Air Warfare magazine: attack helicopters, F-35 update and more
Read the latest edition of Air Warfare for free in our app or on your desktop.
Comment
Even though the Defence Command Paper was published in March, it remains unclear how many F-35 Lightning II aircraft the UK MoD is planning to acquire.
Features include:
DÉJÀ VU ALL OVER AGAIN
Despite years of development, the F-35 schedule needs another major fix due to technical difficulties, and the programme is facing new challenges inside the Pentagon.
Other features include:
BLOCK PARTY
As manufacturers move to upgrade older attack helicopters with new kit, operators can expect to see more powerful mission systems and benefit from greater self-protection capabilities. Shephard examines end-user needs and assesses what long-term changes to the threat environment will mean for this class of aircraft.
KEEPING AN EYE OUT
As HALE UAS are gradually becoming key ISR assets in potential regional near-peer confrontations, questions are raised about how the platforms will evolve in order to meet end-user expectations and maintain a tactical edge.
ALL EYES NORTH
Ongoing conflicts, combat losses, capability upgrade requirements and heightened competition are the factors driving aircraft procurements in the African market. Meanwhile, many funding issues remain unresolved. Shephard Defence Insight analyses the region with a focus on North Africa.
UPWARD SPIRAL
FVL continues to stand as the centrepiece of US Army aviation modernisation and showcases cutting-edge rotary-wing technology, but as crucial decisions for FARA and FLRAA loom, defence industrial base matters weigh heavier on the minds of manufacturers.
REFRESH AND REBOOT
Since new fighter aircraft are highly expensive to procure and operate, many air forces are opting for upgraded platforms as the addition of modern systems and weapons can extend their service life while maintaining operational readiness.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Only 25% of the US Pentagon’s F-35 fleet has been fully mission capable, GAO says]()
Only 25% of the US Pentagon’s F-35 fleet has been fully mission capable, GAO says
The fighter jet remains a combat necessity, but sustainment challenges continue to limit its readiness. In the meantime, the US Air Force seeks billions in funding to improve the F-35's availability.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: How the deep-strike, loitering munition market skyrocketed to $13.8 billion in three years]()
Eurosatory 2026: How the deep-strike, loitering munition market skyrocketed to $13.8 billion in three years
Ukraine’s rapid development of long-range, deep-strike loitering munitions has helped turn the sector into a market worth an estimated US$13.2 billion. The reasons behind this were outlined during Eurosatory 2026, as other countries embark on the early stages of procuring this capability.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Why security agencies are expanding UAS operations across Europe]()
Eurosatory 2026: Why security agencies are expanding UAS operations across Europe
Uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) are an increasingly important tool for Europe’s law enforcement and public security agencies, with the past two years seeing rapid growth in operational deployment, procurement and regulatory acceptance.
-
![Fuselage of the first US Army MV-75 Cheyenne tiltrotor “is nearing completion”]()
Fuselage of the first US Army MV-75 Cheyenne tiltrotor “is nearing completion”
Bell is advancing construction of the US Army’s next-generation MV-75 Cheyenne tiltrotor as FLRAA programme approaches testing, production and future battlefield deployment.
