DefenceTalk.com

Leonardo Adds Rafael Pods to M-346FA Light Combat Aircraft
DefenceTalkRAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems will supply 5th generation Litening-5 and RecceLite systems to equip Leonardo’s M-346FA light combat aircraft. This is the first integration of 5th generation EO pods to Leonardo’s M-346FA platform. The M-346FA is the multi-role combat variant of the most advanced jet trainer that has been designed for a wide range of […]https://www.defencetalk.com/leonardo-adds-rafael-pods-to-m-346fa-light-combat-aircraft-75430/ Read more...
China’s JL-9 Trainer Jet to be Modified for Aircraft Carrier Operation
DefenceTalkThe naval version of the JL-9 Mountain Eagle trainer jet is being modified to enable it to train aircraft carrier jet pilots on an actual aircraft carrier at a time when China is in urgent need of training more aircraft carrier jet pilots, as its second carrier was just commissioned last year, reports said on […]https://www.defencetalk.com/chinas-jl-9-trainer-jet-to-be-modified-for-aircraft-carrier-operation-74901/ Read more...
Saab Starts Production of US Air Force T-7A Trainer Aircraft
Saab started assembly production on January 10, 2020 of its section of the T-7A aircraft, the advanced trainer developed and produced together with Boeing for the United States Air Force. Saab is responsible for the development and production of the aft fuselage section for the advanced trainer, with seven aft units being produced in Linköping, […] Read more...
The New Czech Jet Aircraft L-39NG Rolled Out from the Hangar
DefenceTalkThe first L-39NG pre-series aircraft rolled out from the hangar at AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE, the leading Czech aerospace company. This significant milestone has been achieved in line with the L-39NG project schedule and Aero is now going to prepare the aircraft for its maiden flight planned before the end of this year. The rollout event […]https://www.defencetalk.com/the-new-czech-jet-aircraft-l-39ng-rolled-out-from-the-hangar-71897/ Read more...
China’s FTC-2000G Export-Version Versatile Aircraft Rolls Off Production Line
DefenceTalkChina-developed FTC-2000G, an export version versatile aircraft, on Wednesday hit the production line in the city of Anshun in southwest China’s Guizhou Province, according to its developer. The FTC-2000G was developed by the Guizhou Aviation Industry Corporation under the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) to meet the demand of the international market. The […]https://www.defencetalk.com/chinas-ftc-2000g-export-version-versatile-aircraft-rolls-off-production-line-71837/ Read more...
Russian Armed Forces to Receive 14 SU-30SM Fighters and 10 YAK-130 Aircraft
DefenceTalkDeputy Defence Minister Yuri Borisov checked the implementation of missions of the Ministry of Defence at the Irkutsk aviation plant. “This year, the program of production includes 24 aircraft: 10 YAK-130, 12 aircraft for Aerospace Forces and for the Navy Forces – 2 SU-30SM”, said Yuri Borisov in an interview with reporters during a visit […]https://www.defencetalk.com/russian-armed-forces-to-receive-14-su-30sm-fighters-and-10-yak-130-aircraft-71449/ Read more...
Pakistan Delivers Final Super Mushshak Trainer Aircraft Batch to Nigeria
DefenceTalkThe Nigerian Air Force (NAF) today, 14 January 2018, took delivery of the second batch of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft that the Federal Government had since ordered from Pakistan. The Ilyushin 76 strategic airlifter aircraft that brought the new Super Mushshak aircraft touched down at NAF Base Kaduna at exactly 7.45 am today. The Chief […]https://www.defencetalk.com/pakistan-delivers-final-super-mushshak-trainer-aircraft-batch-to-nigeria-71071/ Read more...
Philippine Air Force Selects the A-29 Super Tucano for Close Air Support Role
DefenceTalkEmbraer announced today a firm order of six A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced training aircraft for the Philippine Air Force (PAF). After a comprehensive public bidding process participated by several manufacturers from around the globe and complying with the stringent evaluation processes the Super Tucano was selected as part of the PAF’s ongoing […]https://www.defencetalk.com/philippine-air-force-selects-the-a-29-super-tucano-for-close-air-support-role-70892/ Read more...
US Clears $593M A-29 Super Tucano Sale to Nigeria
DefenceTalkThe State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Nigeria of twelve (12) A-29 Super Tucano aircraft and weapons, including all associated training, spare parts, aviation and ground support equipment, and hangar, facilities, and infrastructure required to support the program. The estimated total case value is $593 […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-clears-593m-a-29-super-tucano-sale-to-nigeria-70234/ Read more...
New Concept Hawk Demonstrator Aircraft Takes to the Skies
DefenceTalkA concept of a future variant of BAE Systems’ highly successful Hawk aircraft has flown for the first time at the Company’s military aircraft facility in Warton, Lancashire. Equipped with a new type of pilot display, a redesigned wing and defensive aids, the Advanced Hawk will meet market requirements for the next generation of fast […]https://www.defencetalk.com/new-concept-hawk-demonstrator-aircraft-takes-to-the-skies-70138/ Read more...
