Saab, Boeing and BAE Systems have signed a Letter of Intent to collaborate on the UK’s next fast-jet training programme, proposing a system built around the T-7 trainer aircraft. The companies plan a UK-based assembly line, integrated live-synthetic training capabilities and expanded supply-chain opportunities, while also positioning the collaboration for future international pilot-training requirements.
Offering the latest look at the form of the future next generation fighter, the model of the flying demonstrator for the next generation Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) combat aircraft was published on Thursday, with the demonstrator expected to be ready for flight by the end of 2027, becoming the first such aircraft developed in the UK in the last 40 years.
Boeing issued a ‘global No Technical Objection (NTO)’ confirming there are no technical issues to any Boeing-built defence aircraft and derivatives operating on synthetic aviation turbine fuels at the maximum allowable limit of a 50-50 blend with conventional fossil fuels.
RAF Eurofighter Typhoons and Airbus A-330 MRTT refueling and transport aircraft will be in the capital on their way to Malaysia.
StratPost was invited to the annual Airbus Military Trade Media Briefing in Spain last week and, as it turned out, ended up getting a ride on the A400M. Read about the experience and check out all the pictures.
India’s HAL has issued an RFP to BAE Systems for the license production of 20 Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft, meant to replace the HJT-16 Kiran Mk II aircraft of the IAF’s Surya Kiran aerobatics team.
Life Cycle Cost was not a consideration in the earlier contest, in which the Airbus A-330 MRTT was selected over the IL-78, before the tender was withdrawn. This time the factor is expected to be a key determinant of the acquisition cost of the two aircraft.
Company sources said that the Eurofighter Typhoon Helmet Mounted Symbology System was part of its bid to win the 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender. The helmet can enable a pilot to lock-on target and shoot by voice command, merely after looking at the target.
The press release issued by BAE Systems, announcing the Helmet Mounted Symbology System, calls it something out of Star Wars.
An IAF Sukhoi-30 MKI takes off during Indradhanush.
Warbirds of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the British Royal Air Force (RAF) took off on Wednesday to match skills against each other in the joint exercise Indradhanush (Rainbow) at IAF Kalaikunda, in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal.
For the first time, the 17-day exercise will include the IAF’s IL-76 AWACS and the RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.
A squadron of four ships is on an extensive tour of ports in the Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, North Sea and the Baltic Sea. The ships will also conduct major exercises with Russia, the UK and France.
