Defense
5,917 news found
DefenseBoeing announces successful GBU-40 SDB-II bomb tests
St. Louis, USA - Dropped by an F-15E Strike Eagle fighter
Boeing announced today it has successfully concluded a 42-month risk reduction program on the GBU-40 Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) II with a flight test in which the weapon impacted its target. In the latest... more
DefenseIndia tests nuclear capable Prithvi-II missiles
New Delhi, India - Designed to operate both with liquid and solid fuels
India successfully tested today two nuclear capable ballistic missiles Prithvi-II, as reported by the local TV "DD India" quoting defense sources. These rockets have a range of 350 km and are the first... more
DefenseRussia has 5 military contracts underway with Libya
Tripoli, Libya - And is participating in further tenders
Russia has five military procurement contracts underway with Libya, as reported yesterday by the news agency "RIA Novosti", quoting Alexander Mikheyev, deputy director general of Rosoboronexport, the Federal... more
DefenseThe US Senate rejects the VH-71 presidential helicopter
Washington, USA - Defense budget for FY 2010 approved
The US Senate, with 97 favourable votes against 3, yesterday approved the defense budget for FY 2010. The US$325,6 billion plan excludes both AgustaWestland's (Finmeccanica group) VH-71 Kestrel helicopter,... more
DefenseUS$133 million to Lockheed Martin for US army surveillance aerostat systems
Akron, USA - In support of the coalition forces
Lockheed Martin today announced it has received a US$133 million award to provide the US Army with eight additional Persistent Threat Detection Systems (PTDS) to support coalition forces. A tethered aerostat-based... more
DefenseIndia deploys Air Force along Pakistani border
New Delhi, India - Using the MiG-29s modernized in Russia
India has decided to deploy its air force along the Pakistani border. According to sources from New Delhi's minister of defense, in fact, the first lot of six MiG-29 aircraft modernized in Russia, scheduled... more
DefenseItaly: 100th year celebrations for Cameri military airport
Novara, Italy - More than 120,000 attended the air show
Celebrations for Cameri (northern Italy) military airport's 100th year ended Sunday, with the participation of more than 120,000 people, in presence of the Italian Air Force chief of general staff, general... more
DefenseFrance and Spain might use Kyrgyz air base
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan - After recently reopening it to US operations
The Kyrgyz parliament is evaluating two treaties proposed by France and Spain to decide whether to allow them to use the Manas air base or not for transit of troops and supplies to Afghanistan. Bishkek's... more
DefensePresident Obama meets US commander in Afghanistan on the Air Force One
Copenaghen, Denmark - 25-minute meeting in Copenaghen
American president, Barack Obama, and US forces' commander in Afghanistan, Stanley McChrystal, met today on board of the Air Force One in Copenaghen, where Obama is to help Chicago in the race to organize... more
DefenseCSTO exercises in Kazakhstan
Matybulak, Kazakhstan - 7,000 troops involved from October 2 to 15
From today until October 15 ex-Soviet CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) member countries will hold a series of exercises at Matybulak's training grounds, in Kazakhstan. The drills will be... more
DefenseNorthrop Grumman to supply target tracking systems to the USAF
Rolling Meadows, USA - With a contract valued US$153 million
The US Air Force (USAF) has awarded Northrop Grumman a US$153 million contract to provide LITENING G4 targeting and sensor systems and related equipment. Under the terms of the agreement, Northrop Grumman... more
DefenseThe Italian Minister, La Russa, signed a cooperation agreement with Pakistanian Defense Undersecretary
Rome, Italy - In the Defense sector
"The Italian Defense Minister, Ignazio La Russa, and the Pakistanian Defense Undersecretary, Gen. Syed Ather Ali, have signed yesterday a cooperation agreement in Defense sector, at Palazzo Chigi, in front... more
DefenseRaytheon gets contract for USAF's IFF identification systems
Marlborough, USA - Worth up to US$100 million
Raytheon announced today it has been awarded an indefinite delivery quantity contract worth up to US$100 million to improve secure combat identification for the US Air Force (USAF). Under the five-year... more
