March 2015 Air Force Military Aviation Defence Industry News
 
 

Boeing wins contract to deliver up to 32 CH-47F Chinook transport helicopters to US Army

Boeing wins contract to deliver up to 32 CH-47F Chinook transport helicopters to US Army
 
Boeing Co. was awarded a $713,896,061 modification to a previous contract for 26 remanufactured CH-47F transport helicopters, four new CH-47s, and the option of building two more CH-47s, and provides for over and above appropriated funding and obligates long lead funding for Production Lot 14 to the US Army.
Boeing Co. was awarded a $713,896,061 modification to a previous contract for 26 remanufactured CH-47F transport helicopters, four new CH-47s, and the option of building two more CH-47s, and provides for over and above appropriated funding and obligates long lead funding for Production Lot 14 to the US Army.
 

Russia's Air Force received first batch of new Mi-8MPTR-1 electronic warfare helicopters

Russia's Air Force received first batch of new Mi-8MPTR-1 electronic warfare helicopters
 
The Russian Air Force (VVS) received three new Mi-8MTPR-1 electronic warfare (EW) helicopters on 4 March. The Mi-8MTPR-1 is a standard Mi-8MTV-5-1 with a ‘Rychag-AV’ active jamming station installed onboard. The helicopters are designed to be able to detect and suppress electronic command-and-control systems as well as the radars of surface-to air and air-to-air missiles.
The Russian Air Force (VVS) received three new Mi-8MTPR-1 electronic warfare (EW) helicopters on 4 March. The Mi-8MTPR-1 is a standard Mi-8MTV-5-1 with a ‘Rychag-AV’ active jamming station installed onboard. The helicopters are designed to be able to detect and suppress electronic command-and-control systems as well as the radars of surface-to air and air-to-air missiles.
 

Turkey decides to retire ageing fleet of RF-4E reconnaissance aircraft after three crashes

Turkey decides to retire ageing fleet of RF-4E reconnaissance aircraft after three consecutive crashes
 
Turkey will decommission its aging RF-4E Phantom fighter jets as of Thursday after three planes consecutively crashed down in two-week time, Turkish Air Force Commander Gen Abidin Unal said Wednesday, March 11. Eight U.S. made RF-4E jets, remained in the Turkish Air Force's inventory, would be terminated after making their final flights on Thursday, Unal said in a news conference at military base in Eskisehir where a press briefing was held to inform about the jets.
Turkey will decommission its aging RF-4E Phantom fighter jets as of Thursday after three planes consecutively crashed down in two-week time, Turkish Air Force Commander Gen Abidin Unal said Wednesday, March 11. Eight U.S. made RF-4E jets, remained in the Turkish Air Force's inventory, would be terminated after making their final flights on Thursday, Unal said in a news conference at military base in Eskisehir where a press briefing was held to inform about the jets.
 

Russian army simultaneously launches military drills in Southern, Western and Far East regions

Russian army simultaneously launches military drills in Southern, Western and Far East regions
 
According to Russian Defense Ministry a series of military exercises with live firing was launched simultaneously in Russia’s southern and western regions and in the Far East, reports today, Wednesday March 11. About 20 Su-25SM are involved it these exercises. "A series of military exercises with live firing was launched simultaneously Wednesday in Russia’s southern and western regions and in the Far East," the Russian Defense Ministry said.
According to Russian Defense Ministry a series of military exercises with live firing was launched today, Wednesday March 11, simultaneously in Russia’s southern and western regions and in the Far Eas. About 20 Su-25SM are involved it these exercises. "A series of military exercises with live firing was launched simultaneously Wednesday in Russia’s southern and western regions and in the Far East," the Russian Defense Ministry said.
 

