Video shows Angry Afghan Villagers stoning wreck of U.S. Predator Drone

Click to see video

An American UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) crashes in Afghanistan. Local people stone it. The following footage made its first appearance on Facebook a couple of days ago. It allegedly shows what seems to be a group of Afghans stoning the wreck of a (most probably American) MQ-1 Predator drone, while other people cheer and laugh.

50 Billion For less than 300 Fighters ??

India will be spending more than 50 Billion $ Dollars in next decade to purchase less than 300 fighter aircrafts for Indian air force, even though it will be retiring more aircrafts then that.  

IAF plans to Purchase 126 French made Rafale and 144 Indo­Russian FGFA which might be cleared by Government of India but are yet to take off, Negotiation for purchase of French made Dassault has been going on for last 2 years now and according to media reports India will have to pay more now due to increase in cost and Estimated cost of FGFA is all set to rise due to delays in finalizing a deal with Russians.

Pentagon Expects China to Export Stealthy Fighter

China is expected to export a new radar-evading fighter jet as well as other advanced weapons systems in a move that could potentially see them deployed against the U.S. or its allies, a senior Pentagon official said Tuesday.

Frank Kendall, the Pentagon's procurement chief, also told a congressional hearing that the technology gap between U.S. and Chinese weapons was set to continue narrowing as the countries' military spending moved in opposite directions.

Norwegian F-16s deploy to Iceland

The Royal Norwegian Air Force (RoNAF) has deployed a detachment of Lockheed Martin F-16AM Fighting Falcons to Iceland in support of a NATO training mission, the alliance reported on 29 January.

Six F-16s arrived on the island on 27 January for a one-month rotation as part of NATO's 'Airborne Surveillance and Interception Capabilities to Meet Iceland's Peacetime Preparedness Needs' mission. They are due to depart on 21 February.

Date set for Swiss Gripen referendum

Switzerland’s planned purchase of 22 Saab Gripen E fighters will be put to the public vote on 18 May, the nation’s Federal Council has confirmed.

Although the Gripen deal was approved by politicians late last year, the Swiss parliamentary system allows for a public referendum to be called if at least 50,000 signatures are secured opposing an action. Almost 65,400 people signed a petition against the Gripen Fund Law, the Swiss government says.

Bangladesh Buys Russian Combat Training Jets Worth $800M

Bangladesh ordered 24 Russian Yak-130 light fighter jets worth $800 million in the final quarter of last year, a Russian newspaper reported Tuesday.

The deal was paid for with a loan extended by Moscow to the country a year ago, the director of Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport said in a separate interview published by Kommersant on Monday, without disclosing the deal’s price tag.

Indian AF, Tired of Delays, Looks Overseas for Trainer

The Indian Air Force, losing patience awaiting an indigenous intermediate jet trainer (IJT) that is seven years overdue, wants to purchase a trainer aircraft overseas, an Air Force source said.

In development since 1999, the IJT is unlikely to meet a reworked deadline of achieving initial operational clearance by the end of 2014, leading the service to press the panic button, the source added.

Rafael advances missile evaluation for Israeli F-35s

Rafael has completed an initial evaluation of the requirements for a sixth-generation air-to-air missile that will be carried by the Israeli air force's Lockheed Martin F-35s.

The step was confirmed by Yosi Druker, vice-president and general manager of Rafael's air superiority systems division. In the past, the company said only that it was developing the "building blocks" for such a weapon. It also previously announced that its Stunner missile – developed for the David's Sling rocket interceptor system – would provide the basis for a future air-to-air system.

Russian Arms Exporter Sold $13.2Bln in 2013

The new Su-35 heavy jet fighter (left) and the lightweight Yak-130 fighter (right)

Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport sold $13.2 billion in weapons and military equipment to foreign buyers last year but expects no short-term growth, its director said in an interview published Monday.

Rafale: More expensive than planned

India’s biggest deal of procuring 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) for $18 billion (Rs90,000 crore) has hit rough weather. Two years after French aircraft maker Dassault Aviation bagged the deal for its Rafale fighter jets on account of being the lowest bidder, its cost has now shot up by 100 per cent. 

JF-17 in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia has been examining the prospect of becoming a partner in Pakistan’s fighter jet program.

Officials said the Saudi Defense Ministry has been reviewing Pakistan’s JF-17 fighter jet program.

The officials said representatives of the ministry as well as the Royal Saudi Air Force were examining the feasibility of procuring JF-17 as part of cooperation with Islamabad.

