DefenceTalkAffordability remains the priority for the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter, the Pentagon’s program executive officer for the Defense Department’s most expensive procurement told Congress yesterday. Air Force Lt. Gen. Christopher C. Bogdan told the Senate Armed Services Committee’s airland subcommittee that the program has made progress, but he acknowledged it is enormously complicated […]https://www.defencetalk.com/affordability-remains-priority-for-joint-strike-fighter-program-47608/

DefenceTalkAn unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attempted to violate Israeli airspace from the north at approximately 2 p.m. this afternoon. The UAV was tracked by IDF ground and aerial surveillance for the duration of its flight path as it attempted to approach Israel’s coast. Israel Air Force aircraft intercepted the UAV and successfully downed the target […]https://www.defencetalk.com/uav-attempted-to-infiltrate-israeli-airspace-47614/

DefenceTalkThe U.S. Air Force awarded Raytheon a firm-fixed-price $81.7 million option for Lot 6 on the Lot 5 contract for the production and delivery of 202 MALD-J jammers and containers. The contract also includes a 10-year warranty. The contract was awarded in Raytheon’s first quarter of 2013. “MALD-J adds a jamming capability to the current […]https://www.defencetalk.com/raytheon-contracted-for-miniature-air-launched-decoy-and-jammer-units-47599/

DefenceTalkRussia’s fifth-generation T-50 fighter jet will enter service with the country’s armed forces in 2016, and not 2015 as was previously announced, President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday. “The T-50 fifth generation jet should go into serial production and enter service in 2016,” Putin said at a live Q&A session with the Russian public. The […]https://www.defencetalk.com/new-t-50-fighter-jet-to-enter-service-in-2016-putin-47602/

DefenceTalkRIYADH, Saudi Arabia: On his inaugural trip to the Middle East since taking office, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel met here today with Saudi Crown Prince and Defense Minister Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said in a statement. During their talks, Hagel and his Saudi counterpart reiterated the longstanding, steadfast relationship […]https://www.defencetalk.com/hagel-defense-partnership-anchors-us-saudi-relationship-47575/

DefenceTalkRussia will start state flight tests of its fifth-generation T-50 fighter jet in 2014, United Aircraft Corporation’s President Mikhail Pogosyan told reporters on Tuesday. “In 2013 we are expected to wrap up its preliminary tests and start operational testing. In 2014, we are planning to start official state tests,” Pogosyan said on Tuesday, adding “the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/russian-t-50-fighter-jet-to-start-state-flight-test-in-2014-47573/

DefenceTalkKadena offers everything from aircraft hangars to radios, ensuring the 94th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron from Langley Air Force Base, Va., is fully able to integrate its F-22 Raptor squadron into daily operations here. The fifth-generation aircraft’s deployment to Kadena, which began earlier this year, not only signifies a continued commitment to regional stability and security, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/langley-f-22s-airmen-integrate-with-kadena-operations-47558/

DefenceTalkAgustaWestland is pleased to announce the delivery of the first AW101 VVIP helicopter to Turkmenistan Airlines. The contract for two AW101 VVIP helicopters was signed at the 2010 Farnborough International Air Show. Assembly of the aircraft took place at AgustaWestland’s Yeovil facility in South West England. AgustaWestland has also provided pilot and maintainer training and […]https://www.defencetalk.com/first-of-two-aw101-vvip-helicopters-delivered-to-turkmenistan-47540/

DefenceTalkBAE Systems Regional Aircraft has delivered on time and on budget two BAe 146-200QC (Quick Change) aircraft that have been converted from commercial to military configuration for use by the Royal Air Force. After a period of familiarisation and operational trials, both aircraft have now been declared as Released To Service (RTS) by the United […]https://www.defencetalk.com/bae-systems-delivers-bae-146c-mk-3-aircraft-to-the-raf-47538/

DefenceTalkRockwell Collins’ Flight2 avionics system has been selected for the Royal Air Force of Oman’s C-130 upgrade program. The equipment will be installed on three aircraft with work scheduled to begin in 2013. “Royal Air Force of Oman pilots will experience greater situational awareness and communications capabilities with the highly advanced avionics onboard these aircraft,” […]https://www.defencetalk.com/rockwell-collins-selected-for-oman-c-130-upgrade-47542/