SAF acquires new fighting machines to do more with less

Source: CNA/hz

F18 is IF Kuwait will sell their 2ndhand to us and US allows

Gripen is my choice of new buy IF we want to avoid US*, but it costs about the same as F35A and F18SH too, $80-85m

We will never get F15SE as America is not selling, it only has about 200 of the best current Eagle variant in USAF service

12 Gripen NG will cost approx $1.5 billion including weapons and support, aka Rm6 billion. That is the entire TUDM capex budget for 6 years. If we can ask for a 12-year loan that is realistic for our MRCA/MIG replacement.

*Of course my real choice is to buy American, preferably F18SH, but politics...

Blink and you’ll miss it: The B-21 bomber accomplishes another big review
By: Valerie Insinna



WASHINGTON — The Air Force’s super-secret new bomber recently completed its critical design review, an Air Force official confirmed Dec. 6.

The official, who was not authorized to speak on the record on the program, offered no further details about the status of the B-21 Raider. However, Air Force officials had stated that the milestone was slated to occur by the end of 2018 — putting the program on pace to begin fielding aircraft around 2025.

During the Reagan National Defense Forum on Dec. 1, Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson told reporters that the program had recently accomplished a key review, although it was not immediately clear whether it was the critical design review.

Tokyo set to become second biggest F-35 operator

18 December, 2018 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Greg Waldron Singapore

The Japanese cabinet has approved a plan to add an additional 105 Lockheed Martin F-35s to its planned fleet of 42 examples, potentially making it the world’s second largest F-35 operator.

In a press briefing, the chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga confirmed that the country’s Medium Term Defence Program has been approved by the cabinet.

Of Tokyo’s eventual F-35 fleet of 147 examples, it is likely that 107 will be conventional take-off and landing F-35As, while 40 will be short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) F-35Bs. Flight Fleets Analyzer shows that a fleet of this size would make Tokyo the second largest operator of the F-35 type after the United States, and putting it ahead of the United Kingdom.

JF-17 breaks cover at Myanmar air force party

17 December, 2018 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Greg Waldron Singapore

The Chengdu/Pakistan Aeronautical Complex JF-17 Thunder has appeared at a celebration to mark the 71st anniversary of Myanmar’s air force.

Images and video of the 15 December event on social media show four JF-17s are visible on static display in Myanmar’s distinctive blue camouflage scheme. One image shows a Myanmar officer inspecting a JF-17 cockpit, with a special ‘71’ logo visible on the jet’s fuselage.

Despite persistent rumors about a Myanmar sale for the single-engined type, and the appearance of a JF-17 in the Myanmar camouflage scheme last year, officials from Pakistan and China have not officially announced the deal.

Lockheed Martin delivers first Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles

20 December, 2018 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Garrett Reim Los Angeles

Lockheed Martin has delivered the first set of Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM) to the US Air Force, reaching Early Operational Capability for the weapon.

LRASM is a precision, anti-ship standoff missile based on the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile – Extended Range. As part of its Early Operational Capability, the missile was integrated on board the USAF’s Boeing B-1B bomber. The LRASM is scheduled to achieve Early Operational Capability on the US Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet in 2019.

Leonardo flies first production-standard M-345

21 December, 2018 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Dominic Perry London

Leonardo has flown the production-standard version of its M-345 jet trainer, as it works towards service entry with the Italian air force in 2020.

Aero Vodochody L-39NG completes first flight

24 December, 2018 SOURCE: Flight International London

The first pre-production L-39NG jet trainer (msn 7001) completed its maiden flight on 22 December from Vodochody airport in the Czech Republic.

Leonardo TH-119 trainer helicopter makes first flight

21 December, 2018 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Garrett Reim Los Angeles

The Leonardo TH-119 IFR training helicopter completed its first test flight at the company’s Philadelphia plant on 20 December.

The TH-119, based on the single-engine AW119 utility helicopter, is Leonardo’s offer to replace the US Navy’s TH-57 Sea Ranger training helicopter fleet. The USN released a draft request for proposals on 31 October, with the winner of the competition promised a contract to produce 125 trainers.

SB-1 Defiant breaks cover

27 December, 2018 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Greg Waldron Singapore

Sikorsky and Boeing have unveiled the SB-1 Defiant helicopter, providing a pair of images showing the rotorcraft from the front and rear.

The type had been expected to fly in 2018, but in mid-December the Sikorsky-Boeing team decided to push this into 2019.

