Defence Helicopter
Advanced Avionics (sponsored)
Mark Burnand, Chief Test Pilot at Leonardo Helicopters UK, talks through the advanced avionics on board the latest generation battlefield utility AW149 helicopter.
Looming government decisions on major defence programmes in the US and UK will colour much of 2025, while manufacturers and their orderbooks look on.
This statement comes as concerns were raised by union workers at Leonardo’s Yeovil site about the ongoing timeline of the UK’s New Medium Helicopter programme.
From major platform upgrades, high-value contract wins and programme delays, Shephard reported on a mixed year for air warfare in 2024, as geopolitical tensions rose across Europe and the Middle East.
The initial document focused more on creating the right partnerships and inspiring investment in defence than on any details of how future UK Armed Forces would be armed.
Mark Burnand, Chief Test Pilot at Leonardo Helicopters UK, talks through the advanced avionics on board the latest generation battlefield utility AW149 helicopter.
The Chinook has served in every RAF campaign of the past 40 years. But in Afghanistan, it faced greater pressure than ever before.
27th February 2024
US Army Aviation has been pivoting to face a different kind of war. On the platform front that has meant investing in proven systems and improving platforms already in service.
27th February 2024
The UK MoD has published a draft plan to buy between 36 and 44 aircraft under its long-awaited New Medium Helicopter (NMH) acquisition programme to replace RAF Puma HC2, Army Air Corps Bell 212, RAF Bell 412 and Airbus AS365 Dauphins used by Special Operations Forces.
20th February 2024
China's Aviation Industry Corporation has showcased the Z-10EM, an upgraded version of its Z-10 attack helicopter, designed for export markets.
20th February 2024
Singapore’s air force chief has confirmed plans to extend the life of the RSAF’s Apaches to beyond 2030, as well as revealing the next steps for future purchases of F-35s, replacements for its UAV fleet and updates to its ground-based air defence systems.
19th February 2024
India has kickstarted an ambitious procurement process on a number of defence platforms for its Armed Forces with Airbus and France likely to be the main contenders for contract wins.
16th February 2024
Shephard will provide updates on the latest news, announcements and launches throughout the Singapore Airshow 2024.
9th February 2024
The cancellation of the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) has reflected a shift in focus towards uncrewed systems in response to evolving battlefield dynamics and lessons learned from recent conflicts.
6th February 2024
BAE Systems has secured an FMS contract from the US Army for AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems, expanding its deployment beyond the US services.
5th February 2024
The branch’s main concerns for FY2025 will include integrating systems and equipment, improving software, cyber capabilities and aircraft fleet, and preparing for mass deployments.
5th February 2024
Saudi Arabia and Leonardo have agreed to explore collaboration opportunities in the defence sector, including airframe maintenance, assembly of helicopters and next-generation technology initiatives.
2nd February 2024
The acquisition of UAS company Malloy Aeronautics indicated BAE Systems' commitment to advancing its autonomous portfolio.
1st February 2024
Boeing has begun gearing up to deliver the first MH-139A Grey Wolf multirole helicopters to the US Air Force later this year as the branch closes in on a milestone in its UH-1N Huey Replacement effort.
31st January 2024
The US Air Force has been operating helicopters and combat, ISR, transport and training platforms that have been in service for three decades or more, with 44% of its fleet having already passed its design service life.
29th January 2024
The new Argentina government has reduced the defence budget request for 2024 and enabled the use of FONDEF for expenses not related to equipment improvement.
29th January 2024
Croatia's aspiration to purchase an additional eight UH-60M Black Hawks military helicopters has been approved by the US State Department.
26th January 2024
Germany has committed to sending Ukraine six of its 21 retiring WS-61 Westland Sea King multirole, amphibious helicopters.
25th January 2024
The UAE has awarded a substantial contract to EDGE Group for 200 uncrewed helicopters at UMEX 2024.
24th January 2024
Macedonia has selected the Leonardo AW149 medium helicopter over Airbus, Bell and Lockheed Martin aircraft.
18th January 2024
The Royal Canadian Air Force has been operating 82 CH-146 Griffon helicopters out of 11 locations across Canada. In May 2022, C$800 million was awarded for the service life extension of the fleet which will keep the aircraft in service until at least the mid-2030s.