Taiwan is abandoning its pursuit of domestically developing a next-generation fighter jet, and will instead procure advanced aircraft from the United States, according to a report by Up Media, a Taiwanese online news outlet. This decision, reached by Defence Minister Koo Li-hsiung, marks a significant shift in Taiwan's defence acquisition strategy and highlights the technological and financial hurdles of developing advanced weapons systems independently.The decision follows a series of meetings with key stakeholders, including the Air Force and the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), the primary institution responsible for defence technology development in Taiwan. While Taiwan had initially aimed to achieve a 95% self-sufficiency rate in the new fighter jet, the project, initially assessed by the Air Force’s "Project 303" team, faced numerous challenges.One significant obstacle was the lack of a foreign partner willing to take on the crucial role of system integration. Unlike the Indigenous Defence Fighter (IDF) program, where U.S. firms played a critical role in integrating various systems, no such partners emerged for the next-generation fighter jet.[continua]
The largest Czech aircraft manufacturer, AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE, has named its most modern trainer aircraft L-39 Skyfox. The name draws inspiration from the long tradition of successful Czechoslovakian aircraft such as the L-29 Dolphin and the L-39 Albatros, while also capturing the unique features of the new trainer.The Czech aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody produces the L-39 Skyfox in series production and this year celebrates its 105th anniversary. During that time, dozens of machines have flown out of its workshops, providing a diverse range of tasks and activities from training to reconnaissance to combat. In particular, the legendary Aero L-29 Dolphin and L-39 Albatros trainer aircraft have not only gone down in aviation history as some of the most used trainers in the world, but their very names Dolphin and Albatros have also become icons."The name L-39 Skyfox perfectly reflects the essence of the trainer from Aero. The 'Czech Fox' stands out for its efficiency, superior multi-role capability, and ability to adapt to different flight conditions. Pilots themselves appreciate the L-39 Skyfox's excellent flight characteristics, intuitive handling, excellent cockpit visibility, and high level of protection when training on the aircraft," says Viktor Sotona, Chairman and CEO of Aero, describing the choice of the new name, adding: "An important aspect of Skyfox is the care for pilots. Like the fox, which is agile, smart, and can avoid danger, our aircraft is characterized by excellent safety features. With a zero-zero seat and the ability to carry weapons systems, pilots can trust the aircraft to hold them up and protect them even in challenging situations."The L-39 Skyfox is an all-new, multi-functional, modern platform that is capable of covering multiple functions, from pilot training to light combat and reconnaissance missions. It takes the successful aerodynamic concept from its predecessor, the L-39 Albatros. The Skyfox represents the most efficient machine in its class, available in both Western and Eastern configurations and certified to EU and NATO regulations. This versatile technology platform combines advanced simulation technologies and ground training systems. The Czech L-39 Skyfox trainer offers an innovative combination of advanced avionics, a powerful jet engine, and excellent flight characteristics, making it a suitable choice for all phases of 4th and 5th-generation pilot training, reconnaissance, and light combat missions.The L-39 Skyfox aircraft will be used in the Czech Republic by LOM PRAHA and its Flight Training Centre in Pardubice for training pilots of the Czech Army. Practical pilot training is already underway at Aero's facilities. "We will deliver two L-39 Skyfoxes by the end of this year and we are ready to deliver the remaining two by the middle of next year. According to the contract, LOM PRAHA has the option to purchase four more aircraft, which would provide sufficient capacity for training pilots not only for the Czech Air Force but also for the NATO Flight Training Europe program," adds Viktor Sotona.The serial production of the L-39 Skyfox trainer aircraft started in May 2023. Currently, about 600 subcontractors are involved in the production process, 400 of them coming from the Czech Republic. Earlier this year, Aero achieved the required production rate of one aircraft per month.Vietnam has become the first L-39 Skyfox customer. Six of Aero's aircraft have undergone final acceptance by the Vietnamese Air Force this year, including full assembly, function verification, and a flyby by a factory pilot. In 2024, Aero received official authorization to develop, manufacture, maintain, and