DefenseNews

Future fighter program poses key test for US Air Force’s design method

DAYTON, Ohio — The futuristic Next Generation Air Dominance fighter platform now in the works is likely to be one of the most complex, highest-stakes weapon acquisitions in the U.S. Air Force’s history. The sixth-generation fighter jet is expected to include new technologies ranging from cutting-edge adaptive engines to an autonomous drone flying alongside its wings. If NGAD works as the…
Read more
DefenseNews

US Army aerial jammer ‘in pretty good shape’ following soldier testing

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The U.S. Army subjected an in-the-works aerial jammer to testing and soldier scrutiny, with initial feedback proving positive, according to one acquisition official. The Multi-Function Electronic Warfare-Air Large, or MFEW-AL, is part of the Army’s reinvestment in sophisticated electronic warfare technologies after years of neglect. Lockheed Martin is spearheading development of…
Read more
DefenseNews

Navy seeks to offer virtual training to more of the fleet

NORFOLK, Va. — During a major exercise this month, aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower was tied to the pier here at Naval Station Norfolk, but appeared to be operating alongside fellow carrier Gerald R. Ford across the Atlantic in European waters. The virtual presence of…
DefenseNews

US Navy awards Sikorsky $2.7 billion for 35 CH-53K helicopters

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy awarded its largest contract yet for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter program, with a $2.77 billion contract Thursday for 35 aircraft. The contract with Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, covers 12 lot 7 and 15 lot 8 aircraft…
DefenseNews

Ukrainian pilots will learn to fly F-16s at US Air Force’s 162nd Wing

WASHINGTON — The U.S. will begin training Ukrainian F-16 pilots within two months, Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said in a briefing Thursday. While he didn’t give specific numbers, he said there would be “several” pilots and “dozens” of maintainers trained. This follows comments earlier in the week that the U.S. would participate in the process only if the Netherlands…
Read more
DefenseNews

MAG, L3Harris to supply Army with ATHENA-equipped spy planes

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army tapped a pair of companies to deliver jets kitted with spying technologies in advancement of its long-range targeting plans. MAG Aerospace and L3Harris Technologies on Aug. 22 said they would together outfit Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft with a bloc of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance sensors for the service’s Theater Level High Altitude Expeditionary…
Read more