UK pushes on with Protector fleet expansion
The UK orders 13 more MQ-9B SkyGuardian UAVs from General Atomics for the RAF, despite criticism over the cost of the programme.
Air Warfare
Will the force be with VADER?
France has two VADER aircraft in service with a third expected in 2023. (Photo: Jean-Marc Tanguy)
The first ISTAR aircraft developed by the French Air and Space Force will be sent to Mali in July.
For eight years France has leased light ISR aircraft from CAE Aviation for operations in the Sahel as well as in the Central African Republic, Iraq and Libya.
However, starting in July 2021 the French Air and Space Force expects to deploy its own light surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft (based on the Beechcraft King Air 350) under the overdue Vecteur Aéroporté de Détection, d’Orientation et de Reconnaissance (VADER) programme, formerly known as ALSR.
Two King Air 350s were delivered in July 2020 by Sabena Technics and Thales under a contract dating from June 2016.
A third, scheduled for delivery ...
Want to read more?
To read this article, along with thousands of others like it, start your Premium News free trial.
Start Trial or log in hereMore from Air Warfare
-
![UK pushes on with Protector fleet expansion]()
-
![Boeing supports weapon integration on Super Hornets and Growlers]()
Boeing supports weapon integration on Super Hornets and Growlers
OEM Boeing gains another order related to weapon systems integration on USN F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft.
-
![USAF orders Puma 3 AE and Raven UAS from AeroVironment]()
USAF orders Puma 3 AE and Raven UAS from AeroVironment
Aerovironment has delivered its Puma 3 AE systems to the USAF, while the delivery of its Raven systems is to follow later in the year.
-
![Vincorion to supply vital SAR equipment]()
Vincorion to supply vital SAR equipment
Vincorion to supply rescue hoist systems.
-
![Scorpion to aid Rafale mission effectiveness]()
Scorpion to aid Rafale mission effectiveness
DGA orders new helmet-mounted pilot sights and multifunction displays from Thales for Rafale multirole fighters.
-
![CARMENTA looks into next-generation aircraft self-protection]()
CARMENTA looks into next-generation aircraft self-protection
EU-funded programme seeks to find new countermeasures for aircraft.
