Aircraft & Propulsion

The UK is looking for weapons that can take out both drone boats and UAS in its latest push to rapidly add effectors to handle these growing threats.

Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

Regime change has long been considered a boots-on-the-ground operation. Now the U.S. and Israel are trying to do it from the sky.

Boost-phase missile defense challenges the historic model for space-based interceptors, but a startup is proposing a possible thrust-based solution.

Announced program timescales suggest more than 1,200 CCAs could be in operation around the world by the end of 2036.

Stated opportunities for the supply of 162 medium-class helicopters worth more than $3.3 billion exits within the market over the next decade, and Aviation Week analysts have identified further requirements for 112 helicopters of this class worth an additional $3 billion over the same period.

Merlin Labs announced the completion of a preliminary design review for an autonomy software package for the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules on March 5.

The Pentagon recently wrapped up the first of four tryout “gauntlets” for companies pitching new small uncrewed aircraft systems to the department on the road.

An Iranian drone has damaged Nakhchivan International Airport in Azerbaijan in the latest blow to commercial aviation from the escalating Middle East conflict.

No one knows what will happen going forward with aerospace and defense trade.

The Pentagon is looking to build on the momentum of recent deals to invest in key munitions, with a specific focus on Lockheed Martin F-35 spare parts.

Survey Copter, has been contracted by the European Defense Agency for a four-year project to develop a multirole hybrid UAS for military missions.

Dassault Aviation has been gradually increasing the production rate of the Rafale fighter, aiming for four aircraft per month in 2029.

Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier has rejected a German idea for a two-fighter approach in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program.

The UK has kicked off the search for a counter-uncrewed air system (C-UAS) system for use on Royal Navy vessels.

The U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman are investing in a B-21 capacity increase as the Sentinel program faces decision points.

Onera has conducted wind tunnel tests of an active flow control device intended to increase the effectiveness of ailerons to reduce drag and improve stealth.

Leonardo Helicopters is continuing its push toward certification of the AW609 commercial tiltrotor.

Romania wants to acquire 12 Airbus H225M multi-role utility helicopters using loans provided by the European Union.

The Netherlands will send F-35s to Japan for exercises, marking the first time the country’s air force will have deployed combat aircraft there.

Pilatus Aircraft reported a drop in deliveries and earnings over the past year as the Swiss business aircraft and military trainer-maker faced tariff pressure.

Listen in as editors reflect on program updates and other highlights from the AFA Warfare Symposium.

The U.S. and Israeli military operation against Iran was starting to show signs of supply strains as it stretched into a fourth day of fighting.

Hermeus has successfully completed the first flight of its Pratt & Whitney F100-229-powered Quarterhorse Mk. 2.1 supersonic flight demonstrator.

Leonardo Helicopters has revealed a concept for a next-generation tiltrotor architecture that potentially simplifies development and could broaden the appeal of the configuration.