DefenseAn hybrid airship for the US Army in Afghanistan
Washington, USA - Based on the Lockheed Martin's LEMV P-791
The US Army’s Space & Missile Defense Command (SMDC) would be planning to deploy an hybrid airship (Long Endurance Multi-Intelligence Vehicle - LEMV) in Afghanistan by 2011. The airship will be based o... more
DefenseIsraeli fighter hits Palestinian rocket launcher in Gaza
Tel Aviv, Israel - The attack at the end of the Yom Kippur day
An Israeli fighter aircraft tonight struck a Palestinian rocket launcher in the Gaza strip, as reported this morning by the Israeli Army in a statement, adding that during the Yom Kippur day (Day of Atonement,... more
DefenseItaly, the "Squalo 2009" drills start today
Rome, Italy - International air-land and air-sea Search and Rescue activity
The joint "Squalo 2009" drills, International air-land and air-sea Search and Rescue (SAR) activity, started today with the participation of Italy, France and Spain within the implementation of the international... more
DefenseRaytheon completes flight tests for air intelligence system
Falls Church, USA - It will link more than 500 pilots, operators and analysts
Raytheon Company announced today that it has conducted flight tests for a key communications component for the US Air Force DCGS (Distributed Common Ground System). The new intercom communications system,... more
DefenseThe Italian frigate "Maestrale" comes back
Augusta, Italy - After six months of missions in the Indian Ocean and in the Gulf of Aden
The Italian frigate "Maestrale" came back today after six months of mission in the Indian Ocean and in the Gulf of Aden (see AVIONEWS). The ship's commander is frigate captain Angelo Virdis. The vessel... more
DefenseRussia tests high precision weapons in Belarus
Baranovichi, Belarus - During the "Zapad 2009" drills underway until tomorrow
Tactical and strategical Russian bombers yesterday performed successuflly some tests with high precision weapons during the "Zapad 2009" drills underway in Belarus at the Obuz-Lesnovski range, as confirmed... more
Defense"Loyal Midas 09" drills underway in the Mediterranean sea
Rome, Italy - Including ships, submarines and aircraft from the NATO navies
The "Loyal Midas 09" drills are underway in the Mediterranean sea until October 3 which sees the deployment of 29 ships, 3 submarines and 45 aircraft from the navies of France, Italy, USA, Turkey, Spain,... more
DefenseIran tests long range Shahab 3 missiles
Tehran, Iran - Potentially capable to hit Israel
The Islamic republic of Iran launched today two long range Shahab 3 missiles, following the recent tests concerning Shahab 1 e 2 missiles with ranges from 300 to 700 km. According to local authorities,... more
DefenseIsrael to sell radar systems to South Korea
Tel Aviv, Israel - For fighters and air defense
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced yesterday it has been awarded two multi-year contracts, worth US$280 million, in the Republic of South Korea (ROK) to supply radar systems for fighter jets and... more
DefenseUS$1.9 billion contract for Drs Technologies
Parsippany, USA - Finmeccanica shares up thanks to the agreement
DRS Technologies (Finmeccanica group) announced today that it is one of only two suppliers chosen for a US$1.9 billion Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for Driver’s Vision Enhancers (... more
DefenseVenezuela purchases air defense systems from Russia
Caracas, Venezuela - Thanks to a US$2.2 billion loan granted by Moscow
Venezuela is going to buy air defense system from Russia thanks to a loan granted by Moscow, as confirmed by the president of the south-American country, Hugo Chavez, returning from his tour around the... more
DefenseRaytheon awarded US$151 million contract for SeaSparrow missiles
Tucson, USA - Plus an option for the production of further 255 rockets
Raytheon anonunced today it was awarded a US$151 million contract by the US Navy's NATO SeaSparrow program office (NSPO) to produce 186 Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles (ESSM), with an option for US$210.3 million... more
DefenseItalian Navy: "Sirocco" frigate returned yesterday from Lebanon
Rome, Italy - At the end of three months of operations in UNIFIL ambit
