Maiden Flight of the Model 437 Vanguard
Defense-Update Aerospace Weekly News
Azerbaijan to Buy Chinese JF-17 armed them with Turkish Air/Air Missiles
Azerbaijan is set to significantly enhance its air force capabilities by acquiring 24 JF-17 Thunder fighter jets from Pakistan in a $1.6 billion deal. To be delivered in the latest Block III configuration with improved avionics and weaponry, these aircraft will be equipped with Turkish-made Bozdoğan and Gökdoğan air-to-air missiles. The Bozdoğan, a short-range missile with a 25-kilometer range, and the Gökdoğan, a medium-range missile effective up to 65 kilometers, will provide Azerbaijan with advanced air-to-air combat capabilities.
This procurement marks a significant upgrade for Azerbaijan’s air force, introducing modern, versatile combat aircraft capable of various missions, including reconnaissance and close air support. Integrating Turkish missiles with Pakistani-made aircraft underscores the growing defense cooperation between these nations. Deliveries are slated to begin next year, with the full order expected to be completed by 2027, significantly boosting Azerbaijan’s military capabilities in the region.
India Set to Purchase 26 Rafale Ms for its Aircraft Carriers
India’s Defense Acquisition Council is poised to approve the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy in a deal estimated at over 6 billion euros. These advanced aircraft are set to replace India’s aging Russian-made MiG-29K fighters and will be deployed on the country’s two aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. The acquisition, which began negotiations in November 2023, is considered urgent due to the deteriorating strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific region.
The French offer includes options to integrate Indian weapons, such as the Astra air-to-air missile. However, India has opted against incorporating an experimental AESA radar developed by DRDO due to cost and potential delays. This acquisition would elevate India into an elite group of nations operating carrier-based 4.5th generation fighter aircraft alongside the US, UK, France, and China. While the approval is a significant step, it does not guarantee an immediate contract signing, as further cost negotiations are expected. The deal also holds the potential for additional Rafale orders for India’s future aircraft carriers, underscoring its long-term strategic implications for India’s naval capabilities.
UK’s New Medium Helicopter Program Update
After Airbus and Sikorsky withdrew their bids, the UK’s New Medium Helicopter (NMH) program has been narrowed down to a single bidder, Leonardo. This program will replace several aging helicopter types in the UK military, including the Puma HC2 and Bell 212. Leonardo’s AW149 is now the sole contender, with the program’s timeline shifted to an expected service entry around 2027. The NMH program is critical for modernizing the UK’s rotary-wing capabilities and supporting domestic defense industries.
US Air Force and RTX to Upgrade F-22 Sensors
The U.S. Air Force has awarded RTX (Raytheon) a $1 billion contract to upgrade sensors on the F-22 Raptor fighter jet as part of a more significant $7.8 billion modernization effort set to be completed by 2029. This upgrade includes new “Group B hardware,” spares, and support equipment, potentially adding stealthy pods featuring IRST sensors. The Air Force is reconsidering previous plans to retire older F-22 airframes, instead focusing on modernizing the aircraft to maintain air superiority in highly contested environments.
The comprehensive upgrade package for the F-22 includes a wide range of enhancements such as Mode 5 IFF, Link 16 communication system, advanced radar electronic protection, and a new helmet as part of the Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet program. These improvements aim to keep the F-22 Raptor relevant and effective against peer adversaries, especially given its valuable role as a pure air dominance interceptor and uncertainties surrounding the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.
The upgrades reflect the Air Force’s commitment to maintaining air superiority and adapting to evolving threats in highly contested environments. Peer forces are deploying advanced 5th-generation fighters like China’s J20 and Su-57 in Russia.
Embraer delivers the first C-390 Millennium to the Hungarian Air Force
Embraer has delivered the first C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft to the Hungarian Air Force, marking Hungary as the second NATO operator of this aircraft type. This particular C-390 is distinguished by being the first in the world equipped with a roll-on/roll-off Intensive Care Unit, enhancing its capabilities for humanitarian and medical evacuation missions.
The aircraft, fully compatible with NATO requirements, is designed to meet the diverse needs of the Hungarian Defence Forces. It can perform various military and civilian missions, including medical evacuation, humanitarian support, search and rescue, cargo and troop transport, precision cargo airdrop, paratrooper operations, and air-to-air refueling. With a payload capacity of 26 tons and a top speed of 470 knots, the C-390 offers superior performance in its class. Since its introduction to service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019 and the Portuguese Air Force in 2023, the C-390 fleet has accumulated over 14,000 flight hours, demonstrating high reliability with a 93% mission-capable rate and over 99% mission completion rate.
Italian Navy’s F-35B Achieves Initial Operational Capability
The Italian Navy has achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for its embarked joint F-35B component, deployed on Italy’s Cavour aircraft carrier’s operational campaign in the Indo-Pacific region. The F-35B component, consisting of aircraft from the Italian Navy and Air Force, is now certified for offensive and defensive missions, enhancing Italy’s ability to project power globally. This development positioned Italy with naval deployment capability of 5th-generation assets alongside the USA and UK.
Kongsberg Secures $95 Million Order for JSM Missiles in Australia
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) has significantly expanded its presence in Australia by opening a $16.5 million facility in Adelaide and a $95 million contract to supply Joint Strike Missiles for Australia’s F-35A aircraft. The new 2,500 square meter site will support various defense programs, including strike missiles, air defense systems, and remote weapon stations for the Australian armed forces. (Read more)
U.S. Approves RAM Missile Package for Turkey
In a significant policy shift, the U.S. government has approved a $90 million foreign military sale of RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) to Turkey. This decision reverses previous restrictions under the CAATSA sanctions and is crucial for enhancing Turkey’s naval defense capabilities. The RAM system, developed by Raytheon and Diehl Defence, provides naval vessels with short-range, close-in protection against anti-ship missiles and other aerial threats. The RAM systems will be integrated into Turkey’s Ada-class corvettes.
Taiwan to Acquire Stinger Missiles Amid Rising Tensions
Taiwan has announced plans to purchase Stinger missiles from the United States, underscoring its ongoing efforts to bolster its defense capabilities amid rising tensions with China. The Stinger missile system can be used as a man-portable or vehicle-mounted air defense operable at very short range (VSHORAD).
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