Chinese Air Force's flight academy starts using Hongdu L-15 Falcon training and light attack aircraft

Chinese Air Force's flight academy starts using Hongdu L-15 Falcon training and light attack aircraft
 
For the first time, Chinese-made supersonic fighters are being used at the People's Liberation Army's Air Force's flight academy to reform pilot training, the state-media reported Tuesday, March 10. The fighter is "low lost, highly efficient, safe and simple to use and maintain," the PLA Daily, the Chinese military's mouthpiece, said. Currently, flight instructors are the only ones capable of piloting the aircraft.
For the first time, Chinese-made supersonic fighters are being used at the People's Liberation Army's Air Force's flight academy to reform pilot training, the state-media reported Tuesday, March 10. The fighter is "low lost, highly efficient, safe and simple to use and maintain," the PLA Daily, the Chinese military's mouthpiece, said. Currently, flight instructors are the only ones capable of piloting the aircraft.
 

Pakistan plans to offer JF-17 Thunder to overhaul Bulgaria's ageing fighter aircraft fleet

Pakistan plans to offer JF-17 Thunder to overhaul Bulgaria's ageing fighter aircraft fleet
 
Pakistan is to make its own proposal to Bulgaria concerning the overhaul of its aircraft fleet, media reports suggest. Currently the US, Italy and Sweden have been bidding to answer Bulgaria's need to have a squadron of 16 fighter jets replacing the existing one which is made up of Russian-made outdated MiGs. Islamabad's offer is to include JF-17s, multirole 4++ generation fighters which it has been producing jointly with China since 2007, according to daily Presa.
Pakistan is to make its own proposal to Bulgaria concerning the overhaul of its aircraft fleet, media reports suggest. Currently the US, Italy and Sweden have been bidding to answer Bulgaria's need to have a squadron of 16 fighter jets replacing the existing one which is made up of Russian-made outdated MiGs. Islamabad's offer is to include JF-17s, multirole 4++ generation fighters which it has been producing jointly with China since 2007, according to daily Presa.
 

Dassault's nEUROn Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle succesfully completes test campaign in France

Dassault's nEUROn Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle successfully completes test campaign in France
 
With the completion of its 100th flight in February, the nEUROn UCAV technology demonstrator has completed its test campaign in France. Throughout this entire campaign, the nEUROn and associated equipment demonstrated exemplary availability and reliability, said Dassault Aviation, which is leading the program, in an official statement.
With the completion of its 100th flight in February, the nEUROn UCAV technology demonstrator has completed its test campaign in France. Throughout this entire campaign, the nEUROn and associated equipment demonstrated exemplary availability and reliability, said Dassault Aviation, which is leading the program, in an official statement.
 

Diehl Defence, Orbital ATK to jointly manufacture Advanced Anti-Radar Guided Missile in Germany

Diehl Defence, Orbital ATK to jointly manufacture Advanced Anti-Radar Guided Missile in Germany
 
Diehl Defence announced yesterday, Monday March 9, that it has signed an exclusive teaming agreement with the US company Orbital ATK on marketing and manufacturing the Advanced Anti-Radar Guided Missile (AARGM) in Germany.
Diehl Defence announced yesterday, Monday March 9, that it has signed an exclusive teaming agreement with the US company Orbital ATK on marketing and manufacturing the Advanced Anti-Radar Guided Missile (AARGM) in Germany.
 

Prague gives green light for sale of 15 L-159 light multi-role combat aircraft to Iraq

Prague gives green light for sale of 15 L-159 light multi-role combat aircraft to Iraq
 
The Czech Republic has approved the sale of 15 light multi-role combat aircraft to Iraq, the country's defense minister said on Monday, March 9. Czech Defense Minister Martin Stropnicky said his ministry was set to receive 750 million crowns (nearly $30 million) for the L-159 planes.
The Czech Republic has approved the sale of 15 light multi-role combat aircraft to Iraq, the country's defense minister said on Monday, March 9. Czech Defense Minister Martin Stropnicky said his ministry was set to receive 750 million crowns (nearly $30 million) for the L-159 planes.
 

