• Training

  Norway to explore options for training Ukrainian F-16 pilots

  26th May 2023

  Norway's Defence Minister has said the country is supportive of efforts to train Ukrainian pilots to fly the F-16 fighter jet.

• Defence Helicopter

  Sikorsky awaits UK New Medium Helicopter requirements to unveil production plans, explores new X2 design

  2nd June 2023

  Sikorsky has yet to reveal its production plans for its UK New Medium Helicopter contender while industry anxiously anticipate the release of critical acquisition targets. The company also continues the exploration of its X helicopter concept for the international market.

• Defence Notes

  UK’s refreshed Defence Command Paper earns mixed reviews

  20th July 2023

  Having finally published a long-awaited refreshed Defence Command Paper on 18 July, experts have weighed in on the quality of the UK’s defence plans.

• Air Warfare

  India tightens American ties with Reaper and fighter engine procurements

  26th June 2023

  India has been mulling Reapers for years, and it will probably take another two years before a deal is sealed.

• Air Warfare

  India faces dire fighter and helicopter deficit, with no solution in sight

  2nd June 2023

  After crashes, the Indian military has grounded MiG-21 fighters and Dhruv helicopters. India still needs to find a way to overcome deep-seated challenges to replace ageing aircraft.

• Air Warfare

  India redoubles efforts to make up fighter squadron shortfall

  28th February 2023

  Mindful of the need to defend its border with China, India is evaluating how to overcome a shortfall of 12 fighter aircraft squadrons over the next decade.

• Air Warfare

  First Indian C295 transport aircraft performs maiden flight

  10th May 2023

  India's programme to procure 56 C295 transports is making progress, with the first aircraft taking to the air.

• Air Warfare

  BAE Systems highlights need to invest in skills and infrastructure to de-risk next-gen combat aircraft programme

  19th April 2023

  BAE Systems has won a contract extension worth £656m from the UK MoD to develop the concept and technology for the next generation combat aircraft, part of the Tempest project, but will need to ensure it has the right niche skills and digital and physical infrastructure to successfully deliver.

• Training

  Inzpire's GECO mission planning system rolls out to boost Royal Air Force training

  12th May 2023

  The UK Military Flying Training System is rolling out the GECO mission planning system, used by frontline RAF squadrons, on additional fixed- and rotary-wing trainer aircraft fleets in 2023.

• Naval Warfare

  Anadolu showcases Turkiye's indigenous endeavours, but will its drone carrier concept take off?

  20th April 2023

  In April, Turkey commissioned TCG Anadolu, the country's future drone-carrying amphibious assault ship, highlighting the capabilities of its indigenous defence industry.

• Training

  Boeing ‘100% believes’ in T-7 jet despite critical GAO report and persisting programme delays

  31st May 2023

  Issues with the T-7A Red Hawk include risks of canopy fragmentation and high g-forces during ejection which have caused delays and require further design revisions. Boeing is working to address these concerns while emphasising the safety and performance improvements of the jet.

• Training

  Pentagon sees Ukrainian F-16s as 'long-term' solution, emphasises training needs

  24th May 2023

  The US has affirmed its intention to support training of Ukrainian crews to operate the F-16 fighter jet following last week's decision to allow transfer of the aircraft.

• Training

  Aero Vodochody starts production of L-39NG trainer jet for LOM Praha

  12th May 2023

  The L-39NG for LOM Praha seeks to ensure the continuity of tactical training of Czech Air Force pilots on subsonic jets.

• Defence Notes

  IMDEX 2023: MBDA and PGZ partnership includes ‘deep industrial cooperation’ on CAMM-ER

  6th May 2023

  MBDA has confirmed that work with Poland on land and maritime air defence includes cooperation on the extended-range version of the Common Anti-Air Modular Missile (CAMM), known as CAMM-ER.

• Air Warfare

  Lockheed Martin selects GE engines for LMXT USAF tanker offering

  8th June 2023

  Lockheed Martin has announced the selection of GE Aerospace's CF6-80E1 turbofan for the LMXT strategic tanker.  The LMXT is Lockheed Martin's solution for the USAF's …

Programme Results - Defence Insight

• Fighter - multirole

  Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft [Malaysia]

  Programme Background In mid-2024, Malaysia commenced discussions with Kuwait regarding a possible transfer of up to 33 F/A-18 Hornet aircraft. According to reports, the Kuwaiti government ...

• Air: Radio and SATCOM

  Air: Radio and SATCOM | Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft [Malaysia]

  During a parliamentary meeting in August 2025, the Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) revealed the prospect of acquiring a fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The possible new ...

• Data links

  Data links | Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft [Malaysia]

  During a parliamentary meeting in August 2025, the Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) revealed the prospect of acquiring a fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The possible new ...

• Air: Helmet-mounted displays

  Air: Helmet-mounted displays | Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft [Malaysia]

  During a parliamentary meeting in August 2025, the Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) revealed the prospect of acquiring a fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The possible new ...

• Air: Head-up displays

  Air: Head-up displays | Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft [Malaysia]

  During a parliamentary meeting in August 2025, the Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) revealed the prospect of acquiring a fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The possible new ...

• Transponders and IFF

  Transponders and IFF | Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft [Malaysia]

  During a parliamentary meeting in August 2025, the Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) revealed the prospect of acquiring a fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The possible new ...