UAE raises possible deal for "Block 61" F-16

A routine disclosure by the US Department of Defense reveals the UAE has increased the size and scope of a potential Lockheed Martin F-16 order, which now includes a mysterious “Block 61” designation.

The UAE government is continuing to negotiate a direct commercial sale with Lockheed, but the number of fighters in discussion has increased from 25 to 30, according to a Defense Security Cooperation Agency notice to Congress posted on 24 January. 

F-35 awaits capability boost from Block 4 software

Testing will soon begin on the next-generation Block 4 software expected to provide a significant capability boost to Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

On 16 January, the US Navy announced – via a posting on the federal government's procurement website – that the F-35’s joint programme office intends to award multiple contracts to Lockheed Martin to develop Block 4 software, with the first contract expected to be awarded in October 2014.

British Army wants AH-64E Apache before end of decade

The British Army Air Corps (AAC) expects to replace its current AgustaWestland-Boeing WAH-64D Apache Longbow AH.1 attack helicopter fleet with the latest-variant AH-64E (formerly AH-64D Block III) "by the end of the decade", a senior service official disclosed on 23 January.

Rafale "heavily armed"

Dassault has completed the first test flights of its Rafale combat type in what it describes as a "heavily armed" configuration, featuring a number of new weapons and larger fuel tanks.

During the preliminary evaluation sorties, the aircraft carried six Sagem AASM Hammer air-to-surface missiles, four medium- and long-range MBDA MICA air-to-air missiles and a pair of Meteor beyond-visual-range munitions on 12 of its 14 its external hard points. Additionally the aircraft was equipped with three 2,000 litre fuel tanks.

Tejas: A Star is Born

Tejas, the Indian Light Combat Aircraft, is going to be the star attraction amongst the products displayed as part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) contingent at the Republic Day parade.

DRDO’s products for the parade include Arjun Mk-II (a new version of Indian battle tank), a tableau displaying ‘Astra’ and ‘Helina’ missiles and another tableau displaying a wide range of unmanned systems.

Russia Plans Cruise Missile Tests, Bomber Patrols for 2014

The Russian Air Force is preparing to conduct a series of tests of new cruise missiles, as well as carrying out strategic bomber patrols including stops in other countries, the commander of its long-range fleet said Wednesday.

“In 2014 we are planning practice launches of cruise missiles, including new models,” Gen. Lt. Anatoly Zhikharev told reporters, without specifying the missiles to be fired. Russian planes launched 15 cruise missiles last year.

Vikramaditya ready to start

The Indian Navy has launched preparations to start flying operations from aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. The MiG-29K fighter aircraft have started taking off from the ski-jump and making arrested landings. Having finished training in Russia, 10 top naval pilots have returned home to operate from INS Vikramaditya, which is berthed at Karwar naval base.

Janes sees risk of new law in Bolivia

EVENT

The Bolivian House of Representatives approved the Law of Security and Defence of Airspace on 16 January. The Senate is expected to approve the legislation before the end of January. The legislation authorises the Bolivian Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Boliviana: FAB) to intercept aircraft that stray from their notified flight plans, are suspected of illegal activity, or enter Bolivian airspace without authorisation, requiring them to land. 

Israel Air Force Prepares for Future Battlefield

Once upon a time, Israel was concerned about the possibility of a ground invasion of enemy armies into Israeli territory. The Middle East has since undergone significant change; the battlefield of today and of the future, with which the IDF must contend, is quite different. Consequently, the IDF and the IAF must also change and develop capabilities that will be able to deal with the current and future challenges.

Russia can't deliver on Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft: IAF

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has done a stunning about-turn, sharply criticising the showpiece Indo-Russian project to co-develop a futuristic Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA). Even as New Delhi and Moscow finalise a $6 billion deal to co-develop an FGFA with capabilities tailor-made for India, the IAF has alleged the Russians would be unable to meet their promises about its performance.

Innocon hones Spider UAS design

Innocon has unveiled an advanced variant of its Spider unmanned air system, with the lighter-weight version being designed to conduct military and homeland security missions.

Company chief executive Michael Armon says the new variant has a maximum take-off weight of less than 5kg (11lb), and is equipped with a Nextvision day/night payload and a high-definition stills imagery camera.

Global Hawk, U-2 Duel Resumes in ’15 Budget Fight

My how times—and political winds—have changed for the beleaguered Global Hawk unmanned reconnaissance aircraft.

Less than two years after proposing termination and premature mothballing of the new Block 30 version—once eyed as a replacement for the venerable, high-flying U-2 reconnaissance aircraft—the Pentagon leadership is toying with a complete reversal on its position as it works through options for the fiscal 2015 budget proposal.

