 The President-S Onboard defense system (ODS) provides counter measures against ground to air rockets, and also rockets from mobile air defense systems.
KRET has begun the production of President-S on-board aircraft defense systems which provide effective counter measures to rockets with infrared and optical targeting warheads, the Russian state corporation Rostec announced on June 17, 2015 The President-S Onboard defense system (ODS) provides counter measures against ground to air rockets, and also rockets from mobile air defense systems.
 

Airservices Australia and RAAF sign MoA for operating Heron UAS in Australian civil airspace

Airservices Australia and RAAF sign MoA for operating Heron UAS in Australian civil airspace
 
Airservices Australia and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the operation of the Heron remotely piloted Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) in Australian civil airspace. Commander of Surveillance and Response Group Air Commodore Chris Westwood and Airservices Australia’s Executive General Manager Air Traffic Control Greg Hood signed the MoA at a ceremony in Canberra.
Airservices Australia and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the operation of the Heron remotely piloted Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) in Australian civil airspace. Commander of Surveillance and Response Group Air Commodore Chris Westwood and Airservices Australia’s Executive General Manager Air Traffic Control Greg Hood signed the MoA at a ceremony in Canberra.
 

Selex ES to equip Embraer's KC-390 transport aircraft with its Gabbiano T20 radar system

Selex ES to equip Embraer's KC-390 transport aircraft with its Gabbiano T20 radar system
 
Selex ES has received a contract from Embraer Defense & Security to provide an undisclosed number of Gabbiano T20 radar systems for the KC-390 transport aircraft procured by the Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira, FAB). Deliveries will begin this year, Selex ES announced yesterday June 19, 2015.
Selex ES has received a contract from Embraer Defense & Security to provide an undisclosed number of Gabbiano T20 radar systems for the KC-390 transport aircraft procured by the Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira, FAB). Deliveries will begin this year, Selex ES announced yesterday June 19, 2015.
 

Pakistan reportedly close to sign deal for four Russian-made Mi-35M gunship helicopters

Pakistan reportedly close to sign deal for four Russian-made Mi-35M gunship helicopters
 
Pakistan is close to finalise a deal with Russia to buy Mi-35M "Hind E" attack helicopters, a sign of increasing defence ties between the Cold War-era adversaries. According to a source in the Russian military, “Following the results of the talks held earlier on helicopters, which Pakistan would like to get from Russia, a draft contract on the delivery of four Mi-35M gunships has been sent to the Pakistani side. Pakistan is now studying the document”, reported local medias.
Pakistan is close to finalise a deal with Russia to buy Mi-35M "Hind E" attack helicopters, a sign of increasing defence ties between the Cold War-era adversaries. According to a source in the Russian military, “Following the results of the talks held earlier on helicopters, which Pakistan would like to get from Russia, a draft contract on the delivery of four Mi-35M gunships has been sent to the Pakistani side. Pakistan is now studying the document”, reported local medias.
 

Lockheed Martin to supply Royal Jordanian Air Force with Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods

Lockheed Martin to supply Royal Jordanian Air Force with Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods
 
Lockheed Martin recently received a contract to deliver Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP) to the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) in support of urgent operational requirements. Under the contract, Lockheed Martin will deliver 10 Sniper ATPs and provide integration support beginning later this year. The RJAF is currently conducting precision-strike missions with five Sniper ATPs it acquired in 2014.
Lockheed Martin recently received a contract to deliver Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP) to the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) in support of urgent operational requirements. Under the contract, Lockheed Martin will deliver 10 Sniper ATPs and provide integration support beginning later this year. The RJAF is currently conducting precision-strike missions with five Sniper ATPs it acquired in 2014.
 

Qatar adds four more aircraft to its fleet of Boeing C-17 Globemaster III airlifters

Qatar adds four more aircraft to its fleet of Boeing C-17 Globemaster III airlifters
 
Boeing and the government of Qatar recently signed an agreement for the purchase of four more C-17 Globemaster III airlifters. These aircraft will join the Qatar Armed Forces’ (QAF) existing fleet of four and help meet their ongoing airlift requirements, Boeing announced yesterday during at Paris Air Show 2015.
Boeing and the government of Qatar recently signed an agreement for the purchase of four more C-17 Globemaster III airlifters. These aircraft will join the Qatar Armed Forces’ (QAF) existing fleet of four and help meet their ongoing airlift requirements, Boeing announced yesterday at Paris Air Show 2015.
 

