The next generation of unmanned aircraft could be today's systems, but linked in ways only now becoming possible, thereby enabling them to perform missions beyond their individual capabilities. Use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) has grown during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but as the conflict draws down, services are seeking ways to make better use of their existing assets, recognizing that prospects for new systems are receding as budgets tighten.
The next generation of unmanned aircraft could be today's systems, but linked in ways only now becoming possible, thereby enabling them to perform missions beyond their individual capabilities. Use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) has grown during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but as the conflict draws down, services are seeking ways to make better use of their existing assets, recognizing that prospects for new systems are receding as budgets tighten.
ARINC Engineering Services, LLC, has announced it has completed the modification of 22 Russian Mi-17 Helicopters for use by the Air Force of Iraq, under a 2007 U.S. Army contract.
AUVSI - the US based association for the unmanned aerial systems industry has reported US denials of an Iranian report that the country's Revolutionary Guard shot down a U.S. drone (unmanned spy plane).
The Second Edition of MEISR – the Middle East Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Conference – will take place on December 12-13 in Abu Dhabi with the official support of the UAE Armed Forces.
BAE Systems has appointed Ben Bridge, as Regional Vice President, operating out of Abu Dhabi. He returns to BAE Systems from two years as International Business Development Director at Detica, BAE Systems' security business.
Iraq seems to be moving forward on plans to buy up to 18 US F-16 fighter jets at a cost of $3bn - after putting off a potential sale several months ago - according to an American military spokesman who spoke to CNN yesterday.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified the US Congress yesterday of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Iraq for follow-on support and maintenance of multiple aircraft systems and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $675 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified the US Congress last week of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates of five UH-60M Blackhawk VIP helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $217 million.
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has launched a small, armed, unmanned helicopter which it says could prove attractive to Middle Eastern countries as an attractive alternative to the products being produced in Israel.
Iraq's Air Force has followed on a contract with Hawker Beechcraft through the American Air Force Security Assistance Training command to support the force's fleet of King Air 250ER aircraft.
Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney has no illusions about capturing the spotlight at this year's Paris air show. That will likely shine on rival Airbus, which is expected to announce more orders for its re-engined A320 narrowbody, dubbed the NEO (new engine option). Shortly before he left for the Paris air show, McNerney sat down in his office at Boeing's Chicago headquarters with AW&ST Editor-in-Chief Anthony L. Velocci, Jr., and Senior Business Editor Joseph C.
European manufacturer Airbus' hopes of wooing international customers with displays from its military and civil flagship aircraft were hit by a double blow.
Boeing delivered a second C-17 Globemaster III airlifter to the UAE Air Force today at the C-17 program's final assembly facility in Long Beach, California.
The first Airbus Military C295 development aircraft fitted with an Airbone Early Warning and Command (AEW&C) rotodome has successfully completed its first flight.
UK Apache attack helicopters, flying from HMS Ocean, conducted their first operational sorties over Libya this weekend as part of NATO's Operation Unified Protector to protect civilians under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.