“The SB-1 DEFIANT is designed to fly at twice the speed and range of today’s conventional helicopters and offers advanced agility and manoeuvrability. It will help inform the next generation of military helicopters as part of the U.S. Army’s Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program,” says a joint statement from Boeing and Sikorsky parent Lockheed Martin.

Il-112V undergoes taxi trials ahead of first flight

29 December, 2018 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com London

The initial prototype of Ilyushin’s Il-112V transport has begun taxi trials on the runway at the VASO manufacturing plant in Voronezh, as United Aircraft (UAC) prepares the twin turboprop for its maiden flight.

The high-wing design is powered by two Klimov TV7-117ST turboprops. The initial variant is the Il-112V military transport, with a civil Il-112T version also planned.

The Il-112V’s flight-test schedule has been subject to several delays but under UAC's most recent plan the maiden sortie had been expected before the end of 2018.

Russia continues A-50 AEW&C upgrade work

31 December, 2018 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Greg Waldron Singapore

The Russian Air Force has taken delivery of an upgraded Beriev A-50U Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft as part of a broader fleet upgrade.

Following the work, the aircraft, based on the Ilyushin IL-76, can “track more targets and guide more fighters,” says state arms company Rostec in a statement. The upgrades were conducted by Beriev Aircraft Company and Vega Radio Engineering.

The A-50U is also superior at detecting a broader range of aircraft than previously, “including completely new aircraft.”

US Marine Corps orders 25 more Bell AH-1Z attack helicopters

22 January, 2019 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Garrett Reim Los Angeles

The US Marine Corps has ordered 25 additional Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters for $439.5 million.

The helicopters are part of production Lot 16, the Department of Defense said in a notice on 18 January. Naval Air Systems Command is contracting the aircraft on behalf of the USMC.

Some 60% of the work on the attack helicopters will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas and the rest will be done in Amarillo, Texas. The lot is expected to be completed in January 2022.

France signs $89m deal for FLIR micro drones

22 January, 2019 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Garrett Reim Los Angeles

France has signed a contract with a ceiling value of $89 million to buy an undisclosed number of FLIR Systems' Black Hornet 3 micro unmanned air vehicles for its armed forces.

The tiny drone is intended for squad-sized units for tactical-level intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance. It is equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors, providing live video and still image feeds.

The micro UAV can fly for up to 25min, has a range of 1.08nm (2km), and can fly at speeds up to 11.6kt (21.5km/h). The UAV weighs only 33g and is 168mm (6.6in) long. And, FLIR says it can withstand winds up to 15kt (27.78km/h) and gusts of 20kt (30km/h).

Tokyo casts frugal eye over domestic F-35 production

22 January, 2019 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Greg Waldron Singapore

Tokyo will review indigenous production of the Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter with an eye to saving production costs.

No decision has been made about the fate of long-term F-35 production in Japan, but the Japanese government clearly sees potential to save costs by taking jets from the main Fort Worth production line, according to a government document viewed by FlightGlobal.

Tokyo is replacing its McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantoms with the F-35, and ordered 42 examples in 2011. Of these, four were built at the Fort Worth production line, with the remaining 38 to come from a final assembly and checkout (FACO) line set up by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagoya.

Ivory Coast orders single C295 transport

22 January, 2019 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Greg Waldron Singapore

The Ivory Coast air force has finalised an order for a single Airbus Defence & Space C295 medium transport.

“The C295 has proven its outstanding capabilities in the exceptionally harsh sub-Saharan Africa operating environment,” says Bernhard Brenner, head of marketing and sales at Airbus Defence & Space.

Flight Fleets Analyzer shows that the Ivory Coast air force currently operates five aircraft: two Antonov An-26 transports, aged 33 and 34 years, and a trio of Mil Mi-24 attack helicopters.

Thales to develop new connected sensors for Rafale F4 standard

01/18/2019

Thales, as a member of the Rafale joint venture (Groupement d’Intérêt Economique), has been awarded a contract by the French defence procurement agency (DGA) to contribute to the development of the Rafale F4 standard, enabling the Rafale combat aircraft to maintain its superiority against new threats.

Under the Rafale F4 standard development programme, Thales engineers and technicians will enhance the aircraft's onboard sensors and improve connectivity to offer a broader range of capabilities and new operational functions by enabling greater interconnection between the Rafale and all the other assets deployed on the mission. Collaborative combat is now crucial for taking part in coalition operations, countering new types of threats and conducting sovereignty operations. In particular, Thales will prepare for the introduction of the CONTACT radio; secure, intelligent communications server technology; and a Syracuse IV satellite communications capability. To ensure high survivability, new threat detection and jamming capabilities will be developed for the aircraft's SPECTRA electronic warfare system. Further improvements to the air-to-ground mode of the RBE2 active electronic scanning array (AESA) radar are also planned. In addition, the TALIOS optronic pod will incorporate artificial intelligence to analyse tactical data almost instantaneously in flight and extract and identify targets.