Believe it or not ...

illustrative photo

... just in case

The J-20 and J-31, China's two new stealth aircraft, are still in development. However, secrets about the two other 5th generation aircraft, J-23 and J-25, were exposed on the Chinese Army website, as reported reports on the news portal "Qianzhan".

The little changes of new J-20 prototype

J-20: previous prototype

A quick update before Chinese New Years

In less than 2 weeks, we will have Chinese New Year. Every year as with other Chinese companies, all of the military industrial complex stops working from a few days before Chinese New Year until 2 weeks (sometimes longer) after the Chinese New Year. This is a very short update before that period hits.

Are you sure that is invisible?

The photo above taken on the 13th of this month, shows an F-35C U.S. Navy with GBUs, AIM-9X missiles and a POD. After billions of dollars for development, this was the best way to hide weapons in a stealth plane?

Russia Forms Helicopter Squadron for Armenian Base

The Russian military has formed a helicopter squadron to strengthen its air contingent at the Erebuni air base in Armenia, the press service of Russia’s Southern Military District said Friday.

Russia’s 3624th Air Base at the Erebuni airport in Yerevan currently hosts at least 16 MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter jets operating under the framework of air defense agreements concluded between the members of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

The United Aircraft Corporation's promo video

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Even someone who is not a fan of Russian aircraft will like this promo video of United Aircraft Corporation showing their latest products: PAK FA T-50, Su-35, Be-200 and IL-76MD-90A.

Pakistan: Mirage crash kills two pilots

Two PAF officers were killed when a Mirage aircraft of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) crashed in Qadirabad area of Mandi Bahauddin district on Thursday afternoon. The officers killed in Mirage aircraft crash were a trainee pilot and a wing commander.

Eurofighter flies with Taurus missiles

On Jan. 15, Airbus Defence and Space started the testing campaign of the Eurofighter Typhoon multirole combat plane with Taurus air-launched stand-off precision missiles.

The first flight took place at the Manching Military Air Systems Center, north of Munich, and involved Instrumented Production Aircraft 7 (IPA7), flown by Eurofighter Project Pilot Chris Worning.

USA outlines $2.4 billion Singapore F-16 upgrade

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has issued details about Singapore’s long-awaited upgrade programme for 60 Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 52 fighters.

The proposed package is worth $2.4 billion, and includes 70 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, an avionics upgrade, and a small number of guided weapons for testing and integration purposes, says the DSCA.

Rafale operating from U.S. aircraft carrier

Although it is not the first time this happens, French warplanes seldom operate from U.S. flatops. For this reasons, the images in this posts are particularly rare.

Man Arrested for Attempted Transfer of F-35 Data to Iran

A man was arrested on charges of attempting to ship technical data from the F-35 joint strike fighter to Iran, according to the US Attorney for the District of Connecticut.

Mozaffar Khazaee was arrested Jan. 9 at Newark International Airport in New Jersey after the first leg of a trip to Tehran. Khazaee, who became a naturalized US citizen in 1991, was charged with “transporting, transmitting and transferring in interstate or foreign commerce goods obtained by theft, conversion, or fraud,” a crime that carries a maximum of 10 years imprisonment.

It's now or never!

Argentina is negotiating a deal to purchase 18 rebuilt and upgraded Kfir Block 60 fighters from Israel Aerospace Industries. The acquisition could be an alternative to a planned deal to buy 16 former-Spanish air force Dassault Mirage F1s for the nation's air force.

Transformer: Autobot or Decepticon?

EL SEGUNDO, California, 8 January 2014 – Advanced Tactics Inc., a small aerospace company, released details about its AT Transformer vehicle technology and announced that a full-scale technology demonstrator has completed its first driving tests.

C-23: Time to Say Goodbye

The sounds of the C-23 Sherpa are now a thing of the past as the Army National Guard bids farewell to the venerable aircraft after two decades of service. The box shaped aircraft described by many as a “work horse” is now heading into retirement. 

RAFALE “F3 R” standard launched

Mérignac, 10th January 2014 – Today, Mr Jean-Yves le Drian, Minister for Defense, handed Mr Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, the “F3 R” standard development contract for the RAFALE combat aircraft. This event took place today on the occasion of Mr Le Drian’s visit to the Dassault Aviation Mérignac plant. The contract was notified by the French defense procurement agency (DGA) on 30th December last.

A-12 Litigation May Be Coming to an End

It was 1991 when the Pentagon canceled a $4.8 billion program to build a stealth aircraft for the US Navy called the A-12, a decision prompted by fears the plane would take too long to produce and become far too expensive.