repair Hungarian aircraft, including the L-39 Skyfox, which it will deliver to the Hungarian Air Force. In addition, a memorandum was signed between Aero and the Swedish company Saab to explore the possibility of adapting the L-39 Skyfox for the needs of the Hungarian Air Force.As long as the L-39NG was a prototype, the manufacturer Aero Vodochody made do with the technical-sounding New Generation moniker. After serial production started, it was time to choose a name for the aircraft, just like its predecessors from the Vodochody factory.Finding the right name for its aircraft is important for the company, especially from a marketing point of view. Moreover, the fact that the manufacturers, pilots, or the community of fans give the aircraft a name means that they don't just think of it as a machine, but develop an emotional relationship with it. In the case of combat aircraft, the psychological element also comes into play. Coming up with names for new aircraft has been a tradition at Aero since 1923 when the company introduced the first mass-produced fighter, the Aero A-18, called the Starling. This nickname did not come from the widespread common starling bird, as one might think. Pilots began calling the aircraft this because its shape reminded them of the trimmed block of wood from the then-popular game of hammering the starling."During the development of the prototype and the subsequent start of production, we all got used to calling our new aircraft the NG. However, it is common in aviation to give aircraft names, such as animals, to try and capture and emphasize their characteristics or some distinctive features. And our new aircraft certainly deserves a name too. The L-39 Skyfox takes from the Albatross the aerodynamic concept and the associated great flight characteristics, but otherwise, it is a technologically completely new modern aircraft. The naming will also help us emphasize that this is not just an improved Albatros, but a completely new aircraft," explains Jan Chvojka, the head of PR & Marketing, Aero.And why was the plane named Fox? Because this beast's nature and behavior are perfectly suited to the aircraft. It may not be the strongest animal in the forest, but it is extremely adaptable, hardy, resourceful, and cares for its cub like an airplane cares for its pilots, and when it comes down to it, it can bite hard.[continua]
O Departamento de Defesa dos EUA anunciou o acordo em 28 de outubro de 2024O Pentágono anunciou um contrato de modificação avaliado em US$ 1,24 bilhão entregue para Sikorsky relativo a helicópteros UH-60M, incluíndo para a Força Aérea Brasileira.A data estimada para a conclusão do trabalho é 31 de dezembro de 2027. Os fundos de vendas militares estrangeiras do ano fiscal de 2025 no valor de US$ 1,24 bilhão para Austrália, Brasil, Grécia, Suécia e Tailândia foram obrigados no momento da concessão, disse o Pentágono em um comunicado oficial.A partir de outubro de 2024, as frotas de helicópteros UH-60 Black Hawk para Austrália, Brasil, Grécia, Suécia e Tailândia incluem várias configurações e quantidades.O Exército australiano encomendou 40 helicópteros UH-60M Black Hawk, com entregas atualmente em andamento. Em uma declaração hoje, o ministério da defesa da Austrália disse: “O Exército está rapidamente colocando sua frota de helicópteros UH-60M Black Hawk em serviço, com a aeronave e a tripulação voando mais de 1.400 horas em apoio à introdução em atividades de serviço desde a chegada da aeronave em 2023.” Dez UH-60M Black Hawks foram entregues à Austrália desde agosto de 2023, com mais duas aeronaves programadas para entrega em novembro de 2024. Todas as 40 aeronaves devem ser entregues até 2030. A frota está a caminho de atingir uma capacidade operacional inicial nos próximos meses, disse o ministério.No Brasil, a Força Aérea Brasileira opera 16 helicópteros UH-60L Black Hawk, recebidos entre 2006 e 2013. Além disso, em maio de 2024, o Departamento de Estado dos EUA aprovou uma venda potencial de 12 UH-60M Black Hawks para o Brasil, avaliados em US$ 950 milhões.Na Grécia, o governo assinou uma Carta de Oferta e Aceitação em abril de 2024 para 35 helicópteros UH-60M Black Hawk, com o objetivo de substituir a frota envelhecida de Huey da Aviação do Exército Helênico. Enquanto isso, as Forças Armadas Suecas operam atualmente 15 helicópteros UH-60M Black Hawk. Em julho de 2024, a Suécia assinou um contrato para comprar mais 12 helicópteros UH-60M, o que aumentará sua frota total para 27.Por fim, o Centro de Aviação do Exército Real Tailandês opera uma frota composta por nove helicópteros UH-60L, três UH-60M e três UH-60A Black Hawk reformados, totalizando 15 aeronaves. https://www.cavok.com.br/pentagono-anuncia-acordo-de-us-124-bi-para-helicopteros-uh-60m-para-australia-brasil-grecia-suecia-e-tailandia
Primeiro voo do 5.º protótipo do caça KF-21:Reparem nos misseis MBDA Meteor e nos Diehl IRIS-T.
