The Philippines has offered a US$1.5 billion budget to defense contractors around the world for phase one of its three-tier armed forces modernization program. It wishes to strengthen its bargaining chips in the dispute over the South China Sea’s disputed territories, reports the US Defense News Weekly. In a recent dispute over the South China […]

The Royal Australian Air Force’s Heron Remotely Piloted Aircraft mission in Afghanistan has been extended to the end of 2014 following a request from the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). The extension supports ISAF’s requirement to maintain information, surveillance and reconnaissance capability during the traditional fighting season. Operated from Kandahar Airfield in southern Afghanistan, Australia’s […]

The Department of National Defense (DND) announced that the payment for the P882 million upgraded armored personnel carrier (APC), bagged by Israeli defense manufacturer Elbit Systems Ltd., will be done in three tranches. Dr. Peter Paul Galvez, Defense spokesperson, said first payment will be pegged at P405 million, the second will be P335 million and […]

Minister for Defence David Johnston today announced that Thales Australia Ltd has been awarded the Navy’s Adelaide Class guided missile frigate’s (FFG) Group Maintenance Contract. Senator Johnston said the contract will be for an initial period of four and half years with the potential for contract extensions to an anticipated value of $130 million. “If […]

The Philippine Navy (PN) announced that training of pilots and flight crew of the armed AgustaWestland AW-109Es “Power” helicopters will be largely determined by the aircraft supplier. This was disclosed by Navy public affairs office chief Cmdr. Gregory Fabic in a message to the PNA. “We are still awaiting for the advise coming from AgustaWestland […]

A full-scale model of the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter unveiled today will be used by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) to study the effects of electromagnetic compatibility and interference on the aircraft. Minister for Defence Senator David Johnston said the Australian-built model, known as Iron Bird, would be tested under simulated electromagnetic conditions […]

OSHKOSH, Wis. — Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK), reached a milestone in the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program by completing Net-Ready testing with the Oshkosh Light Combat Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (L-ATV). “We are pleased that our JLTV has demonstrated its capability to transfer critical data […]

Brazilian Navy’s Naval Aviation has signed a contract for a major midlife upgrade of eight Lynx Mk21A helicopters. The contract, valued in excess of US$160 million (€117 million), includes replacement of the aircraft’s engines with the CTS800-4N product from LHTEC, navigation, displays suite and mission avionics. A comprehensive support and training package that includes a […]

Pictures released today show additional Reaper aircraft flying from Kandahar Airfield to gather vital intelligence in support of Afghan, UK and ISAF coalition forces on the ground. The deployment of five new Reapers means there are now twice as many in Afghanistan operating alongside the Army’s Hermes 450. These aircraft provide real-time, life-saving video to […]

Embraer plans to finalise a contract with the Brazilian air force in the third quarter of this year for 28 KC-390s, passing up an opportunity to stage the event at the Farnborough air show. The country’s air force signed a R7.2 billion ($3.3 billion) contract for series production and logistics support of 28 KC-390s on […]