Defense

BAE Systems and the University of Manchester have test flown a UAV demo that uses wing circulation control and fluidic thrust vectoring for flight control.

Three U.S., European and Russian astronauts and cosmonauts returned safely to Earth Dec. 14 to conclude a 139-day tour on the International Space Station.

The U.S. Navy’s test program for the Lockheed Martin AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (Lrasm) has notched another win.

Global weapon sales increase first time in seven years; Russia S-400 Turkey deal; Draken buys South African Cheetah fighters; Lockheed wins Paveway II contract.

With development of the MiG-35 almost complete, pilotless aircraft pose a new challenge for Russia’s MiG bureau.

With a deep-strike capability and a second-strike nuclear capability, Israel is regarded as a stabilizing force in the region.

Qatar blockade and Yemeni conflict show little sign of abating as Saudi-Iranian standoff continues.

A USAF pilot-physician recently flew several F/A-18 sorties to help a NASA team better understand why U.S. Navy pilots are experiencing “physiological episodes.”

An autonomy kit designed to convert any rotorcraft to unmanned operation for resupply or other missions is set to be tested by the Marines in 2018.

Orbital ATK is preparing to select a rocket motor for the cryogenic upper stage of its Next Generation Launcher, with a decision expected in the coming months.

Honeywell International is unlikely to pursue another acquisition the size of United Technologies Corp. (UTC).

Blue Origin resumed test flights on Dec. 12, sending its first New Shepard crew module and an upgraded booster on an unmanned, 10-min. ride.

The Dec. 12 launch of four Galileo satellites on an Ariane 5 puts Europe one step away from completing its own positioning, navigation and timing constellation.

Birds are the unquestioned masters of the air and, when it comes to trying to take down small UAVs, researchers are turning to nature for insight.

Cost-cutting needed, as Britain’s defense equipment plans face spending black hole.

Eastern European governments open their coffers for new defense equipment in response to forceful moves from Russia.

The Qatar deal was also good news for MBDA, allowing it to secure a long-awaited first export customer for its Brimstone air-to-ground missile.

France’s budget for military equipment will increase in 2018, but critics contend spending for foreign military operations is not being properly accounted for.

Launch of the mission has been retargeted for no earlier than 10:35 a.m. EST on Friday, the final day for launch before high Sun angles on the space station trigger a 10-day hiatus in vehicle dockings.

Canada has formally launched its long-awaited fighter competition.

NASA has created the legal and regulatory framework for a group of aerospace industry experts to advise the U.S. National Space Council.

Twenty-five European Union members have agreed to take the first steps toward closer defense and security cooperation within the trading bloc.

Hexcel and Alabama are about to unveil a plan to provide additional polyacrylonitrile precursor and carbon fiber for planned production increases of large commercial aircraft.

The U.S. and Afghan military’s new campaign to strike the Taliban’s support structure from the skies is a gamechanger, according to a top general.

President Donald Trump signed the fiscal 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law Dec. 12.