Dutch company AEC Skyline has announced that it has recently acquired three former Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) L-39ZA/ART Albatros training/close air support aircraft. AEC’s aerial taskings comprise close air support, electronic warfare and adversary training, combined with target towing, remote sensing and calibration and testing.AEC operates from Groningen Airport Eelde and Breda Airport with a number of L-39s and a Learjet 36A. Through said acquisition the company will significantly expand its existing contract air fleet.[continua]
Reunião de cúpula entre Japão, Reino Unido e Itália concorda em continuar a cooperação no desenvolvimento conjunto do próximo caça a jato20 de novembro de 2024 8h04//www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rMPgKhD6pIDurante sua visita ao Brasil, o primeiro-ministro Ishiba realizou uma reunião de cúpula trilateral com o Reino Unido e a Itália e anunciou que o desenvolvimento conjunto do próximo caça a jato será a base para uma ampla cooperação que durará décadas. continuar cooperando para a conclusão do projeto.A reunião de cúpula de três nações entre o primeiro-ministro Ishiba, o primeiro-ministro britânico Starmer e o primeiro-ministro italiano Meloni ocorreu no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, na noite do dia 19, horário do Japão, por aproximadamente 20 minutos.O primeiro-ministro Ishiba disse: “Com base em valores comuns como a democracia e o Estado de direito, os três países, que mantêm uma relação estreita há muitos anos, combinarão as suas tecnologias e desenvolverão em conjunto o próximo caça a jato”. será a base para uma ampla cooperação que durará décadas."Os três líderes concordaram então em continuar trabalhando juntos para concluir o desenvolvimento conjunto do próximo caça a jato sob sua respectiva liderança.Governo britânico divulga comunicadoApós a reunião de cúpula entre os líderes do Japão, do Reino Unido e da Itália, o governo britânico divulgou um comunicado dizendo: “Os três líderes concordaram em desenvolver um plano de desenvolvimento para colocar em campo um caça a jato de próxima geração até 2035 e fortalecer a defesa coletiva. Eles mais uma vez demonstraram sua dedicação inabalável."Os três países concordaram que a segurança da região Euro-Atlântica e da região Ásia-Pacífico são inseparáveis, acrescentando: ``Os três países aguardam com expectativa o progresso contínuo no programa e aguardam com expectativa o desenvolvimento contínuo do programa e da colaboração de mais parceiros internacionais no futuro.'' Discutimos as nossas ambições de abrir a porta à participação."Ele também enfatizou o impacto econômico do plano, observando que a organização internacional, que em breve terá sede no Reino Unido e servirá como torre de controle para o desenvolvimento, criará muitos empregos.
BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd (JAIEC), have reached an agreement to form a new company under a business joint venture for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), subject to regulatory approvals.The agreement builds on the strong trilateral government, defence, and industrial cooperation between the UK, Japan, and Italy on GCAP since it was established in December 2022. The new joint venture will be accountable for the design, development and delivery of the next generation combat aircraft and will remain the design authority for GCAP for the life of the product, which is expected to go out beyond 2070.BAE Systems, Leonardo, and JAIEC will each hold a 33.3% shareholding in the new joint venture: bringing together the combined strengths and expertise of three leading companies and marking a pivotal moment for the international aerospace and defence industry.
Belgian Air Force🇧🇪Our Belgian Air Force took a huge step forward with its first F-35A flight, on Thursday 12 at 19:00Z, from @Luke Air Force Base! ✈️ [French video]