BAE Rolls Out First Eurofighter Typhoon, Hawk Trainer Aircraft for Oman
DefenceTalkThe first Eurofighter Typhoon and Hawk advanced jet trainer aircraft for the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) have been formally presented to the customer in a ceremony held at BAE Systems’ Military Air & Information business in the UK. An invited audience of more than 100 delegates witnessed the event at BAE Systems’ site […]https://www.defencetalk.com/bae-rolls-out-first-eurofighter-typhoon-hawk-trainer-aircraft-for-oman-69971/ Read more...
China’s JF-17B Dual-Seat Fighter Trainer Makes Maiden Flight
DefenceTalkThe dual-seat fighter trainer plane JF-17B developed by China made its maiden flight Thursday in southwest China’s Sichuan Province. A variant fighter trainer for the JF-17, JF-17B was developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) to meet the requirements of international customers and the global market, according to the AVIC. The AVIC said […]https://www.defencetalk.com/chinas-jf-17b-dual-seat-fighter-trainer-makes-maiden-flight-69858/ Read more...
US Navy T-45C Operational Pause Implemented
DefenceTalkThe Navy implemented a three-day operational pause for its T-45C fleet Wednesday at the direction of Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, Commander, Naval Air Forces. The pause is in response to concerns raised by T-45C pilots over the potential for physiological episodes. It will also allow time for Naval Aviation leadership to engage with the pilots, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-navy-t-45c-operational-pause-implemented-69679/ Read more...
Taiwan to build new jet trainer fleet by 2026 in defence push
DefenceTalkTaiwan officials said Tuesday a new generation of locally built jet trainers would be completed by 2026, part of a push to strengthen the defence industry against a growing China threat. The island has developed jets and missiles at home in the past, but relies on its main ally the US as its biggest arms […]https://www.defencetalk.com/taiwan-to-build-new-jet-trainer-fleet-by-2026-in-defence-push-69021/ Read more...
Pilatus Sells 21 PC-21s, Including 17 for the French Air Force
DefenceTalkPilatus Aircraft Ltd is delighted to announce the signing of three PC-21 fleet orders by end of December 2016, for a total of 21 PC-21s, of which 17 are for the French Air Force and two each for the Royal Jordanian Air Force and QinetiQ, a British company which operates the “Empire Test Pilots’ School”. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/pilatus-sells-21-pc-21s-including-17-for-the-french-air-force-68751/ Read more...
Yak-152 Training Aircraft Performes Maiden Flight
DefenceTalkThe maiden flight of the Yak-152 initial training aircraft took place at the airfield of Irkutsk Aviation Plant on September 29, 2016. The Yak-152 aircraft has been developed by the Yakovlev Design Bureau, the affiliate of Irkut Corporation. The new aircraft provides initial pilot training at any time, at day and night. The Yak-152 is […]https://www.defencetalk.com/yak-152-training-aircraft-performes-maiden-flight-68272/ Read more...
Australian Defence Force PC-21 Completes First Flight
DefenceTalkPilatus Aircraft Ltd is pleased to announce that the first of 49 PC-21 aircraft destined for the Australian Defence Force has successfully completed its initial production test flight at the factory in Stans, Switzerland. The flight took place only seven months after contract signature. Under a contract signed in December 2015 aimed at harmonizing Australian […]https://www.defencetalk.com/australian-defence-force-pc-21-completes-first-flight-67879/ Read more...
Russian Airforce to Receive 30 Yak-130 Aircraft By End of 2018
DefenceTalkThe Russian Defense Ministry and Irkut Corporation, the country’s aircraft manufacturer, have sealed a contract for the supply of 30 Yak-130 combat training aircraft to the Russian Aerospace Forces before the end of 2018, the ministry’s press service said. “In accordance with the terms of the contract, 30 Yak-130 aircraft will be transferred to the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/russian-airforce-to-receive-30-yak-130-aircraft-by-end-of-2018-67268/ Read more...
Italy and Finmeccanica Signs Contract for 9 M-346 advanced training aircraft
DefenceTalkFinmeccanica has signed a contract worth over 300 million Euros with ARMAEREO (Italian National Armaments Directorate) of the Italian Defence Ministry for a further nine Aermacchi M-346 advanced training aircraft for the Italian Air Force. The contract was signed by Grazia Nunnari, head of national and international contracts of ARMAEREO (Italian National Armaments Directorate) and […]https://www.defencetalk.com/italy-finmeccanica-m-346-jets-to-trainer-aircraft-fleet-67144/ Read more...
