Air Features
Air related military and defence technology and procurement insight
Why the Military Are Worried About Drones Falling Into The Wrong Hands
Commercial-off-the-shelf drones give non-state actors and terrorist organisations the ability to surveil large areas and launch attacks without having to maintain complex support networks.
By Jack Richardson - 15 February 2019
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Getting To Grips With Robots
Biggest British military robotics exercise tests the use of COTs unmanned systems to provide forces with lower-cost tools on the battle field.
By Anita Hawser - 15 November 2018
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A Billion More For Defence, But Is It Enough?
UK Chancellor finds an extra £1 billion for UK defence, but it won't plug the £20 billion hole in the Defence Equipment Plan.
By Anita Hawser - 29 October 2018
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Leasing UAVs is the way to go, says state-owned IAI
IAI expects Belgium, France and the Netherlands to follow Germany's lead by leasing the Heron TP Male RPAS.
By Arie Egozi from Israel - 14 October 2018
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Rafael Extended Range Spike Variant to Compete for German Tiger Programme
Rafael says new Spike missile variant can detect camouflaged targets and defeat armour protection on most Main Battle Tanks.
By - 04 September 2018
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First Sea Trials for F-35B
HMS Queen Elizabeth sets sail for first fast jet sea trials of the F-35B. But what do budget and personnel cutbacks really mean for the UK's future Carrier Strike capability?
By Anita Hawser - 23 August 2018
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The Future For UK Combat Aircraft Hangs In The Balance
The aerospace industry calls for investment and support to maintain the UK's leading position in combat air power, which has been challenged by defence budget cuts and the growing procurement of systems from abroad.
By Anita Hawser - 06 July 2018
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Memorabilia from Vulcan Bombing Raid During the Falklands War Up For Auction
Rare memorabilia from a decorated bombing ace who flew the nuclear deterrent, the Vulcan bomber, during the Falklands War, goes under the hammer.
By Anita Hawser - 02 April 2018
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Loitering Airborne Systems
Loitering munitions provide eyes in the sky for target acquisition as well as lethal firepower. Has their time finally arrived?
By Giulia Tilenni - 05 March 2018
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Eyes In The Sky, But At What Cost?
The RAF's Reaper Squadron recently celebrated more than 10 years of operations. But it has not been without risk or rigour for the new class of RPAS operators.
By Jack Richardson - 20 December 2017
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White-Knuckle Ride
In Lockheed Martin's F-35 Full Mission Simulator, pilots can experience the fog of war, as if they were flying the real aircraft in combat, which would be difficult to recreate on live ranges.
By Anita Hawser - 11 December 2017
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Autonomous Decision-Making
Sorting fiction from reality: How much autonomy should machines be given on the battle field to make decisions without human intervention?
By Anita Hawser - 24 November 2017
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NATO To Use Cyber Effects in Defensive Operations
NATO steps up rhetoric on the use of cyber with nations' cyber weapon capabilities to be integrated into NATO missions and operations.
By Anita Hawser - 10 November 2017
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Fallon Falls On His Sword — What Does It Mean For UK Defence?
Michael Fallon bows out as Defence Secretary. Can his successor, Gavin Williamson, get to grips with this challenging ministerial portfolio?
By Anita Hawser - 03 November 2017
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Survival of the Fittest
Cutbacks at BAE Systems highlights the challenges for UK defence companies as they navigate the uncertain world of defence orders.
By Anita Hawser - 13 October 2017
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Naval and Medical Innovations Dominate At This Year's Show
Unmanned, maritime and medical innovations take centre stage at DSEI 2017 in London.
By Anita Hawser - 11 September 2017
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When Is A Military Exercise Not A Military Exercise?
Russia has used previous military exercises as a cover for invading sovereign territory. So what does it have in store for Zapad 2017?
By Anita Hawser - 30 August 2017
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The US Tests Laser Weapons To Counter Drones
The US is ramping up efforts to defeat UAVs and rockets with laser weapons. The latest test saw a laser fired from an Apache helicopter.
By Anita Hawser - 12 July 2017
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F-35 To Be Sold To 11 Countries In Deal Reportedly Valued At More than $37 Billion
The F-35 wows at Paris Air Show, whilst rumours circulate that a major deal for the aircraft involving 11 countries is in the pipeline.
