Platforms & Systems Archives - Page 8 of 11

UK Commits to Purchase 12 F-35A Fighters for NATO Nuclear Sharing Mission

The United Kingdom confirmed it will acquire at least twelve F-35A Lightning II fighters, adding a land-based nuclear mission to the Royal Air Force for the first time since 1998. Defense officials confirm the jets will form part of NATO's Dual-Capable Aircraft

June 25, 2025

Space Systems

Chinese Shijian-25 and -21 Satellites Execute Close GEO Rendezvous for Refueling Test

WASHINGTON — The Chinese spacecraft Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 have come within docking range high over the equator twice this month, and data suggest a third close pass is hours away. According to industry sources, the two satellites occupy nearly identical geostationary slots

June 21, 2025

Aircraft

Hybrid Base Station Sniper Pod Upgrade Enables F-35 to Share Sensor Data with 4th-Gen Aircraft

The Defense-Aerospace editorial team has confirmed that Lockheed Martin is pressing ahead with the Hybrid Base Station upgrade for its Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod. The move clears a long-standing barrier that limited how much targeting and sensor data an F-35 could pass

June 20, 2025

Helicopters

Poland Receives First AH-64D Apaches to Prepare for Guardian Fleet

Three AH-64D Apache attack helicopters landed this morning at the 56th Air Base in Latkowo, near Inowrocław. They taxied to the ramp in quick succession, rotors still spinning while ground crews signaled them into place. Defense officials confirm these aircraft now belong

June 17, 2025

Aircraft

AE 1107C Hits 500-Hour Mark Inside V-22 Fleet

The T406 engine reached a solid 500-hour record on one Osprey in mid-August last year. It happened during normal line ops, not a test flight. The count feels modest next to jetliner totals, yet inside tiltrotor work it signals tough stamina. Dust

December 27, 2024

Naval Systems

General Dynamics Wins $882 M Contract for New Vertical Sonar Arrays

General Dynamics Mission Systems, a key arm of General Dynamics Corp., landed an $882 million Navy deal to build large vertical sonar arrays for next-wave submarines. The award cements plans to widen undersea reach and signals faith in U.S. industry. Navy buyers

November 15, 2024

Naval Systems

Singapore Launches Fifth Littoral Mission Vessel RSS Indomitable

The Republic of Singapore Navy rolled out RSS Indomitable, its fifth Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV). The slip at Benoi Yard filled fast with brass, engineers, and overseas guests keen to see what fresh hull adds to regional sea security.

September 4, 2024

Aircraft

F-35 Bulkhead Overhaul Lets Fighter Hide Heavier Arms

Lockheed Martin reshaped a small yet vital slice of the F-35 frame. The fresh FS425 bulkhead now backs bigger bombs inside the jet. Crews hope the tweak keeps radar print low while packing harder punch. Work moved quick during late-2023 and spread

July 24, 2024

Land Systems

Romanias M1A2 Abrams Tank Buy to Cost 1.07 billion — Defense Ministry

Romania locked in a $1.07 billion plan to buy M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks. Officials call it a clean break from its aging Soviet stock. They argue the move lines up with NATO goals and lifts combat readyness fast. Parliament agreed after a

November 10, 2023

Aircraft

The F-35 Fighter Jet, The World’s Costliest Weapons Program, Just Got More Expensive

The Pentagon just raised the F-35 bill again. Numbers inside its fresh acquisition report point to $438 billion for development plus production. Last year they put the figure at $412 billion. Now planners must live with extra $26 billion—they said inflation and

October 11, 2023

Platforms & Systems - Page 8