Defense

China conducted its first space launch from the sea on June 5, using a Long March 11 rocket that lifted off from a platform in the Yellow Sea.

The new Rapid Space Launch Initiative challenges space launch providers to propose concepts for demonstrating an on-orbit capability for a satellite weighing up to 220 kg (485 lb.) within 24 hr. of receiving a call from the Air Force.

The services held a “Female Fitment Event” at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, June 4 in which female aviators gathered to have their measurements taken, which will be used to design new prototypes.

Canada prioritizes competition over strict terms on offsets, stealth.

Jordan looks to sell its Chinese CH-4 UAVs; Japanese Hawkeye deliveries begin; Bulgaria Seeks F-16s and an unofficial alliance grows in the Mediterranean

Seven U.S. senators are introducing 22 joint resolutions to block weapon sales to foreign governments—including Saudi Arabia and the UAE—without congressional OK.

The European Aviation Safety Agency has certified Aireon to provide surveillance services in support of aircraft separations, the first such OK, the company said.

The U.S. National Reconnaissance Office contracts extend a nine-year-old relationship between the U.S. intelligence community and Maxar, the parent of DigitalGlobe, and expand the NRO’s commercial partnerships by adding BlackSky Global and Planet.

Northrop Grumman has begun deliveries to Japan of what is now known to be only an initial batch of four E-2D Hawkeye air surveillance aircraft.

Air force commanders reportedly are dissatisfied with the performance of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp.-produced system.

World View Enterprises has completed its longest developmental flight of the Stratollite high-altitude balloon.

With a midlife update, France’s Charles de Gaulle can operate until 2040, but what will replace it?

Mica NG sticks with legacy version’s “double-duality” approach with RF and IR versions.

Special forces role for NH90 will introduce new distributed aperture technology.

Virgin Orbit could begin conducting horizontal space launch services from mainland UK in the early 2020s with the support of start-up funding from the UK Space Agency and local authorities in Cornwall.

The U.S. State Department has approved a possible sale of the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70 to Bulgaria.

Leonardo is again offering its AW159 Wildcat for a repeatedly stalled and relaunched South Korean requirement for 12 anti-submarine helicopters.

House authorizers propose fencing 25% of the undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment’s budget until the Pentagon presents a plan to rectify problems in the F-35 supply chain.

African air force commanders met with US Air Force and State Department leaders at the eighth annual Air Forces Africa (AFAFRICA) symposium in Morocco. Jon Lake reports.

French Air Chief of Staff Philippe Lavigne tells Aviation Week about how the A330 MRTT, MQ-9 UAV and PC-21 trainer are revolutionizing French operations.

The U.S. Air Force on May 31 completed the last and largest demonstration of a two-year program to integrate a long-range naval mine on a Boeing B-52H.

Republican members “fundamentally disagree” with policy decisions made in the House Armed Services strategic forces subcommittee mark and view it as a departure from bipartisan tradition.

A key House panel is authorizing economic order quantity for the Lockheed Martin F-35 in the hope of promoting cost savings for the fifth-generation fighter while requesting cost transparency for Block 4.

A photo being circulated on the Russian internet reveals the design of a new Russian Minoga maritime helicopter.

House Armed Services lawmakers are concerned the U.S. Air Force is not doing due diligence in setting requirements.