DefenceTalkThe F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter program is a different program than it was four years ago, the F-35 program executive officer said here March 12. In a speech at the McAleese/Credit Suisse Defense Programs Conference at the Newseum, Lt. Gen. Christopher C. Bogdan told attendees that he and his predecessor, Navy Vice Adm. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/f-35-production-on-track-program-chief-says-47148/

DefenceTalkAirbus Military has today received full Type Certification for the A400M new generation airlifter, marking a critical step towards delivery of the first aircraft to the French Air Force. Award of the Type Certificate makes the A400M the world’s first large military transport to be designed and certified to civil standards from its inception. Military […]https://www.defencetalk.com/airbus-a400m-wins-full-civil-certification-47146/

DefenceTalkIn the wake of sequestration, the Air Force officially suspended military tuition assistance March 11. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley announced the Air Force has officially suspended military TA for the remainder of fiscal 2013. The program will continue to be evaluated to determine the way ahead in fiscal 2014. The Defense Department’s […]https://www.defencetalk.com/air-force-suspends-military-tuition-assistance-47138/

DefenceTalkThe installation of the update to the whole Tranche 1 Typhoon fleet has been agreed following the successful delivery and assessment of Drop 2. The enhancement package, developed by our Capability Sustainment Team, provides capability upgrades to a wide range of Typhoon avionic systems covering the displays and controls, attack and identification, defensive aids and […]https://www.defencetalk.com/tranche-1-typhoon-fleet-is-upgraded-47131/

DefenceTalkCombined forces from the U.S. Air Force, Royal Thai air force and Republic of Singapore air force joined forces today to execute Cope Tiger 13 here March 10. The annual field training exercise, comprised of aviation and ground units, is designed to enhance interoperability and relations amongst each nation’s air forces. “Cope Tiger offers U.S. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/cope-tiger-13-commences-in-thailand-47115/

DefenceTalkBoeing (BA) today announced it is consolidating flight training capabilities in North America – including 787 flight and maintenance training – at the Boeing Flight Services training campus in Miami. The consolidation is part of a larger Commercial Airplanes focus on customer commitments, stepping up efforts to meet market demand for Boeing products, services and […]https://www.defencetalk.com/boeing-to-consolidate-flight-training-facilities-in-north-america-47106/

DefenceTalkAir Force senior leaders issued updated guidance to leaders of Air Force major commands and addressed the service’s Airmen last week on how the service will operate under sequestration and a continuing resolution for the remainder of the fiscal year. Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Jamie Morin and Air Force Vice Chief […]https://www.defencetalk.com/sequestration-impacts-ripple-across-air-force-47095/

DefenceTalkAgustaWestland is pleased to announce that it has signed a contract for a fleet of AW139 twin engine helicopters to equip the Saudi Aeromedical Evacuation Department of the Ministry of Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The helicopters will be configured with a dedicated aeromedical interior to perform air ambulance operations, with deliveries starting […]https://www.defencetalk.com/saudi-medevac-to-be-equipped-with-aw139-helicopters-47077/

DefenceTalkThe first production Airbus Military A400M new generation airlifter has made its maiden flight, marking a key milestone towards its delivery to the French Air Force. The aircraft, known as MSN7, took off from Seville, Spain, at 11:48 local time (GMT+1) and landed back in Seville 5 hours and 42 minutes later. Experimental Test Pilot […]https://www.defencetalk.com/first-production-airbus-military-a400m-makes-maiden-flight-47075/

DefenceTalkThe second Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II for the Netherlands rolled out of the F-35 production facility on March 2. This is the latest step in the production process leading to its eventual assignment to Eglin AFB, Fla., later this summer. The Netherlands is planning to use this conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) jet, known […]https://www.defencetalk.com/2nd-f-35-for-the-netherlands-rolls-out-of-f-35-production-facility-47086/