• Air: Radio and SATCOM

  Air: Radio and SATCOM | F-35A [Singapore]

  On February 28, 2024, Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen announced during a parliamentary budget discussion that the city-state had placed an order for eight ...

• Data links

  Data links | F-35A [Singapore]

  On February 28, 2024, Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen announced during a parliamentary budget discussion that the city-state had placed an order for eight ...

• Air: Helmet-mounted displays

  Air: Helmet-mounted displays | F-35A [Singapore]

  On February 28, 2024, Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen announced during a parliamentary budget discussion that the city-state had placed an order for eight ...

• Air: Head-up displays

  Air: Head-up displays | F-35A [Singapore]

  On February 28, 2024, Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen announced during a parliamentary budget discussion that the city-state had placed an order for eight ...

• Transponders and IFF

  Transponders and IFF | F-35A [Singapore]

  On February 28, 2024, Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen announced during a parliamentary budget discussion that the city-state had placed an order for eight ...

• Fighter - air superiority, Fighter - multirole

  Kaan [Indonesia]

  Programme Background Witnessed by President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia and Turkish Aerospace signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at InfoDefence 2025 in Jakarta for 48 Kaan fighters. ...

• Naval: Combat Management Systems

  Naval: Combat Management Systems | Kalina Class

  The Kalina-class conventionally powered submarine is being developed to follow the Lada-class submarines. The new fifth-generation Kalina-class will be used for coastal defence against surface ...

• Naval: shipboard communication systems

  Naval: shipboard communication systems | Kalina Class

  The Kalina-class conventionally powered submarine is being developed to follow the Lada-class submarines. The new fifth-generation Kalina-class will be used for coastal defence against surface ...

• Fighter - multirole

  Rafale - Follow-On (Greece)

  Programme Background Referring to the rearmament programme for 2020-2025, Greek defence minister Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos said in parliament on 7 October 2021 that up to 48 new multi-role ...

Equipment Results - Defence Insight

• Air: Helmet-mounted displays

  Zero-G HMDS+

  The Zero-G HMDS+ is a developmental helmet-mounted display system being developed by Collins Aerospace and Elbit Systems for sixth-generation higher aircraft. According to the company, ...

• Data links

  Multifunction Advanced Data Link

  Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) is a Ku-band data link designed for fifth-generation aircraft. The directional, interflight system is integrated into all F-35 variants, allowing ...

• Fighter - multirole

  Su-75 Checkmate

  Checkmate is a fifth-generation light tactical aircraft being developed by Sukhoi. Its prototype was unveiled at MAKS 2021. Checkmate's first flight is scheduled in 2023, ...

• Air: Head-up displays

  Low Profile Head-Up Display (LPHUD)

  The Low profile Head-up Display (LPHUD) series is designed developed by Elbit Systems' ISTAR division, for fourth and fifth generation advanced fighter aircraft jets. Notalby, ...

• Fighter - multirole, Fighter - naval

  F-35C

  The F-35C Lightning II, also known as the F-35 carrier variant (CV), is a fifth-generation multirole combat aircraft in carrier configuration. It has larger wings and ...

• Fighter - multirole

  F-35A

  The F-35A Lightning II is a fifth-generation multirole combat aircraft with CTOL capabilities. It is a multinational programme led by the US DoD, bringing together ...

• Fixed wing aircraft engines

  AL-41F-1S

  Manufactured by Saturn, the AL-41F-1S aircraft engine is a modular two-shaft turbofan engine with thrust vector control and integrated digital control. The engine is used ...

• Fixed wing aircraft engines

  PD-14M

  PD Family of Engines comprises of bypass two-shaft turbojet engines with a light shroudless fan. The PD family of engines are designed for short- and ...

• Air-to-surface missiles, Anti-ship missiles

  JSM

  The Joint Strike Missile (JSM) is a multi-role version of the Naval Strike Missile. Norway funded the programme to develop and produce the JSM for the ...

• Fighter - multirole, Fighter - naval

  F-35B

  The F-35B Lightning II is a fifth-generation multirole combat aircraft with short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capability. The USMC is the main customer for the F-35B, ...

• Land: air defence radar

  ELM-2026B VSHORAD

  The ELM-2026B Very Short Range Air Defence Radar (VSHORAD) is designed for detection and tracking of airborne targets, including a variety of low-RCS and low-flying ...

• Air-to-air missiles, Surface-to-air missiles

  Python-5

  The Python-5 is an Israeli beyond-visual-range anti-air missile developed by Rafael. The newest member of the Python family, the Python-5 is described as a fifth-generation air-to-air ...

• Military UAS - fixed-wing, Military UAS - MALE

  Grom (Thunder)

  Grom, or Thunder, is an in-development loyal-wingman type fixed-wing UAS from Kronshtadt. A mock-up of the platform was first displayed at  Army-2020. At Army-2024, an updated version featuring ...

• MPVs - 4x4

  Eagle V 4x4

  GDELS unveiled the fifth generation of its Eagle light tactical vehicle at Eurosatory 2012. The platform has replaced earlier-generation vehicles in production. More than 1,250 ...

• Fighter - multirole

  J-31/FC-31

  The J-31 (also known as the 'Falcon Eagle' in Chinese) is a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter domestically developed by China. Its export variant is designated as ...