BAE Systems to provide obsolescence management support for US Air Force's systems and platforms

BAE Systems to provide obsolescence management support for US Air Force's systems and platforms
 
The U.S. Air Force has awarded a three-year contract to BAE Systems to provide obsolescence management support for a number of complex systems and platforms, including aircraft, vehicles, machines, and electronics. The initial award is valued at $3 million with the total value of the three-year contract estimated at $37 million.
The U.S. Air Force has awarded a three-year contract to BAE Systems to provide obsolescence management support for a number of complex systems and platforms, including aircraft, vehicles, machines, and electronics. The initial award is valued at $3 million with the total value of the three-year contract estimated at $37 million.
 

Russia ready for further discussion with Indonesia about Su-35 jet fighters procurement

Russia ready for further discussion with Indonesia about Su-35 jet fighters procurement
 
Russia reiterated its readiness on Thursday, March 5, to comply with the transfer-of-technology scheme required by Indonesia should the latter opt to buy Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35 jet fighters to modernize its air force. “I talked to Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu a couple of months ago. We are fully aware of Indonesian government regulations on transfer-of-technology and industrial-offset schemes,” Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Mikhail Galuzin told journalists.
Russia reiterated its readiness on Thursday, March 5, to comply with the transfer-of-technology scheme required by Indonesia should the latter opt to buy Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35 jet fighters to modernize its air force. “I talked to Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu a couple of months ago. We are fully aware of Indonesian government regulations on transfer-of-technology and industrial-offset schemes,” Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Mikhail Galuzin told journalists.
 

Patria and Finland military sign agreement for life-cycle support of country's military aircraft

Patria and Finland military sign agreement for life-cycle support of country's military aircraft
 
The Finnish Defence Forces and Patria have signed a strategic partnership agreement for the life cycle support of military aircraft and related systems. The agreement defines procedures and conditions of decades of cooperation as well as strengthens the strategic cooperation that the parties have agreed to maintain under all circumstances.
The Finnish Defence Forces and Patria have signed a strategic partnership agreement for the life cycle support of military aircraft and related systems. The agreement defines procedures and conditions of decades of cooperation as well as strengthens the strategic cooperation that the parties have agreed to maintain under all circumstances.
 

Sikorsky wins $8mn contract for Phase 1 of the Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System program

Sikorsky wins $8mn contract for Phase 1 of the Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System program
 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced on Wednesday March 4 that the United States' Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded the company an $8 million contract for Phase 1 of the Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System (ALIAS) program.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced on Wednesday March 4 that the United States' Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded the company an $8 million contract for Phase 1 of the Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System (ALIAS) program.
 

Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg sign joint air policing agreement

Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg sign air policing agreement
 
Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg, agreed, on Wednesday March 4, to share surveillance and protection of their air spaces, in the first agreement of its kind among EU countries. Starting from 2017, Belgian and Dutch air forces will take turn to monitor the Benelux airspace. Luxembourg has no military airforce but will open its air space to its neighbours’ jets.
Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg, agreed, on Wednesday March 4, to share surveillance and protection of their air spaces, in the first agreement of its kind among EU countries. Starting from 2017, Belgian and Dutch air forces will take turn to monitor the Benelux airspace. Luxembourg has no military airforce but will open its air space to its neighbours’ jets.
 

Spain's Army Airmobile Forces showcase new Tiger HAD attack and destruction helicopter

Spanish Army's Airmobile Forces showcase new Tigre HAD attack and destruction helicopter
 
The new version of the Airbus' Tiger attack helicopter, known as Tiger HAD (Hélicoptère d'Attaque et de Destruction) has been presented to the public by the Spanish Army on March 4, at the base "Coronel Maté" of Colmenar Viejo (Madrid), Headquarters of the Spanish Army Airmobile Forces.
The new version of the Airbus' Tigre attack helicopter, known as Tigre HAD (Hélicoptère d'Attaque et de Destruction) has been presented to the public by the Spanish Army on March 4, at the "Coronel Maté" airbase in Colmenar Viejo (Madrid), Headquarters of the Spanish Army Airmobile Forces.
 