Everybody loves Gripen

Slovakia turns to Gripen

After winning the Brazilian multirole competition, Saab is ready for the next big hit. Slovakia is interested in buying Gripen fighters. According to local media, the slovaks want to buy six Gripen fighters.

Iraq: Combat Caravan in action (video)

In the last few days the Iraqi television aired footage showing the Iraqi Air Force bombing local Al Qaeda bases during counter-insurgency operation in Fallujah and Ramadi.

Militants, in control of more than half of Fallujah, have been clashing with security forces in the anti-government campa near Ramadi, to the west of Iraq’s capital town Baghdad.

Z-19 fitted with Longbow-style radar breaks cover

The first images have emerged of a new variant of the Harbin Z-19 light attack helicopter, equipped with a new mast-mounted active millimeter-wave (MMW) radar that appears similar to the Lockheed Martin AN/APG-78 Longbow fire control radar fitted to the Boeing AH-64 Apache.

Lockheed gets fresh JASSM orders from USAF

The US Air Force has awarded $449 million in contracts to Lockheed Martin to produce additional AGM-158 joint air-to-surface standoff missiles (JASSM), the company says.

Lockheed says the Lot 11 and 12 contracts, awarded on 19 December 2013, call for the production of 340 of the basic version of the missile and 100 of the extended-range JASSM-ER. The company says it will also supply systems engineering work, logistics support, tooling and test equipment under the contract terms.

PAK FA stealth features patent published

Details of the Sukhoi Design Bureau's work on the stealthy aspects of the T-50 PAK FA fighter aircraft emerged in late December 2013, when the company's patents were published.

According to the patent paperwork, taken together, all of the stealthy measures offer significant improvements over legacy fighter designs. The papers claim that the radar cross-section (RCS) of an Su-27 was in the order of 10-15 m 2 , with the intention being to reduce the size of the RCS in the T-50 to an "average figure of 0.1-1 m 2 ".

India May Close Interim MMRCA Deal Soon

With national elections looming in India, speculation is growing that contracts for the long-delayed medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA), as well as the multi-role tanker transport (MRTT), could soon be signed. However, the MMRCA pact might cover only the supply of 18 Dassault Rafale aircraft from the French production line, leaving further negotiations for the remaining 108 required to be concluded by the new government. India announced its choice of the Rafale in January 2012. But negotiations subsequently stalled over offsets, the transfer of technology and the role of Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL). 

Canada yet to decide which fighter jet will replace CF-18

Canada may be edging toward calling a competition to replace its aging CF-18 air force jets amid competing claims and "war" between rival suppliers Boeing and Lockheed Martin, analysts say.

Canadian media say the Boeing Co.'s campaign for Canada choosing its Super Hornet as a replacement for the near obsolete CF-18 has focused on recent U.S. budget troubles as an argument for ditching Lockheed Martin's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

Debate emerges over US support for airpower in Iraq

T-6A Texan II: fighter training Iraqi pilots

As Iraqi security forces clashed with Al-Qaeda-backed militants who have seized Fallujah and Ramadi during the week of 6 January, new questions were raised in the US about providing air support to the Iraqi government.

Representative Adam Kinzinger, a Republican from Illinois and a US Air Force (USAF) veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, criticised the US government for "short-sighted policy decisions and hurried withdrawal from the region".

USAF returns fire-damaged B-2 to service

The US Air Force and Northrop Grumman have completed a nearly four-year maintenance process to return one of the service’s fire-damaged B-2 bombers to active service.

During the lengthy repair process, the price of which the USAF has not disclosed, technicians determined the cause of the fire and developed new procedures for repairing composite aircraft structures, says the USAF in a media release.

AIDC F-CK-1A/B Ching Kuo IDF

Taiwan initiated development of the Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF) started in May 1982, after the U.S. government refused to sell F-16 and F-20 to Taiwan. 

Congratulations to the Indian Naval Aviation

A refitted former Soviet aircraft carrier has reached the Indian coast after leaving Russia’s northern shipyard in mid-November, media report said on Wednesday. The Vikramaditya, a refurbished Russian carrier formerly known as the Admiral Gorshkov, arrived at a naval base in Kanwar in the western state of Karnataka on Tuesday, Indian IBN television reported citing sources in the Navy.

Indonesia eyes F-5E replacement options

Indonesia is assessing fighters to replace its obsolescent Northrop F-5E fighters, with a decision possible before 2015. Official news agency Antara quoted defence minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro as saying that Jakarta has received proposals from several companies for the 16 aircraft requirement.