Laser weapons and future tanks: European Defense Fund to spend $1.3B on 54 projects

Laser weapons and future tanks: European Defense Fund to spend $1.3B on 54 projects
Laser weapons and future tanks: European Defense Fund to spend $1.3B on 54 projects

Development of more novel weapon systems includes the second phase launch of the Tactical Advanced Laser Optical Systems (TALOS) project (TALOS-TWO), designed to support a long term target of developing 100 kilowatt-class laser weapons by 2030.

Airbus US finalizes acquisition of Aerovel as it eyes low-cost drone market

Airbus US finalizes acquisition of Aerovel as it eyes low-cost drone market
Airbus US finalizes acquisition of Aerovel as it eyes low-cost drone market

Airbus would also likely respond to a recent request for information on drone capabilities that could replace the Navy’s MQ-8C Fire Scout uncrewed helicopters, said CEO of Airbus U.S. Space and Defense Rob Geckle.

UK New Medium Helicopter buy reduced to around 30 aircraft: Spirit AeroSystems Exec

UK New Medium Helicopter buy reduced to around 30 aircraft: Spirit AeroSystems Exec
UK New Medium Helicopter buy reduced to around 30 aircraft: Spirit AeroSystems Exec

The comments are the second time in the span of 10 months that industrial officials have publicly revealed a reduced buy from a max of 44 helos is on the table.

Sikorsky prepares X2 offer for NATO’s next generation rotorcraft competition

Sikorsky prepares X2 offer for NATO’s next generation rotorcraft competition
Sikorsky prepares X2 offer for NATO’s next generation rotorcraft competition

The manufacturer is shifting attention to alliance requirements in the aftermath of the US Army cancelling its next-generation Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) effort.

Airbus, UK agree $152 million deal for 6 H145 ‘overseas’ helicopters

Airbus, UK agree $152 million deal for 6 H145 ‘overseas’ helicopters
Airbus, UK agree $152 million deal for 6 H145 ‘overseas’ helicopters

The fleet of light-twin rotorcraft will replace Airbus Puma HC2 types, which have been temporarily based in Brunei for British Army training and the island of Cyprus in support of Royal Air Force search and rescue missions.

Airbus greenlights Saab to put Arexis sensor suite, with ‘AI platform’, on German Eurofighters

Airbus greenlights Saab to put Arexis sensor suite, with ‘AI platform’, on German Eurofighters
Airbus greenlights Saab to put Arexis sensor suite, with ‘AI platform’, on German Eurofighters

Micael Johansson, Saab’s CEO, said that “combining advanced hardware and AI-enabled software, our Arexis sensor suite will strengthen the German defence with future-proof electronic warfare capability for decades to come.”

Air Force RFI targets engine options for NGAS tankers

Air Force RFI targets engine options for NGAS tankers
Air Force RFI targets engine options for NGAS tankers

Responses will help shape analysis for the tanker program, known as the Next Generation Air refueling System.

Boeing’s KC-46A refueler, T-7A trainer face more delays

Boeing’s KC-46A refueler, T-7A trainer face more delays
Boeing’s KC-46A refueler, T-7A trainer face more delays

Air Force acquisition chief Andrew Hunter noted potential troubles ahead for the KC-46A and said T-7A production could start “a little later” than previously anticipated, but he remained confident about the way forward for the two aircraft.

UK invites industry bids for New Medium Helicopter, sets 2025 contract date

UK invites industry bids for New Medium Helicopter, sets 2025 contract date
UK invites industry bids for New Medium Helicopter, sets 2025 contract date

The ITN phase is expected to deliver, for the first time, a full breakdown of requirements and costs for industry for the estimated $1.3 billion program.

Inside Boeing’s plans to fix its troubled KC-46A tanker

Inside Boeing’s plans to fix its troubled KC-46A tanker
Inside Boeing’s plans to fix its troubled KC-46A tanker

Breaking Defense toured Boeing’s Seattle-area facilities where the KC-46A is built, and company officials explained fixes in the works for six critical issues, from new cameras to better seals on fuel lines.

From a suspected spy balloon to a missing plane: 5 air warfare stories from 2023

From a suspected spy balloon to a missing plane: 5 air warfare stories from 2023
From a suspected spy balloon to a missing plane: 5 air warfare stories from 2023

“How in the hell do you lose an F-35?”

Germany, Airbus agree H145M light attack helicopter mega order

Germany, Airbus agree H145M light attack helicopter mega order
Germany, Airbus agree H145M light attack helicopter mega order

Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters said the company “will ensure” the helicopters are delivered against Germany’s tight program schedule, which includes a first aircraft delivery next year.

NRO taps 5 firms for new electro-optical imaging capabilities

NRO taps 5 firms for new electro-optical imaging capabilities
NRO taps 5 firms for new electro-optical imaging capabilities

The five Strategic Commercial Enhancements (SCE) contracts will allow NRO to study imagery and techniques used by the companies, which include novel ways of processing images to increase their fidelity and resolution.

Spain signs $500M-plus deal for SIRTAP drones from Airbus

Spain signs $500M-plus deal for SIRTAP drones from Airbus
Spain signs $500M-plus deal for SIRTAP drones from Airbus

The Spanish Ministry of Defence said the aircraft will enter service in 2026 — an aggressive timeline considering Airbus only plans to have a prototype in the air by 2025.