Defence Notes
Irish DoD refuses to comment on primary radar procurement
5th October 2022
Details concerning an Irish air radar procurement continue to be confidential.
Latest news
Defence Notes
UK reveals Russian Su-27 launched missile near RAF Rivet Joint
Incident involving a Russian Su-27 and RAF RC-135 Rivet Joint not thought to be a 'deliberate escalation' on the part of Moscow.
Air Warfare
Bell counts down to upgraded CH-146 Griffon first flight in 2023
Upgraded RCAF CH-146 Griffon helicopters are to be outfitted with better engines and avionics.
Uncrewed Vehicles
Mosquito remarks bite for RAF
The rip-roaring assessment of Project Mosquito was one of the most interesting takeaways from Mike Wigston's DSEI 2021 speech, but so short-lived was the programme that a physical demonstrator was never built.
Defence Helicopter
AW609 makes maiden flight but UAE deal still in the dark
The AW609 has hit a new milestone but Leonardo remains unable to share additional information about a UAE order for the tiltrotor.
Air Warfare
Bell counts down to upgraded CH-146 Griffon first flight in 2023
3rd October 2022
Upgraded RCAF CH-146 Griffon helicopters are to be outfitted with better engines and avionics.
Defence Notes
USAF braces for new KC-46 delay as RVS 2.0 troubles persist
29th September 2022
The US Air Force is facing up to more KC-46 tanker woes.
Defence Notes
Raytheon and Northrop Grumman set out 'overmatch' blueprint for hypersonic cruise missile
27th September 2022
After jointly receiving a new hypersonic missile prototype contract, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman are confident the weapon can be developed and designed to provide USAF with overmatch capabilities.
Defence Helicopter
Airbus confirms ‘door still open’ for Germany to join Tiger MkIII upgrade
23rd September 2022
Much has been said of Germany's indecision over the European Tiger MkIII attack helicopter programme, but an option to join the upgrade remains.
Air Warfare
Reduced fleet size and weapons integration issues put squeeze on future RAF air combat missions
22nd September 2022
As the RAF manages NATO missions and faces increased pressure from Russia, defence experts argue that additional fighter jet deployments to the Asia-Pacific to maintain leading strategic ambitions signposted by the UK's Integrated Review looks to be out of the question.
Uncrewed Vehicles
Iranian UAV transfers expose depletion of Russian arms
21st September 2022
A defence analyst claims that Russia's move to acquire and deploy Iranian UAV's in Ukraine tells of wider weapons supply issues and a depletion of stocks.
Defence Notes
Israeli KC-46 tanker fleet to receive unique configurations
16th September 2022
Israel's KC-46A tanker aircraft are set to be designed differently from standard USAF models.
Uncrewed Vehicles
Expert claims ‘decentralised’ approach holds back USAF next-generation UAV ambitions
6th September 2022
Despite a number of Skyborg test successes, a defence expert has questioned how the development of next generation drones will advance without activities being concentrated and clear requirements set out.
Defence Helicopter
Leonardo offers up four-point AW149 survivability plan to sweeten NMH bid
2nd September 2022
Leonardo hopes to persuade the UK MoD that a range of AW149 survivability-related items makes the helicopter the best fit for the New Medium Helicopter programme.
Defence Notes
Gripen campaign losses leave Saab questioning Swedish government support
1st September 2022
A lack of Gripen export orders has left Saab frustrated and longing for additional support from the Swedish government.
Air Warfare
Saab reveals first Meteor live-fire test for Gripen E fighter jet
31st August 2022
Saab has achieved a new weapons milestone on the Gripen E fighter programme.
