Hawker Beechcraft has announced the first sale of its upgraded T-6C+ military trainer to the Mexican Air Force, with deliveries slated to begin early this year. An enhanced version of the T-6 trainer, the T-6C+ is capable of carrying external stores and delivering practice weapons. It features hard-point wings, heads-up display, up-front control panel, an
An independent airpower think tank has called on the Australian government to begin converting at least six of the RAAF’s F/A-18 Super Hornets into ‘Growler’ electronic warfare aircraft. The Canberra based Williams Foundation says a dedicated EW capability remains the “one missing component” of what will soon be the best air power system in Australian
Boeing will close its production facility in the US city of Wichita in response to looming defence cuts. The closure of the Boeing Defense, Space and Security plant will cost 2160 workers their jobs and undercut Wichita’s claim as the aviation capital of the world, based in large part on the city’s longstanding relationship with
The US has confirmed the sale of $30 billion worth of top line fighter jets to Saudi Arabia in an announcement coinciding with escalating tensions with Iran. The deal, announced Dec. 29, will see the US send 84 new Boeing F-15s to the oil rich kingdom while upgrading Saudi Arabia’s existing fleet of 70 F-15s.
Australia’s fourth KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport has been formally handed over to the RAAF, though the aircraft will remain in Spain for testing until later this year. Deliveries of the tanker, based on the Airbus A330-200, began last year after a two year delay. The RAAF’s fifth and final KC-30A is expected to be delivered
The US Air Force has awarded a controversial US$355 million contract to Embraer to supply 20 A-29 Super Tucano turboprops for Afghanistan’s nascent air force. The deal is a major victory for Embraer as the Brazilian planemaker seeks to expand its business in the US. Embraer fought off US based Hawker Beechcraft, which has filed