Lockheed Martin successfully achieved 25,000 hours durability test on F-16 fighter aircraft

Lockheed Martin successfully achieved 25,000 hours durability test on F-16 fighter aircraft
 
Lockheed Martin recently completed 25,000 hours of simulated flight time on an F-16C Block 50 aircraft, demonstrating the safety and durability of the F-16 well beyond the aircraft’s original design service life of 8,000 Equivalent Flight Hours (EFH). Further testing is being conducted to identify a definitive, safe flight hour limit for the aircraft, the US-based company announced yesterday June 11, 2015.
Lockheed Martin recently completed 25,000 hours of simulated flight time on an F-16C Block 50 aircraft, demonstrating the safety and durability of the F-16 well beyond the aircraft’s original design service life of 8,000 Equivalent Flight Hours (EFH). Further testing is being conducted to identify a definitive, safe flight hour limit for the aircraft, the US-based company announced yesterday June 11, 2015.
 

Finland could spend up to $10bn to replace its fleet of F/A-18 Hornet fighters

Finland could spend up to $10bn to replace its fleet of F/A-18 Hornet fighters
 
Finland is planning to replace its existing fleet of American-made front-line fighter jets with either U.S. or European-made warplanes in a purchase that could cost up to 10 billion euros ($11.23 billion), Finnish defense officials said Thursday, June 11. A preliminary report prepared for Finland's defense ministry recommends that the formal selection for Finland's new fighter jet should start next year and end in a purchasing decision in 2021.
Finland is planning to replace its existing fleet of American-made front-line fighter jets with either U.S. or European-made warplanes in a purchase that could cost up to 10 billion euros ($11.23 billion), Finnish defense officials said Thursday, June 11. A preliminary report prepared for Finland's defense ministry recommends that the formal selection for Finland's new fighter jet should start next year and end in a purchasing decision in 2021.
 

China sent bombers, fighters and ships in the Bashi Channel for combined exercises

China sent bombers, fighters and ships in the Bashi Channel for combined exercises
 
The aviation force of the Chinese PLA Navy sent its aircraft on June 10 to the airspace over the sea area in east of the Bashi Channel, West Pacific Ocean, to conduct a coordinated training exercise with a Chinese naval taskforce cruising in that sea area, Chinese Navy Spokesperson Liang Yang said on Wednesday, June 10, 2015.
The aviation force of the Chinese PLA Navy sent its aircraft on June 10 to the airspace over the sea area in east of the Bashi Channel, West Pacific Ocean, to conduct a coordinated training exercise with a Chinese naval taskforce cruising in that sea area, Chinese Navy Spokesperson Liang Yang said on Wednesday, June 10, 2015.
 

Antonov's new An-178 medium size military airlifter started flight tests phase

Antonov's new An-178 medium size military airlifter started flight tests phase
 
The Ukrainian aircraft manufacturer Antonov announced today it began flight tests phase of the newest An-178 medium size military transport aircraft. Pictures released on Antonov website show the aircraft performing flight tests in the Ukrainian sky. The An-178 transport aircraft will be officially presented for the first time on static display at the 51st Paris Air Show, that will take place in Paris from 15 to 21 June.
The Ukrainian aircraft manufacturer Antonov announced today it began flight tests phase of the newest An-178 medium size military transport aircraft. Pictures released on Antonov website show the aircraft performing flight tests in the Ukrainian sky. The An-178 transport aircraft will be officially presented for the first time on static display at the 51st Paris Air Show, that will take place in Paris from 15 to 21 June.
 

IAI expands Heron TP UAV capabilities by integrating new M-19HD EO payload

IAI expands Heron TP UAV capabilities by integrating new M-19HD EO payload
 
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is enhancing its Heron TP UAV's capabilities with long-range persistent surveillance options and area dominance capabilities by integrating it with its high definition M-19HD EO payload, developed and produced by IAI's Tamam Division. The M-19HD has successfully completed flight tests onboard manned and unmanned platforms, including the Heron 1 UAS and is currently being offered to various customers.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is enhancing its Heron TP UAV's capabilities with long-range persistent surveillance options and area dominance capabilities by integrating it with its high definition M-19HD EO payload, developed and produced by IAI's Tamam Division. The M-19HD has successfully completed flight tests onboard manned and unmanned platforms, including the Heron 1 UAS and is currently being offered to various customers.
 

