BAE Systems and Turkish Aerospace team up on UAS opportunities
The two companies will work together to explore ways to collaborate on the development of uncrewed air systems.
The Russian Ministry of Defence has confirmed that on 23 April two Tu-160 (NATO: Blackjack) aircraft have been relocated from the S P Gorbunov aviation plant near Kazan to their deployment airfield in the Saratov region.
The aircraft feature new inertial navigation and engine control systems as well as upgraded weapons with associated digital technologies.
In total, Russia operates 17 Tu-160s which provide a maximum range of 14,000km and are expected to remain in service until 2040. Ukraine operated 19 of the aircraft before returning some to Russia and dismantling the rest.
Shephard recently reported that Russia is prioritising modernisation of its Tu-160 fleet by 2022.
The two companies will work together to explore ways to collaborate on the development of uncrewed air systems.
The potential expansion of production comes in the wake of Ukraine signing a letter of intent with Sweden for Gripen jets.
Known as Project Nyx, the flagship opportunity would look to award up to four contracts for initial development of the ACP concept demonstrator by 2026.
The new uncrewed combat aerial vehicle is built from the existing Gambit series, with a focus on deep precision strike and SEAD mission roles.
Built on a 60-year heritage of providing the Department of Defense with solutions to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum.
The company also affirmed that it would maintain its current trajectory and remain “on track” for its full-year guidance.