Tag: aerospace
249 articles
Pakistan Air Force Weighs J-35, Kızılelma as F-16 Alternatives
Baykar's Kızılelma UCAV just hit a major milestone, successfully test-firing a Roketsan JET-230 air-launched ballistic missile, further cementing its status as a cutting-edge, strike-capable drone. This latest achievement builds on last year's groundbreaking radar-guided air-to-air missile launch from the same platform.
Farnborough Air Show Navigates Iran War Tensions, Defense Spending Debates
The cancellation of the Royal International Air Tattoo has thrown the spotlight on the Farnborough International Air Show, now set to be the premier aerospace gathering of the summer. With tensions in the Middle East running high, all eyes will be on Farnborough from July 21 to 24.
Defense Contractors Push Back on NDAA Buyback Provision
Raytheon is seizing the spotlight at the Farnborough International Airshow, showcasing its battle-tested Coyote counter-UAS system, which has seen action in multiple theaters of operation. The company is leveraging real-world results to drive sales, with executive Joseph DeAntona touting the system's proven performance.
China Weighs Risks in J-35 Fighter Jet Sale to Pakistan
A potential deal for Pakistan to acquire 40 advanced J-35 fighter jets from China has been rumored since 2024, but remains unconfirmed - if finalized, it could drastically shift the balance of power on the Indian subcontinent. The sale would mark a significant boost for Pakistan's military, but China is reportedly exercising caution to avoid giving Islamabad too great an advantage.
China's J-20 Fighter Production Hits 300 Mark
The J-20 fighter production has reached a major milestone with over 300 aircraft manufactured, and experts predict that around 500 J-20s will have been delivered by mid-2026. This surge in production marks a significant shift in the program, transforming the J-20 from a symbolic stealth fighter to a cornerstone of China's air force.
Turkey's Roketsan Unveils SOM-B1T Cruise Missile with Indigenous Engine
Turkey's Roketsan has unveiled the SOM-B1T cruise missile, powered by a homegrown engine - the KTJ-3200 turbojet, delivering 3.2 kN of thrust. The Turkish Air Force is set to receive a batch of these missiles, marking a major milestone in Turkey's indigenous defense capabilities.
Bayraktar Kızılelma Conducts Supersonic Air-to-Ground Missile Test
The Bayraktar Kızılelma has aced its first supersonic air-to-ground missile test, striking a target with pinpoint accuracy from over 120 km away using Roketsan's JET-230 missile. This major milestone marks a significant advancement in the drone's combat capabilities.
Turkey's TEI Advances Domestic Turbofan to Break Ukraine Engine Chokepoint
Turkey's TEI is making significant strides in developing its domestic turbofan engine, with plans to deliver the TF6000 to Baykar and Turkish Aerospace Industries by early 2027 for pre-integration testing. This milestone marks a crucial step towards breaking Ukraine's engine chokepoint and advancing Turkey's aerospace capabilities.
Pakistan Weighs F-16 Replacement Options Beyond J-35 Hype
As Pakistan's reliable workhorse, the F-16, approaches retirement by 2040, the air force is faced with a crucial decision: finding a worthy replacement to preserve its operational tempo and capabilities. With the F-16's legendary reliability and high availability, the stakes are high for its successor.
Venus Aerospace Secures $91 Million for Rocket Engine Production Scale-Up
Venus Aerospace is poised to supercharge its rocket engine production with a whopping $91 million in new funding, led by Mercury Fund and backed by Lockheed Martin Ventures. This major investment will help the Houston startup scale up to meet soaring demand from commercial and government clients.
NATO Bolsters Surveillance with Saab's GlobalEye Aircraft
NATO is taking its surveillance capabilities to new heights with the planned purchase of up to ten Saab GlobalEye aircraft, a deal that has Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson calling it "a great day for the country's defence industry". Eleven NATO allies are joining forces to make this cutting-edge technology a reality.
B-52 Readiness Issues Disrupt AGM-181A Nuclear Missile Testing
The AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff missile testing has hit a roadblock due to B-52 readiness issues, causing a four-month delay and unfavorable cost and schedule changes. The setbacks have forced the Air Force to push back its initial operational capability target to November 2030.