Trinidad and Tobago orders 4 Bell 429s and one Bell 412EPI in SAR variant

Trinidad and Tobago orders four Bell 429s and one Bell 412EPI in SAR variant
 
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, announced today the sale of four Bell 429s configured for Airborne Law Enforcement (ALE) and one Bell 412EPI configured for Search and Rescue (SAR) to the National Operations Centre, Air Division (NOCAD) in Trinidad and Tobago. The contract was signed by NOCAD Executive Director Mr. Garvin Heerah in a formal signing ceremony at HAI.
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, announced today the sale of four Bell 429s configured for Airborne Law Enforcement (ALE) and one Bell 412EPI configured for Search and Rescue (SAR) to the National Operations Centre, Air Division (NOCAD) in Trinidad and Tobago. The contract was signed by NOCAD Executive Director Mr. Garvin Heerah in a formal signing ceremony at HAI.
 

Sikorsky begins final assembly of S-97 Raider multi-role helicopter second prototype

Sikorsky begins final assembly of S-97 Raider multi-role helicopter second prototype
 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., today announced the start of final assembly of the second S-97 RAIDER™ helicopter at the company's Development Flight Center. The second prototype of the S-97 RAIDER(TM) arrives at Sikorsky's Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., today announced the start of final assembly of the second S-97 RAIDER™ helicopter at the company's Development Flight Center. The second prototype of the S-97 RAIDER arrives at Sikorsky's Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.
 

Airbus Helicopters officially unveils all-new H160 medium-class helicopter at Heli-Expo 2015

Airbus Helicopters officially unveils all-new H160 medium-class helicopter at Heli-Expo 2015
 
Airbus Helicopters yesterday presented its all-new H160, raising the standards for performance, cost effectiveness, passenger comfort and environmental impact to create the medium-class rotorcraft benchmark. As the first product introduced with the Airbus Helicopters corporate identity and its new numbering designation, this 5.5-6-ton-class rotorcraft’s nose-to-tail breakthroughs in design and systems exemplify the company’s transformation plan that puts customer satisfaction and operational safety first.
Airbus Helicopters yesterday presented its all-new H160, raising the standards for performance, cost effectiveness, passenger comfort and environmental impact to create the medium-class rotorcraft benchmark. As the first product introduced with the Airbus Helicopters corporate identity and its new numbering designation, this 5.5-6-ton-class rotorcraft’s nose-to-tail breakthroughs in design and systems exemplify the company’s transformation plan that puts customer satisfaction and operational safety first.
 

Sikorsky Aircraft wins $241 mn contract for delivery of 22 UH-60M helicopters to the US Army

Sikorsky Aircraft wins $241 mn contract for delivery of 22 UH-60M helicopters to the US Army
 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Connecticut, was awarded a $241,701,155 contract to exercise option for a quantity of 22 UH-60M aircraft to support contingency operations. The estimated completion date is December 31, 2016. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut. US Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Connecticut, was awarded a $241,701,155 contract to exercise option for a quantity of 22 UH-60M aircraft to support contingency operations. The estimated completion date is December 31, 2016. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut. US Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
 

General Atomics and SENER sign partnership to offer Predator B UAS to Spain

General Atomics and SENER sign partnership to offer Predator B UAS to Spain
 
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a leading manufacturer of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems solutions, and SENER, a leading Spanish engineering company, today announced that they have signed a teaming agreement that promotes the use of the multi-mission Predator B® RPA to support Spain’s airborne surveillance and reconnaissance requirements.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a leading manufacturer of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems solutions, and SENER, a leading Spanish engineering company, today announced that they have signed a teaming agreement that promotes the use of the multi-mission Predator B® RPA to support Spain’s airborne surveillance and reconnaissance requirements.
 

Page 3 of 4