Defense

Japan is negotiating a sale of surplus Boeing F-15 Eagles to the U.S. for subsequent sale to Southeast Asian countries, the Nikkei newspaper reports.

The Philippines Air Force said it will take delivery of a variety of equipment in the new year.

India’s premier defense agency is working to build a Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft (MMMA) for the coast guard.

Czech manufacturer Aero Vodochody completed the long-awaited first flight of its prototype L-39NG military jet trainer on Dec. 22.

Former Boeing executive Pat Shanahan will become the acting U.S. defense secretary on Jan. 1 after President Donald Trump effectively fired Jim Mattis.

Lockheed Martin received a $997 million contract on Dec. 21 to complete a major upgrade for 84 F-16s operated by the Hellenic Air Force in Greece.

The launch customer, Russia’s defense ministry, ordered two of the type in 2017 and wanted to have the first one in 2018 and the next a year later.

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.