NATO Opts for Saab's GlobalEye Over Boeing's E-7 Radar Plane
NATO has chosen Saab's cutting-edge GlobalEye aircraft to replace its aging fleet of Airborne Warning and Control Systems, selecting up to 10 of these advanced radar planes over Boeing's E-7 Wedgetail. This game-changing decision marks a significant shift in the alliance's defense strategy.
Saab's GlobalEye Targets Growing Demand with ITAR-Free Edge
Saab's GlobalEye has taken off, with its ITAR-free edge capturing attention worldwide - and a growing list of countries, including Sweden, France, and Canada, are taking notice. From a single delivery to the UAE in 2020 to a widening international roster, GlobalEye is rapidly becoming the go-to airborne early warning and control aircraft.
China's J-8I Fighter Marks Maturation of Airpower
Every July 4th, China's J-8I fighter jet celebrates another year of maturity, marking a milestone for the People's Liberation Army Air Force's (PLAAF) trusty Cold War interceptor. Born from China's ambitious pursuit of a high-altitude, high-speed fighter, the J-8I embodies the air-defence demands of the Cold War era.
Pakistan Air Force Prepares for Major Fighter Procurement Cycle in 2030
Get ready for a major upgrade in Pakistan's air defence capabilities, as the Pakistan Air Force is set to embark on a significant fighter procurement cycle in the 2030s, driven by the impending retirement of its F-16A/B fleet. A recent $686 million deal with the US will support the current fleet, but a new generation of fighters is on the horizon.
US Military Unveils Massive Aerial Armada for 4th of July Flyover
Get ready for a star-spangled spectacle! To kick off the 4th of July celebrations, a massive aerial armada, including NASA-affiliated F-5 Tiger IIs jets, will soar above Washington, D.C. in a spectacular seven-hour flyover.
Baykar's KIZILELMA Conducts First Fully Indigenous Guidance Test with ASELSAN's TOYGUN
Baykar's KIZILELMA drone has successfully completed its first fully indigenous guidance test, using ASELSAN's TOYGUN system to locate and strike a ground target with precision-guided bombs. This milestone achievement marks a major breakthrough in Türkiye's drone technology, showcasing the power of domestic innovation.
Ukraine Orders 16 Gripen E Fighters in $2.5 Billion Deal
Ukraine just scored a major win in its defense strategy with a $2.5 billion deal to acquire 16 cutting-edge Gripen E fighters, marking the country's first-ever order for brand-new aircraft. This game-changing contract also includes spare parts, technical support, and training, boosting Ukraine's air power to new heights.
US Navy's 'Doomsday Plane' Program Delayed by Integration Risks
The US Navy's highly anticipated 'Doomsday Plane' program has hit a snag, with integration risks causing a significant delay - pushing back the low-rate initial production by about a year to April 2029. The setback is a reality check for a project that's become increasingly complex.
F-15EX Pairs with Ghost Bat Drone in Valiant Shield Exercise
In a groundbreaking display of innovation, a U.S. Air Force F-15EX Eagle II teamed up with the cutting-edge MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone in a thrilling exercise over the Philippine Sea. This powerful partnership is set to revolutionize the future of human-machine teaming.
Air Force Confirms B-21 Raider to Miss America 250 Flyovers
The Air Force has confirmed that the B-21 Raider won't be joining in on the America 250 flyovers this week, dashing hopes of a high-profile display by the stealth bomber. The two flight-test aircraft will remain at Edwards Air Force Base in California for now.
Russia's Su-57 Targets Ukrainian Drones with Unusual Weapons Load
New photos reveal Russia's advanced Su-57 fighter jet packing a surprising punch against Ukrainian drones, with a mysterious pod and air-to-air missiles in tow. The unusual weapons load comes as the small fleet of just nine Su-57s is thrust into a new kind of battle.
Radar Maker Echodyne Scales Up Production to Meet Drone Boom Demand
Echodyne is ramping up production to meet soaring demand for drone radar systems, with a new $40 million manufacturing plant near Seattle set to churn out 30,000 radars annually by early 2028. The company's CEO, Eben Frankenberg, says orders are far exceeding current capacity, driving the need for a five-fold increase in output.