DefenceTalkJoint STARS recently became the first Air Force airborne system to fully retrofit new terminals that will improve warfighter communication. The Joint STARS Communications and Network Upgrade program successfully installed, tested and fielded the first of its Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System, or MIDS JTRS, terminals. “This was a huge success for […]https://www.defencetalk.com/joint-stars-improves-warfighter-communication-47224/

DefenceTalkThis year marks the 40th anniversary of production of the Mi-24, the first purpose-built Russian combat helicopter, at Rostov Helicopter Plant, today called Rosvertol, a Russian Helicopters company. The design of the Mi-24, a strike and transport helicopter was, was so successful that versions are still in use today: some 1,500 Mi-24s serve with the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/mi-24-legendary-russian-attack-helicopter-turns-40-this-year-47218/

DefenceTalkThe first international student aviator at the 33rd Fighter Wing, training to be an F-35B Lightning II instructor pilot, completed his first sortie in the joint strike fighter here March 19. United Kingdom Royal Air Force Squadron Leader Frankie Buchler flew with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron-501. “There were no surprises, the jet was fun […]https://www.defencetalk.com/first-international-student-pilot-flies-f-35-47226/

DefenceTalkThe United States said it was flying training missions of nuclear-capable B-52 bombers over South Korea, in a clear signal to North Korea at a time of escalating military tensions. The flights — part of annual joint South Korea-US military exercises — should be seen as underscoring US commitment and capacity to defend Seoul against […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-flies-b-52-bombers-over-south-korea-47207/

DefenceTalkHughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), the global leader in broadband satellite solutions and services, today announced that it has successfully demonstrated high-throughput video and data transmission over SATCOM links on a variety of rotary wing platforms. Employing an advanced waveform technology developed by Hughes, the new communications-on-the-move (COTM) microsat system achieved zero packet loss on […]https://www.defencetalk.com/hughes-demonstrates-seamless-satcom-on-military-helicopters-47200/

DefenceTalkIf majority ruled in the United Nations, the global arms trade would be regulated. But in the real world, the big guns hold the key to an agreement. Negotiations have resumed at the UN on what has been declared a “final” attempt to reach the consensus necessary for a treaty to regulate the $70 billion […]https://www.defencetalk.com/big-guns-hold-key-to-arms-trade-treaty-talks-47198/

DefenceTalkThe Danish Ministry of Defence has decided to reopen the type selection process for new fighter aircraft, which was suspended in mid-2010. Saab’s fighter aircraft system Gripen is one of four alternatives. In accordance with the “Agreement on defense 2013-2017” the Danish Ministry of Defence has decided to restarted type selection process for new fighter […]https://www.defencetalk.com/gripen-one-of-four-alternatives-as-denmark-reopens-fighter-jet-procurement-47183/

DefenceTalkThe U.S. Air Force and its prime contractor Boeing have completed a successful first flight of the new F-15SA advanced fighter aircraft for the Royal Saudi Air Force. The F-15SA’s maiden voyage took place Feb. 20 at the Boeing facilities in St. Louis. The flight went as planned, meeting all test objectives to support the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/fly-by-wire-f-15sa-makes-first-flight-47163/

DefenceTalkMike Kgobe, the CEO of Denel Aviation says the acceptance of the locally developed combat support helicopter marks the culmination of a 26 year partnership between the SAAF and Denel. “We took this proudly South African aircraft through all its stages – from design to manufacturing, upgrading and retrofitting – to the point where it […]https://www.defencetalk.com/final-rooivalk-handover-cements-relationship-between-denel-and-saaf-47154/

DefenceTalkAn Iranian fighter jet tried to intercept a US Predator drone over the Gulf but backed off after encountering two American military aircraft, the Pentagon said Thursday. No shots were fired in the confrontation Wednesday, officials said, but the United States renewed a vow that it would protect its forces in the region. The Pentagon […]https://www.defencetalk.com/iranian-fighter-tries-to-intercept-us-drone-in-gulf-us-47150/