Defense

London’s Gatwick Airport shut down flight operations again Dec. 21 after yet another drone sighting, then reopened 1 1/2 hr. later.

One week after asking industry for proposals, the U.S.

An Indonesian order for 11 Sukhoi Su-35 fighters supposedly placed 10 months ago remains unsigned, Russia’s ambassador to the country said.

Leonardo has flown the first prototype of its M345 High Efficiency Trainer (HET).

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) has seen interest in the jet-powered Predator C Avenger tick higher.

The U.S. withdrawal of troops from Syria and potentially Afghanistan will negatively impact the wartime funding account.

NASA space shuttle-era astronauts Janet Kavandi and James Buchli will enter the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame during ceremonies next April.

NASA should begin strategic investments necessary for the science community to reap the most from the extraterrestrial samples returned from future planetary science missions, an NAS assessment says.

NASA’s Insight probe is deploying instruments on Mars, starting with the seismometer that will help expand understanding of the planet’s interior structure.

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has added a year to the LCH-LAH civil and military helicopter development program.

Scandinavian nations step up cooperation and modernization in the face of a belligerent Russia.

Despite financial squeeze, Moscow aims to counter U.S. air defense systems.

Turkey is increasing defense spending in 2019, but economic woes could weaken growth and capabilities

From ongoing tensions with Iran and terror organizations to a change in how the U.S. dispenses aid, companies are scrambling to adjust.

In Germany, new combat aircraft, helicopters and air defense systems will all benefit from budget hikes.

Saudi Arabia remains biggest spender for military equipment, though recent events may threaten sales.

While India has the industrial base to pursue ambitious defense export goals, policy and budget issues remain a challenge.

References to the Avic Xian H-20 suggest its unveiling is close. The second aircraft carrier is at sea, nearing commissioning.

Naval programs are set to dominate Australia’s equipment budget next decade. A phase of aviation-oriented spending is winding down.

The Aviation Week Intelligence Network has compiled information about nearly 100 competitions for aircraft that are underway worldwide.

Globally, more than 100 orbital launches took place in 2018, the highest rate in two decades. China, flying from Xichang, Jiuquan and Taiyuan, led the way, followed by U.S.

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has submitted his resignation a day after President Donald Trump announced plans to withdraw military forces from Syria.

Lockheed Martin’s production system for the F-35 delivered 91 aircraft in 2018 to meet a planned output target.

Nearly four months after Boeing’s victory in a competition for the MQ-25 contract, the president of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. warns that the U.S. Navy’s selection criteria could drive medium-sized companies out of the running for such programs in the future.

A long-delayed contract signing by India for MQ-9B Sea Guardians is now expected by mid-2020.