"The 'Sirocco' frigate of the Italian Navy returned in Taranto yesterday, on Sunday September 6, at the end of three months in Lebanon waters in the ambit of UNIFIL (UN Interim Force in Lebanon) named... more
DefenseIndia and Russia close to agreement for "Admiral Gorshkov" aircraft carrier
Moscow, Russia - New Delhi might grant Moscow the requested financing
Russia and India might reach an agreement in mid-October on the new funds for the modernization of the "Admiral Gorshkov" aircraft carrier that has to be delivered to New Delhi. The news has been confirmed... more
DefenseRussian company confirms MiG fighters' sale to Syria
Moscow, Russia - Contracts currently suspended and under discussion
The Russian company United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) confirmed the existence of contracts for the supply of MiG aircraft to Syria, even if they are currently frozen, as reported yesterday by the newspaper... more
DefenseBerlusconi visits the Italian Interforce Operational Command (COI)
Rome, Italy - Video conference with the country's troops deployed overseas
Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, today visited the Italian Interforce Operational Command (COI) in Rome-Centocelle airport. Together with the premier the visit was also attended by defense minister,... more
DefenseFrance confirms Russian interest in Mistral class helicopter carrier
Paris, France - The words of defense minister, Laurent Teisseire
The French government confirmed the Russian interest for a Mistral class amphibious assault ship, Paris's defence minister, Laurent Teisseire, stated today, explaining that this interest has been expressed... more
DefenseChina to unveil new missiles during October 1 celebrations
Beijing, China - According to military sources they should level the Asian country with USA and Russia
China is going to unveil five new types of missiles during the National Day on October 1, 60th anniversary of the revolution that brought to the birth of the People's Republic of China. The newspaper "The... more
DefenseRaytheon gets support contract for Taiwan's Patriot missiles
Tewksbury, USA - The deal is worth US$26.9 million
Raytheon announced today it has been awarded $26.9 million contract for technical assistance in support of Taiwan's Patriot Air and Missile Defense System. This award from the US Army Aviation and Missile... more
DefenseItalian Navy: handover in Lebanon for UNIFIL maritime force's command
Rome, Italy - After three months
"Today, August 31, in Beirut, Italian rear admiral Ruggiero Di Biase left command of the UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) maritime force in Lebanon, named Task Force 448, to German rear... more
DefenseSaudi Arabia might buy Russian armaments for US$2 billion
Moscow, Russia - Helicopters, tanks, combat vehicles and air defence systems
The government of Saudi Arabia might be close to purchase Russian-made armaments for a total value of US$2 billion, a source withing Moscow's defense industry told the news agency "Interfax". "Work... more
DefenseAfghanistan: two Italian helicopters under attack
Farah, Afghanistan - No injuries among the troops
Two Italian army Agusta A-129 Mangusta helicopters have been attacked this morning by Taliban rebels at Pusth Rud, about 20 km North of Farah, in Afghanistan, the Italian command in Herat reported, adding... more
DefenseUS$2.4 billion for aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt's refuelling and complex overhaul
Newport News, USA - To replace the cores of the ship's nuclear reactors
The U.S. Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman a contract valued at approximately US$2.4 billion for the refuelling and complex overhaul (RCOH) of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS Theodore Roosevelt... more
DefenseRussia might buy a French helicopter carrier
Ulan Bator, Mongolia - Worth between € 300 and € 400 million
Russia would be close to purchase a French amphibious assault ship, Mistral class, by the end of 2009, the chief of general staff colonel general Nikolai Makarov yesterday told the journalists in a press... more
DefenseIndia grounds its fleet of carrier-based Harriers
New Delhi, India - Following a recent fatal crash