By Anita Hawser - 20 June 2017
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All NATO Enhanced Forward Battle Groups in the Baltics Are Now in Place
The biggest build-up of forces for a generation on NATO's eastern flank is complete, but what is their effectiveness?
By Anita Hawser & Ralph Zwilling - 19 June 2017
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Armed UAVs: Who Has Them, Who Wants Them?
Just 10 countries worldwide have armed UAVs; many more want them, and China seems willing to oblige.
By Anita Hawser - 02 March 2017
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Can Micro-UAVs Help In The Fight Against Terrorism?
Micro-UAVs can help track terrorists, but are they reliable enough to replace traditional intelligence methods?
By Jack Richardson - 24 February 2017
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The Coming Drone Swarm
Swarming UAVs demonstrate enormous attack potential. But the technology still needs to be proven and trusted.
By Jack Richardson - 16 February 2017
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Could Turkish Deal Help Sustain UK Combat Aircraft Expertise?
BAE Systems and Turkish Aerospace Industries collaboration seen as vital to sustaining the future of UK industry combat aircraft expertise.
By Anita Hawser - 31 January 2017
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General James 'Mad Dog' Mattis, US Defense Secretary
US Defense Secretary, General Mattis, spent his first day on the job overseeing air strikes against ISIL and speaking with NATO's Secretary General.
By Anita Hawser - 26 January 2017
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Defence and Security Co-operation With The EU Will Continue
The UK will continue to work with the EU on defence and security matters, says UK PM Theresa May in her first major speech on Brexit.
By Anita Hawser - 17 January 2017
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Guided Bombs Get Smaller And Smarter
The race is on to produce longer-range, precision-guided missiles that can more accurately identify and hone in on targets.
By Doug Richardson - 03 January 2017
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The Fallout From Brexit
Immediately following the UK vote to leave the EU, the pound declined in value, which is likely to impact the cost of already announced defence acquisition programmes and support costs for in-service equipment.
By Stuart Young, Peter Antill and Richard Fisher - 03 January 2017
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Playing The Trump Card In US Defence Policy
President-elect Trump made a lot of comments—some controversial—on defence matters during his election campaign
By Nick Watts - 03 January 2017
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Trump and the Middle East: Challenges to Regaining US Supremacy
Can President-elect Trump bring America back from the low point in Middle East relations achieved under Obama's presidency?
By Riad Kahwaji - 17 November 2016
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Soldiers Take Down Drone Using Laser Signal
US soldiers have disabled a commercial off-the-shelf drone using a non-kinetic counter-UAV system.
By Anita Hawser - 04 November 2016
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Counter UAV: Defeating The Device
Manufacturers are coming up with increasingly innovative ways of stopping rogue UAVs in their tracks.
By Giulia Tilenni - 14 September 2016
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MALE 2020: The European UAV To Be?
MALE 2020 is Europe's answer to building a sovereign MALE UAV capability and reducing countries reliance on off-the-shelf solutions from the US and Israel. But can it get off the ground?
By Giulia Tilenni - 14 September 2016
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New Multi-Mission Radar for Netherlands Army
New radar system, developed by Thales and the Dutch Army, sees and records everything in real time.
- 14 February 2019
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Super Tocano for Nigerian Air Force
The Nigerian Air Force orders 12 Super Tocano light attack aircraft from Brazil's Embraer and SNC.
- 08 February 2019
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MBDA Awarded Brimstone Contract for Predator RPAS
Brimstone strike missile to be integrated on the RAF's new RPAS, the Protector RG Mk 1.
- 31 January 2019
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3M PELTOR-NEWS
New ComTac Tactical headset from 3M PELTOR enables face-to-face communication in noisy environments.
3M PELTOR - 16 January 2019
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Camcopter Participates in Australian Exercise
Two new payloads integrated onto the Schiebel Camcopter S-100.
- 21 December 2018
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Polish Armed Forces Take Delivery of UAS
WB Group's hand-launched FLYEYE mini UAS for Polish Armed Forces.
- 21 December 2018
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Real-World Training For Fast Jet Pilots
Simulating the effects of hypoxia in training for Spanish Air Force fighter jet pilots.
- 07 December 2018
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Maritime Surveillance Contracts for Rotary-Wing UAVs
Schiebel and UMS SKELDAR win major maritime surveillance contracts.
- 02 December 2018
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Networked Synthetic Training
Thales launches new networked synthetic training solution for dispersed teams.