"This contract is a further endorsement by the French Ministry for the Armed Forces of the industrial know-how and advanced technology expertise of French defence contractors. The Rafale F4 standard's sensors and communication systems will be a key driver of the shift towards collaborative combat, and Thales's capabilities in connectivity and artificial intelligence will enable Rafale air crews to make the best choices in every decisive moment," Patrice Caine, Chairman & CEO, Thales.

France and Germany sign first FCAS development contracts

07 February, 2019 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Michael Gubisch London

France and Germany have stepped up their efforts to develop a joint Future Air Combat System (FCAS) by awarding Airbus and Dassault a first contract for the project, while Safran Aircraft Engines and MTU Aero Engines have announced a partnership to build the aircraft's powerplants.

German defence minister Ursula von der Leyen, and her French counterpart, Florence Parly, signed an agreement on 7 February with the two airframers to conduct a joint concept study, worth €65 million ($74 million) for the programme.

This comprises both a manned fighter and unmanned aircraft, which are scheduled from 2040 to replace France's Dassault Rafales and the Eurofighter Typhoons currently operated by Germany.

Sikorsky stays defiant over SB-1 helicopter prospects

07 February, 2019 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Dominic Perry London

Sikorsky remains confident that the SB-1 Defiant helicopter it is jointly developing with Boeing can achieve a target speed of around 270kt (500km/h), even though the technology demonstrator is yet to leave the ground.

The US manufacturer insists that first flight is imminent – more than a year later than planned – with the fourth in a series of ground runs completed this week.

Sikorsky's speed predictions are based on wind-tunnel modelling conducted at NASA's Ames Research Center with a one-fifth scale replica – a second round of which is due to take place in February.

US Navy retires last of legacy F/A-18 Hornets

6 February, 2019 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Garrett Reim Los Angeles

The US Navy marked retirement of its last legacy McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet fleet in a fly-over ceremony at sunset on 1 February at Naval Air Station Oceania in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

The Blue Blasters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34 were the last squadron in the USN flying the Hornet, most recently aboard aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson during freedom of navigation patrols in the South China Sea in 2018, says the USN. The legacy F/A-18C Hornet is being replaced by the Boeing F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet, including the single-seat E model and the two-seat F model.

The twin-engined Hornet was based on the Northrop YF-17 design submitted for the US Air Force’s Lightweight Fighter programme in the 1970s. It lost out to General Dynamics’s YF-16 – later developed into the F-16 Fighting Falcon – in 1975. However, a few months after that decision the USN announced that it would buy a navy version of the aircraft, jointly developed by McDonnell Douglas and Northrop, which would become the F/A-18 Hornet.

Qatar receives first of 36 Rafale fighters

06 February, 2019 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Dominic Perry London

Dassault has handed over the first of an eventual 36 Rafale combat aircraft – a DQ two-seat variant – to Qatar, for operation by the country's air force.

Doha signed for 24 examples in 2015, adding a further 12 aircraft a little over two years later.

“For the fourth time in our long and trustful partnership with Qatar, a Dassault aircraft will serve proudly in the Qatari Emiri Air Force," says Dassault chief executive Eric Trappier.

Boeing transfers fifth KC-46A to Altus base

11 February, 2019 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Craig Hoyle London

Boeing has delivered its fifth KC-46A Pegasus tanker to the US Air Force, with its latest example the first to be transferred to Altus AFB in Oklahoma.

The heavily adapted 767 – registered 76027 – arrived at the site from Everett, Washington on 8 February, exactly two weeks after Boeing had transferred a lead pair of the type to McConnell AFB, in Kansas. That location also received the programme's third and fourth examples, the company says.

Assigned to the 97th Air Mobility Wing, the new tanker will be used by the 56thAir Refuelling Squadron to support "aircrew, maintenance and support training", Boeing says. "Three additional KC-46A aircraft will be delivered to Altus in the coming weeks," it adds.

kalau aku sembang cerita leftenen zana dkt sini korang marah tak?

Finland approved to be offered EA-18G Growler

19 February, 2019 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Ellis Taylor Perth

Boeing and the US Navy have received approval from the US Department of Defense to offer the EA-18G Growler electronic attack jet to Finland.

