Officials begin adjusting FY15-19 acquisition plans as the US Army reshuffles
The US Army is in the process of adjusting its acquisition accounts to reflect a significant restructuring that would produce a cheaper and smaller force, but with more combat power in each brigade....
View ArticleNetanyahu reiterates threats against Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has again threatened to carry out a unilateral strike against Iran to prevent it developing nuclear weapons. "I can tell you, I won't wait until it's too...
View ArticleLack of 'positive response' forces Saab to axe South Africa-based Gripen school
Saab has opted against locating its Gripen Fighter Weapon School in South Africa, having "not received any positive response" from the South African National Defence Forces (SANDF), the company...
View ArticleEUTM-Mali commander recommends expansion of training mission
The EU's military training mission in Mali should strive to train the whole Malian army and not just half of it, according to the mission's outgoing operational commander. "We cannot stop at training...
View ArticleArmy mulling Armed Aerial Scout decisions for FY15 budget
The US Army is nearing a decision on whether or not to pursue an Armed Aerial Scout (AAS) programme to eventually replace its OH-58 Kiowa Warrior fleet, according to Lieutenant General William...
View Article'Dambusters' named as UK's first F-35 squadron
The UK Royal Air Force's (RAF's) 617 Squadron 'Dambusters' will be the United Kingdom's first operational unit to field the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)/Joint Combat...
View ArticleUS cuts create challenge for Norway's pilot training
The US has cut the number of available Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) pilot conversion slots on the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft from six to two, potentially leading to a...
View ArticleItaly reveals new offset programme
Italy is the largest defence market so far to announce that it will continue to operate an offset regime following the introduction of the European defence procurement directive. Guy Anderson reports...
View ArticleIAF fires officer for seeking bribes from Dassault at 2011 Aero India
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has dismissed an officer for seeking a INR20,000 (USD339) bribe from France's Dassault to allot its Rafale fighter a "more advantageous position" in the static display...
View ArticleChilean Navy aims to bolster MPA fleet
The Chilean Navy is working to reinforce its Naval Aviation Command's capabilities by launching a life-extension programme for its Lockheed Martin P-3A Orion maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) and buying...
View ArticleBriefing: Sangin sitrep
As the Afghan National Security Forces progress towards operational autonomy, a recent operation in Sangin, Helmand province, may offer a snapshot of the challenges they face. Joanna Wright and James...
View ArticlePanama charges North Korean crew over Cuban arms shipment
Panamanian authorities have asked the UN Security Council to investigate military equipment discovered aboard a North Korean-flagged vessel en route to North Korea from Cuba and charged the crew with...
View ArticleOto Melara conducts SAL 155 mm Vulcano firings
Italy and Germany have conducted the first firings of the 155 mm Vulcano semi-active laser (SAL) guided artillery round at ranges of 33 km, during a week of firing tests at the Alkantpan firing range...
View ArticleCanadian general highlights budget mismatch
Recent comments by an outgoing top general have publicised some significant contradictions in Canada's defence spending and policies. Gains made during the Canadian Forces' (CF's) participation in...
View ArticleUSN's LCS returns to port in Singapore following loss of propulsion at sea
Key Points USS Freedom's Number Two Ship Service Diesel Generator (SSDG) overheated and shut down Turbochargers in both Number Two and Number Three SSDGs had exhaust leaks and needed replacement A...
View ArticleUSN receives first MC-8C Fire Scout
The US Navy (USN) has received the first of 28 Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout rotary-winged unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the company announced on 19 July. The unmanned helicopter, which was...
View ArticleUSN chief warns of naval force limitations in event of crisis
Key Points Reduced capability in the USN's 'surge force' is expected if budgetary pressures, including sequestration, continue in FY14 About half of the 60 planned surface ship availabilities in FY14...
View ArticleMalta buys AW139 helo for SAR
The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) has procured a single AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter for search-and-rescue (SAR) and maritime patrol and has signed an option for two more, the company disclosed on 19...
View ArticleIndian air chief touches down in US
Indian Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne left for a four-day visit to the United States on 21 July. He will meet with senior military commanders to bolster flagging strategic and defence ties and discuss...
View ArticleGhana to operate air service for UN Mali mission
The Ghana Air Force (GAF) has won a contract to operate air services in support of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), the GAF announced in a statement. The...
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