- 28 November 2018
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Mixed Reality Training for JTAC
Portable, realistic and immersive training solutions for JTACs at I/ITSEC.
- 28 November 2018
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New Griffin-2 Dome from Rockwell Collins
Upgraded Rockwell Collins' visual dome for military fast jet training at I/ITSEC.
- 28 November 2018
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RPAS at Airshow China 2018
China and Israel develop systems for operating multiple RPAS simultaneously.
Anita Hawser and Arie Egozi - 07 November 2018
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Rafael To Test Sixth-Gen Missile Soon
Longer-range sixth-generation missile in the works for Rafael.
By Arie Egozi from Israel - 31 October 2018
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Israeli Countermeasures System Will Protect VIP Aircraft Against Missiles
Poland's MoD to buy Elbit Systems' countermeasures solution.
By Arie Egozi from Israel - 29 October 2018
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What Do Today's Jihadists Have In Common With Famous Guerrilla Fighters Of The Past?
Guerilla Warfare: Kings of Revolution, the military strategy of guerrilla fighters from the 13th century to modern times.
Anita Hawser - 28 October 2018
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Gliding Bomb Enables IAF To Perform Stand-off Attacks to Counter Russian Missiles in Syria
Rafael's Spice 250 gliding bomb allows the Israeli Air Force to launch attacks from a range of 100 km.
Arie Egozi from Israel - 14 October 2018
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DroneShield To Demonstrate Drone Detect and Defeat Solution to Special Ops Forces
Counter-UAV company DroneShield invited to take part in NATO's Night Hawk Special Ops exercise in Denmark.
- 19 September 2018
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Belgian Navy Completes Trials of Schiebel's Rotary-Wing UAS
Belgian Navy trials Schiebel's Camcopter S-100 for Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and SAR.
- 06 July 2018
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A UAV With A Sting In Its Tail
At Eurosatory in Paris, Asian companies showcased weaponised rotary-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.
Jack Richardson - 15 June 2018
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Situational Awareness At Any Time Of Day
Night-vision specialists Photonis demonstrate vision solutions for any time of day at Eurosatory 2018.
Jack Richardson - 12 June 2018
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Private Cloud For Armed Forces
Thales to offer armed forces operating in constrained environments a private cloud infrastructure.
- 07 June 2018
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Artificial intelligence and electronic warfare
Significant operational advantage can be achieved in EW by applying machine learning, says MASS.
- 03 June 2018
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Small Target Detection for Camcopter
Oceanwatch's payload extends the patrol coverage area of the Schiebel Camcopter S-100.
- 02 May 2018
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Defence Mission System Companies to Collaborate on Mission Systems for Europe's MALE RPAS
Co-operation on mission systems will reduce risks for Europe's MALE drone programme, say companies.
- 25 April 2018
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The CH-35K Sikorsky for German Air Force Heavy Lift Operations
Sikorsky and Rheinmetall put the CH-35K heavy lift helicopter forward for German Air Force programme.
- 20 April 2018
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New software-defined airborne radio from Rohde & Schwarz
Rohde & Schwarz software defined radio available for the first time in Boeing H-47 Chinook helicopters.
- 20 April 2018
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Senegal Buys Ground Master radar from Thales
Senegal will use Ground Master, the three-dimensional surveillance radar system from Thales to protect its airspace.
- 20 April 2018
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THIELMANN WEW: Exceeding expectations
The last 18 months have been a period of major change for German tank container system provider, WEW Container Systems.
THIELMANN WEW - 28 March 2018
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Artificial Intelligence For Combat Aviation
Dassault and Thales to co-operate on AI-driven "cognitive air system" for more autonomous functions in combat aviation.
- 19 March 2018
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BISim Raises Fidelity Stakes Using AI and High-Fidelity Urban Environments
Bohemia Interactive Simulations models civilian behaviours to help security forces train for counter-terrorism missions.
- 11 March 2018
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Thales Test Fires Rockets On Airbus Helicopters
Airbus helicopters' mission capabilities enhanced by laser-guided rocket system from Thales.
- 05 March 2018
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CAMCOPTER Selected To Fulfill International Contract
Austrian firm Schiebel's rotary-wing unmanned air system has been selected by MDA for sea and land-based ISR.
- 01 March 2018
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Turkey Awards Contract to Eurosam
Eurosam consortium to develop a future Long-Range Air and Missile Defence System for Turkey.