Final Assembly Begins for the First Two Polish Air Force M-346 Aircraft
DefenceTalkThe contract with the Polish Air Force is to supply eight aircraft as well as Ground Based Training Systems Presented to General Commander of the Polish Armed Forces, the two aircraft will be delivered by November 2016 A total 59 M-346 aircraft have been ordered so far by Italy, Israel, Singapore and Poland ROME: Finmeccanica […]https://www.defencetalk.com/assembly-polish-air-force-m-346-aircraft-66862/ Read more...
Unique Russian Aircraft Undergoes Test Flight
DefenceTalkRussia’s new forward-swept wing jet trainer SR-10 has made its first flight. The Russian private design bureau ‘Modern Aviation Technologies’ has developed a single-engine, all-composite aircraft SR-10. Developed by a private Russian design bureau called KB SAT, the aircraft features a moderate forward-swept wing (FSW) scheme. This feature allows the plane to be more compact, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/unique-russian-aircraft-undergoes-test-flight-66740/ Read more...
Lockheed Unveils Advanced Pilot Training Solution: The T-50A
DefenceTalkLockheed Martin announced today that it will offer the T-50A in the U.S. Air Force’s Advanced Pilot Training (APT) competition. The T-50A was developed jointly by Lockheed Martin and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to replace the T-38 and train the next generation of pilots to fly 5th Generation aircraft. Lockheed Martin also announced that it […]https://www.defencetalk.com/lockheed-unveils-advanced-pilot-training-solution-the-t-50a-66712/ Read more...
Thailand to buy Korean T-50 Trainer Jets
DefenceTalkKorea Aerospace Industries (KAI) said Thursday that it has signed a $110 million deal to export four T-50 supersonic trainer jets to Thailand. Under the deal, the Korean company will deliver the trainer jets within 30 months. The signing ceremony took place at the JW Marriott Hotel in Seoul. Thailand selected the KAI T-50 over […]https://www.defencetalk.com/thailand-to-buy-korean-t-50-trainer-jets-65434/ Read more...
RAAF Base East Sale to Deliver ADF Basic Flying Training
DefenceTalkLockheed Martin Australia has been selected as the preferred tenderer for the new Australian Defence Force Pilot Training System. The contract will see the Australian Defence Force’s Basic Flying Training delivered from RAAF Base East Sale, Victoria. The Pilot Training System will deliver 49 Pilatus PC-21 aircraft, with RAAF Base East Sale to become home […]https://www.defencetalk.com/raaf-base-east-sale-to-deliver-adf-basic-flying-training-65282/ Read more...
Belarus Air Force Boosts Orders of Ultra-Modern Russian Yak-130 Jets
DefenceTalkBelarus has ordered new combat aircraft from Russia, according to the commander of Belarus’ Air Force and Air Defense Forces. Major General Oleg Dvigalev said the country has signed two contracts for four Russian Yakolev Yak-130 Mitten trainer/strike aircraft. He also confirmed that an order for 12 Mil Mi-8MTV-5 Hip helicopters had been signed in […]https://www.defencetalk.com/belarus-air-force-boosts-orders-of-ultra-modern-russian-yak-130-jets-65007/ Read more...
Jordanian Air Force To Buy the Pilatus PC-9 M Training System
DefenceTalkPilatus Aircraft Ltd is delighted to announce that the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) has signed a contract for the purchase of nine Pilatus PC-9 M training aircraft. The order also includes a simulator, training equipment and a comprehensive logistics support package. Keen to modernise its pilot training facilities, the RJAF has opted for the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/jordanian-air-force-to-buy-the-pilatus-pc-9-m-training-system-64975/ Read more...
Ghana Air Force To Buy 5 Embraer A-29 Super Tucano
DefenceTalkPARIS, France: Embraer Defense & Security and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Ghana have signed a contract for the acquisition of five A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced training turboprops. The contract includes logistic support for the operation of these aircraft as well as the set-up of a training system for […]https://www.defencetalk.com/ghana-air-force-to-buy-5-embraer-a-29-super-tucano-64575/ Read more...
The Royal Netherlands Air Force Pilots Will Train on Aermacchi M-346 Aircraft
DefenceTalkThe Royal Netherlands Air Force’s Pilots will train in Italy on Alenia Aermacchi’s jets in service with the Italian Air Force, thanks to the agreement that has been signed by the Chiefs of Staff of the two Air Forces in Milan last week that envisages the detachment of an instructor and two student pilots of […]https://www.defencetalk.com/the-royal-netherlands-air-force-pilots-will-train-on-aermacchi-m-346-aircraft-64158/ Read more...
India to Buy Mine Sweeping Vessels, Trainer Aircraft
DefenceTalkIndia’s defence ministry Saturday cleared a project worth Rs.32,000 crore for 12 mine sweeping vessels to be made in the country, along with some other projects including one for buying 38 basic trainer aircrafts. In a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council chaired by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, the government also cleared acquisition of 38 […]https://www.defencetalk.com/india-to-buy-mine-sweeping-vessels-trainer-aircraft-63324/ Read more...
