Based in London, Tony covers European defense programs. Prior to joining Aviation Week in November 2012, Tony was at Shephard Media Group where he was deputy editor for Rotorhub and Defence Helicopter magazines. Tony has covered avionics, unmanned vehicles, the supply chain and cyberwarfare.
Bell Helicopter is moving production of its new Model 505 JetRanger X light helicopter from the U.S. to Canada as part of a restructuring that will “optimize manufacturing capabilities,” the company says.
European missile manufacturer MBDA has been awarded a four-year, £411 million ($599 million) contract by the U.K. defense ministry to develop the Spear III turbojet-powered small-diameter missile for the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.
Saab is confident of achieving a flight test program with just one-third of the flying hours taken to test the original Gripen. First flight is planned by the end of the year.
