Aerospace & Defense Roundup: Jul. 02
July 02, 2020![](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2020-07/kamov_ka-26_-_aleksandr_markin_-_wikimedia_commons_0.jpg?itok=REVKJRu9)
Moldova Shuts Down Clandestine Helicopter Production Line
Credit: Kamov Ka-26 Credit: Aleksandr Markin/Wikimedia Commons
Moldovan authorities have closed down an illegal helicopter factory that was clandestinely producing rotorcraft with a similar configuration to Kamov’s Ka-26 co-axial helicopter.
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India Approves Purchase Of Russian Fighters
Credit: MiG-29 Credit: MiG
After nearly two months of border disputes with China, Indian defense officials have approved the purchase of more than $5 billion in defense equipment, including deals to buy and upgrade Russian fighters and purchase long-range missiles and other armaments.
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NATO Studies On E-3 Replacement To Begin Next Year
Credit: NATO plans to replace the Germany-based E-3A fleet by 2035. Credit: NATO E-3A Component
NATO has given contractors almost a year to prepare for joining risk-reduction and feasibility studies to support the Concept Stage of a two-step process to replace the Germany-based E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) fleet by 2035.
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Credit: NASA
Moon
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Fiscal 2021 Defense Policy Bill Clears House Committee
Credit: A-10 Credit: U.S. Air Force/Samuel King, Jr.
After 14 hr. of debate, the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) on July 1 unanimously approved its version of the fiscal 2021 defense authorization bill, which includes proposals to procure a synthetic aperture radar for the A-10 Warthog and block funding for the Armed Overwatch program unless the Pentagon clears a series of hurdles for the program.
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Australia To Work On Hypersonic Strike
Credit: The payload for the Australian-U.S. HiFIRE hypersonic scramjet experiment of 2015. Credit: University of Queensland
Australia is allocating $4-6 billion for research and development in high-speed strike and missile defense, building on decades of work in hypersonic flight. Any production decision will follow trials with prototypes, the government suggested in a policy document on national defense strategy issued July 1.
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Australia To Expand Electronic Attack, ISR Forces In 2030s
Credit: A Boeing EA-18G Growler of the Royal Australian Air Force. Credit: Chief Petty Officer Cameron Martin/Commonwealth of Australia.
Australia is planning to expand its electronic-attack force for the 2030s following the retirement of its Boeing EA-18G Growlers while also enlarging its fleets of surveillance aircraft, partly through the replacement of Boeing E-7A Wedgetails.
NATO studies on E-3 to begin next year, LRO research raises questions about Moon's origins, fiscal 2021 defense policy bill clears house committee, Australia to work on hypersonic strike and more. A roundup of aerospace, space and defense news.