DefenceTalkThe air mission briefing began promptly at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. The Soldier in charge of the briefing, Spc. Eleazar Gonzalez, provided updates on the operating environment and flight schedules, and coordinated with other sections to cover maintenance and weather. The meeting ended with Gonzalez quizzing his fellow MQ-1C “Gray Eagle” operators on vital […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-army-aviation-soldiers-usher-in-a-new-era-of-warfare-70307/

DefenceTalkIn 2016, North Korea conducted about 22 missile launches and two nuclear tests as part of an effort to gain nuclear missile capability. They also served as provocation against its neighbor to the south, the Republic of Korea. “The concerning part about this is not necessarily that they are doing provocations,” said Brig. Gen. David […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-army-aviation-efforts-in-korea-focused-on-countering-special-operations-forces-wmd-69931/

DefenceTalkA shortage of pilots across the U.S. military is most acute in the Air Force, senior military officials told Congress March 29. Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Lt. Gen. Mark A. Brilakis, Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Robert P. Burke, Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Personnel […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-congress-probes-military-pilot-shortage-69672/

DefenceTalkChina’s helicopter industry is gearing up to become a global power with a national strategy of civil-military integration, according to state-owned helicopter giant Avicopter. China has a relatively complete helicopter industry with independent development capacity in key technologies, said Wu Ximing, chief designer of Avicopter, a subsidiary of China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC). The cutting-edge […]https://www.defencetalk.com/china-focus-civil-military-integration-lifts-chinas-helicopter-industry-68753/

DefenceTalkIran Air finalized a contract to buy 80 planes from Boeing, the US aerospace firm confirmed on Sunday, as it seeks to renew its ageing fleet despite sanctions. Boeing said the contract — Iran’s first deal with a US aviation firm since the 1979 Islamic revolution — was worth $16.6 billion (15.7 billion euros). “Fifty […]https://www.defencetalk.com/iran-signs-deal-to-buy-80-boeing-planes-68656/

DefenceTalkThis year’s Farnborough air show was not a vintage year for aircraft orders, analysts say, a gloomy outlook clouded by Brexit and further darkening as European giant Airbus slashed output of its A380 superjumbo. Airbus’ announcement late Tuesday that the Franco-German planemaker would halve A380 production to one a month from 2018 caused some turbulence […]https://www.defencetalk.com/uk-airshow-wobbles-on-weak-demand-as-brexit-clouds-out-67827/

DefenceTalkUS aerospace giant Boeing confirmed Wednesday that it was in talks with Iranian airlines seeking to buy its airplanes. “We have been engaged in discussions with Iranian airlines approved by the USG (US government) about potential purchases of Boeing commercial passenger airplanes and services,” the company said in an email to AFP. “We do not […]https://www.defencetalk.com/boeing-confirms-talks-with-iran-on-aircraft-sale-67661/

DefenceTalkIt’s the latest in high-tech anti-drone technology, and both the Pentagon and US Homeland Security are on board. As recreational drones become increasingly common, multiple government agencies are struggling to ascertain the best way to deal with security threats posed by the aircraft. High profile incidents like the series of mysterious UAV-sightings across Paris last […]https://www.defencetalk.com/pentagon-buys-safe-solution-for-zapping-drones-out-of-the-sky-67519/

DefenceTalkA British Airways plane struck an object believed to be a drone on Sunday as it was coming in for landing at Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, police said. An investigation has been launched into the incident, which follows a string of near misses involving drones and is believed to be the first case of a […]https://www.defencetalk.com/suspected-drone-hits-plane-during-heathrow-landing-67258/

DefenceTalkCanadian aviation giant Bombardier announced Wednesday it was cutting 10 percent of its global workforce as the company undergoes major restructuring through next year. The 7,000-job reduction “will be partially offset by hiring in certain growth areas,” such as in its nascent commercial aircraft division, Bombardier said as it released financial results. Bombardier also announced […]https://www.defencetalk.com/canadian-aircraft-builder-bombardier-cuts-7000-jobs-66789/