- 07 January 2018
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Navies Seek to Tackle the Threat Posed by Small Unmanned Aircraft
The Royal Canadian Navy gets to grips with the threat posed by small unmanned aerial vehicles using multi-rotor targets.
- 01 December 2017
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Securing Goods in Transit
An often overlooked security threat is the theft of goods in transit, which could see valuable cargo fall into the wrong hands.
- 01 December 2017
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Maintenance On Demand
An acoustic emission sensor network could drastically cut Army vehicle lifecycle costs.
US Army Research Laboratory Public Affairs - 30 November 2017
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High-Fidelity Training
Rockwell Collins' rear-projected dome and helmet-mounted displays chosen by US Army and ADF.
- 28 November 2017
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Collaborative UAV Missions
Multi-platform ground control station for collaborative UAV missions launched at Milipol 2017 in Paris.
- 23 November 2017
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Mobile Sensors For Coastal And Port Security
An all robotic solution with mobile sensors for port and coastal surveillance is unveiled at Milipol Paris.
- 21 November 2017
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Leonardo Sells Surveillance UAVs To Middle East
Leonardo is seeing increased interest in its "drones-as-a-service" offering and rotary-wing UAV platforms.
- 15 November 2017
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On-demand Maritime and Ground Surveillance
Thales and PAL Aerospace join forces to provide an on-demand air platform for maritime and ground surveillance.
- 10 November 2017
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Saudi Arabian Military Industries Announces Board of Directors
Former Rheinmetall head to help Saudi Arabian Military Industries become top 25 global defence company.
- 31 October 2017
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Using UAVs to Assess Hazardous Materials
BMT to build prototype for assessing hazardous materials using unmanned aerial vehicles.
- 13 October 2017
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Thales to Introduce AI Into Applications for Armed Forces
New centre for research in Artificial Intelligence to aid decision-makers on the battlefield.
- 11 October 2017
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Unmanned Surface Vehicle Targets
Royal Canadian Navy orders 40 Hammerhead USV targets and payloads from QinetiQ Target Systems.
- 11 September 2017
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Through Life Asset Management
A centralised solution for managing and tracking deployed defence assets more efficiently.
- 11 September 2017
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AUDS Counter-UAV System Enhanced for Vehicle Deployment
AUDS has been enhanced for deployment on vehicles and to counter drone swarm attacks.
- 08 September 2017
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Shoot To Disable
DARPA looks to develop a layered defence system to counter small unmanned air systems.
Anita Hawser - 29 August 2017
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Unmanned Aerial Vehicles at the Paris Air Show
Airbus's VSR700 rotary-wing tactical UAV makes its Paris Air Show debut.
- 22 June 2017
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Thales Unveils Ground Fire at Le Bourget
Thales's multi-function Ground Fire radar can be used for air defence and surveillance missions.
- 19 June 2017
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New Glider Weapon Launched By MBDA at Paris Air Show
MBDA's SmartGlider can engage a wide range of targets at a safe distance of more than 100 km.
- 19 June 2017
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Canada To Boost Defence Spending By More than 70%
Cyber, air attack and intelligence among areas to benefit from new Canadian defence policy.
Anita Hawser - 11 June 2017
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GUARDION Is Designed to Defend and Protect Against Unauthorised UAVs
New, integrated drone defence solution from Rohde & Schwarz, ESG and Diehl Defence.
- 24 May 2017
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Saudi Arabia Forms New Defence Company
Saudi Arabian Military Industries wants to be a Top 25 global defence company by 2030.
Anita Hawser - 23 May 2017
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Schiebel's Camcopter S-100 Norwegian Flight Trials
Schiebel Camcopter S-100 completes successful flight trials for Norwegian forces.
SCHIEBEL - 23 May 2017
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Trump to Announce Major Arms Deal with Saudi Arabia
Arms deal could be worth up to $350bn over 10 years – one of the largest in history.
Mythili Sampathkumar Independent - New York - 22 May 2017
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Virtual and Mixed Reality Training Systems On Show
Demos of the latest VR and mixed reality training systems at ITEC 2017 in Rotterdam.
Anita Hawser - 13 May 2017
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Robot Teaming For Mine Clearance
France's ECA Group teams a UAV and an unmanned ground vehicle for stand-off mine clearance.
- 13 May 2017
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EUROJET to showcase EJ200 at IDEF-Istanbul
EUROJET showcases the EJ200 engine used for the TFX fighter at IDEF.
