Defense

A preview of programs and issues to watch for during the first week of February, when the Pentagon makes its budget request to Congress.

After recent experience in the Gaza conflict, the Israeli military revises tactics for close air support of ground forces.

Critical independent testing report looks at F-35 test priorities and notes that its focus on the Marine Corps’ first operational squadron has a price.

One of the key features of the A&D industry is its close link to international politics.

Efficient aerodynamics and engines keep unmanned aircraft demonstrator aloft for 80 hr. and could slash operating costs for medium-altitude UAS.

A major operational test series planned for the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has been abandoned in an attempt to protect the schedule for delivering a fully operational aircraft, according to the just-released fiscal 2014 report on the program from the Pentagon’s Director of Operational Test & Evaluation.

Supplier woes are forcing Airbus Defense and Space to revise delivery plans for the A400M tactical transport aircraft this year.

Lockheed Martin sees China’s hypersonic advances as a rationale to resurrect extended-range Thaad project.

Single-pilot commercial operations coming; advanced composites institute formed; unmanned news-gathering moves closer; agile manufacturing for ISR; near-zero-power sensors.

While keeping its options open, Belgium seems to be leaning toward F-35 as the replacement for its F-16s.

Aviation Week editors discuss the reasons behind our selection of Vladimir Putin as Person of the Year for 2014.

In 2014, no other person has had a more sweeping impact on aerospace and aviation—for better or worse—than Russian President Vladimir Putin. And for all but the most cynical of observers, Putin’s far-reaching impact has definitely been for the worse. Because of this, he is Aviation Week's 2014 Person of the Year.

Obama administration has made great progress in reforming export-control procedures, but benefits for the A&D industry are slow to materialize.

Like most abrupt macroeconomic changes, there are mixed implications for the defense sector from the recent drop in oil prices.

One size does not fit all: imports, partnerships and national independent programs all feature in Brazil’s defense acquisitions.

With a well-developed indigenous defense industry, Turkey seeks to become a major exporter, focusing on the Middle East and Central Asia.

Used to producing only for the domestic market, arms producers in Japan must adapt to successfully develop their export business.

The conflict in Ukraine has increased the visibility of Russia’s military transformation, which Putin began at the start of his first term as president.

Aviation Week’s Person of the Year is the figure who had the most impact—for better or, in this case, worse—on aerospace and aviation over the year. In 2014, Putin’s actions roiled defense, space and commercial aviation.

South Korea’s role in the world defense market is expanding.

India is seeking to build its military export trade, and its effort have caught the attention of China, its rival in such endeavors.

In brief: The cascading effects of Putin’s annexation of Crimea in the airline, aerospace and defense sectors.

It looks as if the F-35 could meet its key performance parameter requirements, but that is a narrow definition of success.

The plan to terminate the U-2 is reversed, reopening a debate at the Pentagon about high-altitude reconnaissance platforms.

The fluctuating price of oil affects every A&D sector to varying degrees, some much more than others.