The approval came after Finland’s defence ministry issued a query about the potential to acquire Growlers as part of its HX fighter procurement programme that is aimed at replacing its 62 Boeing F/A-18C/Ds.

DoD to begin negotiations to buy 485 Lockheed Martin F-35s

14 February, 2019 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Garrett Reim Los Angeles

The F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office intends to solicit and negotiate multiple contracts to buy 485 stealth fighters from Lockheed Martin.

The negotiations are for aircraft to be built as part of production Lots 15, 16 and 17, the Department of Defense office said in a notice posted online 13 February announcing its intent to begin bargaining. The contracts would provide for long lead time materials, parts, components, initial spares, and labour, as well as production and testing equipment.

The anticipated award date is in the third quarter of calendar year 2021, the Pentagon says. The notice did not disclose costs and the Joint Programme Office said it wouldn’t speculate about prices during negotiations, though it expects the price of the F-35A to fall.

Gripen E enters serial production as Saab targets sales

15 February, 2019 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Craig Hoyle London

Saab is continuing to make good progress with its Gripen E programme, with chief executive Hakan Buskhe revealing that it launched serial production of the fighter early this year.

Speaking during an annual results presentation on 15 February, Buskhe said the programme advance was made "in the first week of January". Saab is under contract to produce 60 examples of the new-generation type for the Swedish air force, and 36 E/F-model examples in partnership with Embraer for Brazil.

Following scheduled first deliveries to both customers before year-end, the Gripen E is expected to be available for use in Sweden from 2021, according to Stockholm's FMV defence materiel administration. Initial operational capability has previously been set for 2023.

Spain joins Franco-German FCAS fighter programme

15 February, 2019 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Michael Gubisch London

Spain has joined the existing Franco-German effort to develop a future combat air system (FCAS), which is scheduled to enter service by 2040.

During a NATO meeting in Brussels on 14 February, Spain's minister of defence, Margarita Robles, signed a letter of intent with her respective French and German counterparts, Florence Parly and Ursula von der Leyen, covering the country's integration into the programme.

Madrid says that the country is joining the initiative on "equal terms with France and Germany" and that the project will give Spain "leadership visibility" within European security and defence policies.

Boeing unveils new loyal wingman drone in Australia

26 February, 2019 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Garrett Reim Los Angeles

Boeing Australia unveiled at the Avalon air show in Victoria, Australia a mock-up of a new unmanned air vehicle called the Airpower Teaming System, designed to fly as a loyal wingman alongside fourth- and fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

Similar to the US Air Force Laboratory Loyal Wingman concept, Boeing says it is co-developing the drone with the Government of Australia, but has designed the drone not to any specific military requirement. Boeing and Australia will produce a concept demonstrator called the Loyal Wingman - Advanced Development Programme that is intended to provide key learnings toward production of the Boeing Airpower Teaming System.

With the Airpower Teaming System, Boeing joins Kratos Defense & Security Solutions in a rapidly-forming market for drones capable of teaming with fast-moving manned aircraft such as fighters like the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet or Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. The vision: dozens of cheap and expendable UAVs flying and fighting alongside expensive manned aircraft – a new air force structure intended to greatly expand the lethality of the USA and allies.

​AVALON: Zephyr gears up for Australian payload work

26 February, 2019 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Greg Waldron Melbourne

Airbus Defence & Space is gearing up for a series of payload tests operating from the Western Australian town of Wyndham with its revolutionary Zephyr unmanned aircraft.

Airbus heavily promoted the type at the Avalon air show, with a large model housed in a special pavilion. “Enduring like an satellite, focused like an aircraft,” was written in large letters on the floor.

Though the aircraft is capable of operating for weeks in the stratosphere, regulatory hang-ups mean the examples Airbus is deploying to Australia had to be flown in aboard a freighter aircraft.

​AVALON: Boeing eyes T-X opportunity in Australia

26 February, 2019 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Greg Waldron Melbourne

Boeing is positioning its T-X advanced jet trainer and its accompanying training system for a long-term requirement in Australia.

No request for proposals has been issued, but Boeing has held discussions with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) for the T-X, says Boeing vice-president Thom Breckenridge.

“There is no specific RFP yet, but we do understand there is a requirement and we’ve had discussions with the RAAF.”

Brazilian navy orders three Airbus H135 light helicopters

22 February, 2019 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Garrett Reim Los Angeles

Brazil’s navy ordered three Airbus H135 light twin-engine helicopters.