EUROJET Turbo GmbH - 05 May 2017
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Rostec tests Ka-52k helicopters in marine conditions
Rostec Ka-52K helicopters complete the first phase of testing in marine conditions.
Rostec - 05 May 2017
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MBDA Next-Generation Air Defence Missiles for British Army and Navy
Sea Ceptor and Land Ceptor will protect the Royal Navy's war ships and enhance ground-based air defence.
- 24 April 2017
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Motion Simulator for UK F-35 pilots
A motion simulator will enable UK F-35 pilots to practise landing on the new QEII Class carriers.
Anita Hawser - 03 April 2017
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China: A New Arms Supplier to the Middle East
China will build armed UAVs in Saudi Arabia, which is looking beyond the west for weapons.
Anita Hawser - 03 April 2017
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Teaming Rotary Wing UAS With Manned Helicopters
Schiebel will use Patria technology to team its Camcopter S-100 with manned helicopters.
- 30 March 2017
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F-35 ASRAAM Firing Trials
The ASRAAM is the first UK-designed missile to be fired from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
- 16 March 2017
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The Stryker Joins The Fight Against UAVs
The US Army has modified its Stryker vehicle to detect and defeat UAVs.
- 09 March 2017
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Kelvin Hughes To Launch New Drone Detection System
SMS-D from Kelvin Hughes, is designed to detect and track UAVs.
- 07 March 2017
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Stemme and S-PLANE Team up to Create Optionally Piloted Vehicle
ECARYS ES15 to be optionally piloted using S-PLANE subsystems.
- 18 February 2017
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A New Generation of Transport Aircraft on show at IDEX 2017
The KC-390 sets new standards in transport aircraft.
- 16 February 2017
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Trump Intervenes In F-35 Pricing
Intervention by President Donald Trump sees price for F-35s reduced.
Anita Hawser - 07 February 2017
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The Australian Navy Will Use The CAMCOPTER S-100 For Enhanced Maritime And Littoral Intelligence
Royal Australian Navy awards contract for CAMCOPTER S-100 rotary-wing UAS.
- 06 February 2017
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MoD's Defence Equipment Plan Comes Up Short
The UK Ministry of Defence needs to find more savings to fund its future Equipment Plan.
- 30 January 2017
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Trump Hones In On F-35 And Submarine Costs
Multi-year procurement could be the answer to Pentagon cost review of F-35 programme.
- 30 January 2017
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The US and UK will optimise use of the P-8A for maritime surveillance
US–UK agreement will strengthen Maritime Patrol Aircraft interoperability.
Anita Hawser - 26 January 2017
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Rheinmetall and Day & Zimmermann
Rheinmetall and Day & Zimmermann join forces to make medium-calibre ammunition for the US market.
Rheinmetall - 09 December 2016
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FLIR Systems Acquires Prox Dynamics
FLIR Systems Acquires Prox Dynamics for $134 million in cash.
FLIR Systems - 30 November 2016
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Rockwell Collins's Mixed-Reality System for Training & Simulation
Rockwell Collins Coalescence merges the real-world view with a synthetic environment.
- 29 November 2016
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Schiebel-CAMCOPTER concludes MOAS 2016 operations
CAMCOPTER S-100 succesfully concludes operations in support of MOAS’ life-saving mission.
Schiebel-PR - 21 November 2016
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Airborne Laser-Based Sensor Can Detect IEDs and Hazmat From Standoff Distance
SpectroDrone uses lasers and high-res cameras to detect explosives, IEDs and hazmat.
- 15 November 2016
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Defence Secretary Michael Fallon announces £4 Billion support
£4 Billion to support Britain's modern forces and their families.
DPI - 08 November 2016
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Iran Unveils Stealth Suicide UAV
Suicide drone delivers a payload of explosives and can fly at low altitudes over the water.
- 28 October 2016
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US Steps Up Acquisition Of Precision Munitions
Contract awarded to fulfill demand for Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System.
- 28 October 2016
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Unmanned Warrior 16
World’s first large scale demonstration of marine robotic systems hosted by the UK.
UK MoD - 17 October 2016
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New Decoy System For RAF Combat Jets
The BriteCloud miniature decoy will protect RAF combat jets from missiles.
DPI - 21 September 2016
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First air defence radars for Latvia
NATO steps up investment in air and missile defence.
DPI - 21 September 2016
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