Italy Orders 3 More Aermacchi T-346 Trainers
DefenceTalkAlenia Aermacchi and ARMAEREO (Italian National Armaments Directorate) signed today in Rome a contract worth 120 million Euros to provide the Italian Air Force with further three advanced trainer aircraft M-346 (identified as T-346A by the Italian Air Force), with ground base training system and relevant logistic support included. The contract is part of a […]https://www.defencetalk.com/italy-orders-3-more-aermacchi-t-346-trainers-61198/ Read more...
New Zealand Formally Accepts T-6C Training Aircraft
DefenceTalkThe Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) officially accepted ownership of the new pilot training aircraft, the Beechcraft T-6C Texan II in a ceremony at Base Ohakea this afternoon. Currently there are four T-6C aircraft at Ohakea; two arrived in August and two earlier this month. In total RNZAF will own 11 aircraft, the remaining […]https://www.defencetalk.com/new-zealand-formally-accepts-t-6c-training-aircraft-60938/ Read more...
Taiwan Set to Purchase Advanced Trainers In 2017
DefenceTalkTaiwan is planning to purchase advanced trainers to replace its aging fleet of F-5E/F jet fighters and AT-3 jet trainers, Defense Minister Yen Ming said Thursday. The plans to procure advanced trainers are expected to be included in the Ministry of National Defense budget for 2017, Yen said while fielding questions from Legislator Lin Yu-fang […]https://www.defencetalk.com/taiwan-set-to-purchase-advanced-trainers-in-2017-60846/ Read more...
Bangladesh Buys Russian Combat Training Jets Worth $800M
DefenceTalkBangladesh 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 […]https://www.defencetalk.com/bangladesh-buys-russian-combat-training-jets-worth-800m-50173/ Read more...
Poland Selects Alenia Aermacchi M346 Advanced Jet Trainer
DefenceTalkThe Polish Ministry of Defence has chosen the M-346 trainer aircraft produced by Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company, and its ground-based training system to train its Air Force pilots. The contract, which includes training and technical and logistic support, is worth EUR 280 million and includes the purchase of eight M-346 airplanes, plus option on […]https://www.defencetalk.com/poland-selects-alenia-aermacchi-m346-advanced-jet-trainer-49994/ Read more...
Boeing, Saab Team Up in Joint Bid for T-X Trainer
DefenceTalkBoeing and Saab AB have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to jointly develop and build a new advanced, cost-efficient T-X Family of Systems training solution for the upcoming competition to replace the U.S. Air Force’s aging T-38 aircrew training system. The JDA, with Boeing as the prime contractor and Saab AB as primary partner, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/boeing-saab-team-up-in-joint-bid-for-t-x-trainer-49850/ Read more...
First Export of Korea’s Supersonic T-50i Aircraft to Indonesia
DefenceTalkA T-50i, which is a Korean-made supersonic aircraft being exported to Indonesia, took off at full speed at the Sacheon airfield on 10 September. This T-50i will first fly to Gaishung, Taiwan and then arrive at its final destination of Ishuwahyudi, Indonesia after stopping in Cebu, Philippines and Spinggan, Indonesia en route to the final […]https://www.defencetalk.com/first-export-of-koreas-supersonic-t-50i-aircraft-to-indonesia-49251/ Read more...
Indian Navy Receives First Hawk Trainer Jet
DefenceTalkThe Indian Navy has received the first of 17 Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers, becoming the third naval operator of the Hawk along with the US Navy and the Royal Navy. The 17 Hawk aircraft ordered by the Indian Navy form part of a contract for 57 aircraft signed in 2010 of which 40 are for […]https://www.defencetalk.com/indian-navy-receives-first-hawk-trainer-jet-49174/ Read more...
BAE Systems to Upgrade Australia’s Hawk Trainer Jets
DefenceTalkBAE Systems has commenced a new contract to remain the in-service support provider for the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF’s) Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter fleet. The five-year contract, with potential extensions out to 2026, will deliver deeper maintenance, engineering, full logistics and training systems support for 33 Hawk fighters at RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF […]https://www.defencetalk.com/bae-systems-to-upgrade-australias-hawk-trainer-jets-48304/ Read more...
Bangladesh Plans to Buy 24 Russian Jet Trainers
DefenceTalkBangladesh is planning to buy 24 Yak-130 Mitten jet trainers on $1 billion credit from Russia, Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport said on Wednesday. “Bangladesh has a whole list of arms it wants, but so far that is a state secret. I will reveal one little secret: The purchase of Yak-130 warplanes is a very […]https://www.defencetalk.com/bangladesh-plans-to-buy-24-russian-jet-trainers-47295/ Read more...