Defence Helicopter

Read the latest military helicopter news from our team of expert journalists and analysts, giving you the 'so what' behind the latest military rotorcraft headlines.

Defence Notes

How temporary funding could affect the US military’s critical acquisition programmes

Operating under continuing resolutions would affect Patriot, Virginia-class, Columbia-class and B-21 programmes.

Air Warfare

The Philippines prepares for high-end fighter operations

The Southeast Asian country’s air force is broadening the warfighting mission sets of its FA-50PH by shifting focus towards offensive counter air, defensive counter air and ground attack missions.

Air Warfare

Indonesia orders Airbus H145s for military training

The decision to purchase the H145 by the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) has marked the first time the Indonesian military has selected the platform.

Naval Warfare

Indian Navy purchases anti-submarine sonobuoys to counter Chinese incursions

The US approved the deal despite supply chain delays to other equipment ordered by India.

More Stories

Air Warfare

UK Royal Navy Wildcat fires Sea Venom anti-ship missile

9th October 2024

The Wildcat is fitted with .50cal gun and carries Stingray torpedoes and Marlet lightweight missiles. Sea Venom substantially boosts the platform’s punch.
Air Warfare

Thailand-bound AH-6i helicopter completes first flight

4th October 2024

A total of eight aircraft will replace the Royal Thai Army’s ageing AH-IF Cobra fleet as part of a contract deal worth US$103.8 million.
Training

Florida firm wins Bell 412 maintenance training contract in El Salvador

2nd October 2024

The deal, ECS’s 12th contract under the Enterprise Training Services Contract (ETSC) programme, will run from late-August 2024 to late-August 2025.
Naval Warfare

BAE Systems selected for Sting Ray torpedo upgrade work

13th September 2024

The Sting Ray can be deployed from frigates, helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft against submarine targets of all types. It uses an acoustic homing system and navigation system to detect, classify and attack targets autonomously.
Air Warfare

Iraq orders Airbus H225M helicopters

9th September 2024

The new helicopters will join Airbus H125, H135 and H145 aircraft already in Iraqi service and replace older Mi-17s.
Air Warfare

Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 ditching kills one crew member

5th September 2024

A ditching is a deliberate emergency landing on water, not a crash.
Air Warfare

In focus: UK New Medium Helicopter programme down to one bidder

3rd September 2024

The end of the long procurement process could be in sight as both Airbus and Sikorsky pull out over bid criteria.
Air Warfare

Norway awards contract for Bell 412 helicopter modification

3rd September 2024

The modifications are intended to upgrade the fleet and extend their active lifespan.
Digital Battlespace

US Army selects Northrop Grumman Athena sensor to improve threat detection capabilities for its aircraft

30th August 2024

According to the supplier, Athena is a next-generation missile warning sensor that provides 360-degree situational awareness.
Naval Warfare

US doubles its presence in the Middle East to de-escalate tensions in the region

28th August 2024

The Pentagon has increased its naval and aerial assets in the area due to Houthi and Hezbollah attacks.
Air Warfare

QinetiQ to build silent hangar for UK to test GPS jamming resilience

22nd August 2024

The hangar will allow for rigorous testing of technologies on modern defence assets, without allowing jamming signals to escape into the wild.
Air Warfare

The last of the US new Presidential helicopters handed over

20th August 2024

The VH-92A is a militarised version of the S-92A and replaces the existing fleet of VH-3D, VH-60N and VH-92A helicopters.
Air Warfare

Boeing gets another boost with 36 Apaches approved for South Korea amid flurry of FMS deals

20th August 2024

The approval of four Foreign Military Sale (FMS) requests this week follows the green light for the sale to Israel of 50 F-15IA multi-role fighter aircraft and mid-life update kits for the country’s existing F-15s and other equipment in deals worth $20 billion.
Air Warfare

Poland signs for 96 Apache attack helicopters

14th August 2024

Poland selected the Apache two years ago and recently finalised details of an offset agreement. The Foreign Military Sale (FMS) Letter of Offer and Agreement (LOA) has sealed the deal.
Air Warfare

Serco receives contract extension for Royal Navy helicopter support

13th August 2024

The contract will deliver aircraft engineering support to the UK Royal Navy’s (RN’s) Merlin Helicopter Force and Wildcat Helicopter Force based out of RNAS Culdrose and RNAS Yeovilton respectively.
Air Warfare

Northrop Grumman signs South Korean laser mine detection deal

9th August 2024

Genohco will team up with Northrop Grumman to work on South Korea’s helicopter-based laser mine detection programme.
Air Warfare

US Air Force discloses causes of 2023 CV-22 Osprey accident in Japan

7th August 2024

The investigation report pointed to a gearbox failure and management issues as the main causes of the accident.
Defence Notes

US Senate plans to booster FY2025 acquisitions with an extra $10 billion despite budget cuts to major programmes

7th August 2024

While lawmakers intend to provide additional resources for procurement for all US branches, they have reduced the budget for main programmes such as F-35, MQ-25, PIM and AMPV.
Air Warfare

Boeing delivers first production Grey Wolf to US Air Force

6th August 2024

Boeing announced in November last year that it was transitioning towards the low-rate initial production (LRIP) of the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter after delivering the sixth and final test aircraft to the US Air Force (USAF).