The Indian Navy decided to suspend operations of its entire fleet of carrier-based Sea Harriers, following a recent fatal accident occurred near Goa, on the western coast of the country. With this measure,... more
DefenseRaytheon delivered 1000th Evolved SeaSparrow missile
East Camden, USA - To a multinational consortium
Raytheon delivered the 1000th Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM). Deployed by the US Navy and nine international fleets, ESSM defends the battlespace by delivering ship self-defense firepower against anti-ship... more
DefenseAssembly of UK Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier started
Rosyth, UK - They are expected to enter into service between 2014 and 2018
The first components, to begin assembly operations for the new UK Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers, arrived yesterday at Rosyth shipyards, in Scotland. The ships of this class will be two, the "Queen... more
DefenseRussia in talks to purchase a French helicopter carrier
Moscow, Russia - The Mistral class amphibious assault ship is worth between € 300 and € 400 million
Russia would be in talks with France to purchase a helicopter carrier, a Mistral class amphibious assault ship, worth between € 300 and € 400 million. The news has been reported by the press agency "RI... more
DefenseAfghanistan: 4 civilians killed in ISAF aerial raid
Kabul, Afghanistan - Taliban attacks yesterday: no damage to airport and embassies
Four civilians, including three children, have been killed tonight within an aerial raid performed by the international forces of ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) in the province of Kandahar.... more
DefenseRussia will go on testing Bulava missiles
Moscow, Russia - Despite recent failures. The defense ministry: "We have no choice"
Despite the recent failures on Bulava missiles' tests, that led to the resigning of head designer Yury Solomonov (see AVIONEWS), Russia will go on testing these nuclear defense devices, Moscow's deputy-minister... more
DefenseItalian Navy about piracy: "Borsini" patroller leaves the gulf of Aden
Rome, Italy - After its participation in the Atalanta mission
"The 'Borsini' patroller of the Italian navy leaves today, August 3, the gulf of Aden after its participation in the Atalanta mission: the EU-led operation to contrast piracy in the Indian ocean. The... more
DefenseRussia to raise US$2.6 billion in military aircraft exports
Moscow, Russia - New developments expected with Libya
Rosoboronexport, Russian agency for military exports, expects US$2.6 billion in aircraft sales for 2009, making this sector the most profitable. Recently Alexander Fomin, chief of Moscow's military cooperation... more
DefenseBoeing delivered four upgraded Harpoon missiles
St. Louis, USA - Destined to two foreign customers
Boeing has delivered the first four Harpoon Block II missiles equipped with a redesigned Guidance Control Unit (GCU), which provides growth capabilities and resolves obsolescence issues. The missiles were... more
DefenseIn 2008 USA totaled US$10.9 billion in weaponry exports
Washington, USA - Israel has been the major buyer
Israel has been US military exports agency's best customer, spending about US$1.36 billion in weaponry (including fifteen F-16D fighter aircraft worth at least US$400 million). The total of US foreign... more
DefenseItalian defense minister will ask parliament to allow Tornadoes to use cannons
Rome, Italy - In the meanwhile Lega party asks to retire the troops. The foreign minister: "They work also for them"
The Italian minister of defense, Ignazio La Russa, will ask the parliament to allow Tornado fighter jets in Afghanistan to use their onboard cannons to support troops on the ground. The statement comes... more
DefenseItalian foreign minister agrees on Tornadoes combat use in Afghanistan
Rome, Italy - Also UAV Predators will be increased
After the Italian defense minister, Ignazio La Russa (see AVIONEWS), also Franco Frattini, minister of foreign affairs, expressed to the newspaper "Corriere della Sera" his favourable opinion on the use... more
DefenseTwo Italian military heads change
Rome, Italy - Valotto Army Chief of Staff; Gallitelli Carabinieri general commander
Two Italian military heads changed: on suggestion of defense minister Ignazio La Russa, general Giuseppe Valotto has been appointed today new Army Chief of Staff, while general Leonardo Gallitelli has... more