Airbus would also likely respond to a recent request for information on drone capabilities that could replace the Navy’s MQ-8C Fire Scout uncrewed helicopters, said CEO of Airbus U.S. Space and Defense Rob Geckle.
By Valerie InsinnaThe comments are the second time in the span of 10 months that industrial officials have publicly revealed a reduced buy from a max of 44 helos is on the table.
By Tim MartinThe manufacturer is shifting attention to alliance requirements in the aftermath of the US Army cancelling its next-generation Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) effort.
By Tim Martin and Ashley RoqueThe fleet of light-twin rotorcraft will replace Airbus Puma HC2 types, which have been temporarily based in Brunei for British Army training and the island of Cyprus in support of Royal Air Force search and rescue missions.
By Tim MartinMicael Johansson, Saab’s CEO, said that “combining advanced hardware and AI-enabled software, our Arexis sensor suite will strengthen the German defence with future-proof electronic warfare capability for decades to come.”
By Tim MartinAir Force acquisition chief Andrew Hunter noted potential troubles ahead for the KC-46A and said T-7A production could start “a little later” than previously anticipated, but he remained confident about the way forward for the two aircraft.
By Michael MarrowThe ITN phase is expected to deliver, for the first time, a full breakdown of requirements and costs for industry for the estimated $1.3 billion program.
By Tim MartinBreaking Defense toured Boeing’s Seattle-area facilities where the KC-46A is built, and company officials explained fixes in the works for six critical issues, from new cameras to better seals on fuel lines.
By Michael Marrow“How in the hell do you lose an F-35?”
By Michael MarrowBruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters said the company “will ensure” the helicopters are delivered against Germany’s tight program schedule, which includes a first aircraft delivery next year.
By Tim MartinThe five Strategic Commercial Enhancements (SCE) contracts will allow NRO to study imagery and techniques used by the companies, which include novel ways of processing images to increase their fidelity and resolution.
By Theresa HitchensThe Spanish Ministry of Defence said the aircraft will enter service in 2026 — an aggressive timeline considering Airbus only plans to have a prototype in the air by 2025.
By Tim MartinOnce Brussels joins the program, details about the role it will play at both a funding and an industrial level are expected to be shared.
By Tim Martin