The helicopters will be operated by the 1st General Purpose Helicopter Squadron and will be used for missions such as special operations, transport of troops and freight, naval inspection, search and rescue and medical evacuation, says Airbus Helicopters. The aircraft are replacements for the Brazilian navy’s twin-engine, light utility Eurocopter AS355 Écureuil helicopter.

Two of the helicopters will be equipped with medical kits, while other equipment will include a cargo hook, an emergency flotation system, a winch, as well as weather radar. The rotorcraft could also be used to carry out missions with the Brazilian Antarctic Programme in the near future, says Airbus.

Lockheed's F-21 reveal: marketing or masterstroke?

22 February, 2019 SOURCE: Flight International BY: Flight International

What’s in a name – particularly when your product seemingly already has more than enough of them to choose from?

Lockheed Martin surprised everyone at the Aero India show near Bengaluru by launching its F-21 fighter in pursuit of a 110-unit opportunity with the nation’s air force.

Was this product some masterstroke of top-secret design work achieved by the US giant, perhaps hidden behind the scrutiny of its F-35 Lightning II activities? No – it was instead a redesignation of its rather clunkily titled F-16V Block 70 product, but with some nifty additions made to tempt New Delhi.

AERO INDIA: Boeing offers India futuristic Super Hornet factory

21 February, 2019 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Greg Waldron Bangalore

Boeing has promoted its industrial capabilities in India, as it eyes potential deals to sell the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to the nation's air force and navy.

Speaking at the Aero India show near Bengaluru on 21 February, company officials said it would build a “factory of the future” in India to produce the Super Hornet. New Delhi has two separate requirements for combat aircraft: 110 for the air force and 57 for the navy.

For the opportunities with New Delhi, the company would pitch the Super Hornet’s new Block III variant, which features updated avionics and sensors, and has an increased range through the use of conformal fuel tanks.

Serbia receives MiG-29 fighters from Belarus

26 February, 2019 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Igor Salinger Belgrade

Serbia formally accepted four RAC MiG-29 fighters donated by Belarus during a ceremony at the latter's 558th Aircraft Repair Plant in Baranavichy on 25 February.

Maintenance and overhaul work to be funded by Serbia, along with the replacement of some avionics and the installation of new navigation and communication equipment, will take up to 18 months to complete, with Belgrade expecting its first modified aircraft to be available before year-end.

Northrop Grumman Australia’s F-35 repair work outlined

22 February, 2019 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Garrett Reim Los Angeles

Northrop Grumman Australia was awarded a contract by the US Department of Defense for maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade (MRO&U) work on Lockheed Martin F-35 fighters stationed in the Asia-Pacific region.

Northrop Grumman Australia, as well as BAE Systems, Moog, Ruag, NIOA, Survitec, and GE Aviation, will provide services for 13 of 17 MRO&U component repair technology groups assigned to the Asia-Pacific region, the company said on 22 February. The value of the contract awarded to Northrop Grumman Australia was not disclosed.

Contracted companies will provide regional services for the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter, including depot repair for avionics, munitions and weapons delivery, canopy systems, aircraft composite structure, electro-optical systems, electrical components, valves, auxiliary power systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, pneudraulics, hydro-mechanical systems, landing gear, life support and pumps. For its part, Northrop Grumman Australia will deliver avionics, composites (in partnership with Quickstep) and electro-optics repair (in partnership with BAE Systems) services, the company says.

Greek navy takes initial reactivated P-3B

17 May, 2019 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Dominic Perry London

Greece has received its first revived Lockheed Martin P-3B Orion as part of a “rebirth” of the country’s maritime patrol capability as it brings stored aircraft back to service.

Following work performed by Hellenic Aerospace Industries (HAI), the initial aircraft, described as an “interim” step, was presented to Greece’s navy on 17 May.

An additional four aircraft are scheduled to be modernised under the effort, which includes a mid-life upgrade to extend the service life of the turboprop type by 15,000h and the installation of new mission equipment.

Boeing kicks off design work for EA-18G upgrade

09 May, 2019 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Garrett Reim Washington DC

Boeing has started design work to upgrade the US Navy’s (USN) fleet of EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft.

The upgraded aircraft will be designated Growler Block II and include features already on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, such as the advanced cockpit system and conformal fuel tanks. It will include improved sensors and an upgraded electronic attack package.

In particular, the Growler Block II would have the computer power necessary to manage Loyal Wingman unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) that are being considered by the US Department of Defense as a means to cheaply expand US military’s fleet of combat aircraft.

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