US Air National Guard deploys 10 additional F-16 fighter aircraft in Japan

US Air National Guard deploys 10 additional F-16 fighter aircraft in Japan
 
Airmen from the 158th Fighter Wing, US Air National Guard, in Burlington, Vermont, will deploy this month in support of the Pacific Command Theater Security Package (TSP). Approximately 150 personnel and 10 F-16 Fighting Falcons are set to deploy to the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, the 18th Wing Public Affairs office announced Tuesday June 9, 2015.
Airmen from the 158th Fighter Wing, US Air National Guard, in Burlington, Vermont, will deploy this month in support of the Pacific Command Theater Security Package (TSP). Approximately 150 personnel and 10 F-16 Fighting Falcons are set to deploy to the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, the 18th Wing Public Affairs office announced Tuesday June 9, 2015.
 

Israeli and American Air Forces deepen cooperation with a new strategic agreement

Israeli and American Air Forces deepen cooperation with a new strategic agreement
 
The cooperation between the Israeli and American Air Forces has been recently deepened, as the two air forces signed a strategic agreement aimed at institutionalizing their joint activity, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) announced in an official statement, June 9, 2015.
The cooperation between the Israeli and American Air Forces has been recently deepened, as the two air forces signed a strategic agreement aimed at institutionalizing their joint activity, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) announced in an official statement, June 9, 2015.
 

Turkey, US and NATO partners kicked off Anatolian Eagle 2015 aerial drill

Turkey, US and NATO partners kicked off Anatolian Eagle 2015 aerial drill
 
Anatolian Eagle 15, a flying training exercise involving U.S. Air Forces in Europe units and multiple NATO partners, kicked off at the Konya Air Base, Turkey, June 8, announced the USAF. Anatolian Eagle is a bi-annual event with U.S. participation since 2001. This year, other participants along with the U.S. include units from Turkey, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, and Pakistan.
Anatolian Eagle 15, a flying training exercise involving U.S. Air Forces in Europe units and multiple NATO partners, kicked off at the Konya Air Base, Turkey, June 8, announced the USAF. Anatolian Eagle is a bi-annual event with U.S. participation since 2001. This year, other participants along with the U.S. include units from Turkey, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, and Pakistan.
 

Lockheed Martin to upgrade USAF's SBIRS infrared surveillance and missile warning satellites

Lockheed Martin to upgrade USAF's SBIRS infrared surveillance and missile warning satellites
 
The U.S. Air Force’s newest infrared surveillance and missile warning satellites will be based on Lockheed Martin’s modernized A2100 spacecraft, an update that improves system affordability and resiliency while also adding the flexibility to use future payloads. The fifth and sixth Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites will receive this advanced spacecraft technology at no additional cost to the existing fixed-price contract.
The U.S. Air Force’s newest infrared surveillance and missile warning satellites will be based on Lockheed Martin’s modernized A2100 spacecraft, an update that improves system affordability and resiliency while also adding the flexibility to use future payloads. The fifth and sixth Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites will receive this advanced spacecraft technology at no additional cost to the existing fixed-price contract.
 

US approves possible FMS to Lebanon for six A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft

US approves possible FMS to Lebanon for six A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft
 
The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Lebanon for A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $462 million, the US Defense Security and Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced today June 10.
The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Lebanon for A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $462 million, the US Defense Security and Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced today June 10.
 

Swedish Defense Minister heads to India for promoting Saab's Gripen NG fighter aircraft

Swedish Defense Minister heads to India for promoting Saab's Gripen NG fighter aircraft
 
Swedish Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist will arrive in India tomorrow on a four-day visit during which he is expected to offer Gripen NG fighter aircraft or a possible joint collaboration in manufacturing single engine light combat planes, reports today the Economic Times. Hultqvist, who will arrive tomorrow night, will also visit the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited units in Bengaluru.
Swedish Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist will arrive in India tomorrow on a four-day visit during which he is expected to offer Gripen NG fighter aircraft or a possible joint collaboration in manufacturing single engine light combat planes, reports today the Economic Times. Hultqvist, who will arrive tomorrow night, will also visit the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited units in Bengaluru.
 

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