Defence http://www.timesaerospace.aero/ en Fri, 20 Jun 2025 10:40:20 +0100 Bell signs first SUBARU Bell 412EPX order in Africa http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/defence/bell-signs-first-subaru-bell-412epx-order-in-africa

The aircraft will be used for multi-role military and security missions. The Tunisian military expands its rotary wing fleet of 39 Bell aircraft, including Bell UH-1s, 205s and OH-58s.

“The Bell 412 is one of the most trusted platforms globally, and we are honored to support the Tunisian Air Force as it expands its fleet with this proven and versatile aircraft,” said Tim Evans, Managing Director for Middle East and Africa, Bell. “The SUBARU Bell 412EPX has been gaining momentum as an international military platform, we’re thrilled to bring it to the Middle East and Africa region with the Tunisian Air Force.”

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Bell Textron has signed a purchase agreement for 12 SUBARU Bell 412EPXs to the Tunisian Air Force, marking the first order for this Bell 412 variant in region.

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Fri, 20 Jun 2025 09:40:20 +0000 eNethersole 70144 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
Türkiye KAAN fighter jet deal to accelerate Indonesia’s defence growth http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/defence/turkiye-kaan-fighter-jet-deal-to-accelerate-indonesias-defence-growth

Signed during the Indo Defence Expo and Forum held in Jakarta in June 2025, the agreement includes technology transfer and domestic production collaboration, potentially transforming Indonesia’s aerospace ecosystem.

GlobalData’s latest Fleet Size dashboard reveals that Indonesia operates a diverse fleet of fixed-wing military aircraft, the majority of which are aging fourth-generation platforms. The induction of the KAAN stealth fighters is expected to significantly lower the average fleet age and enhance the Indonesian Air Force’s deterrence capabilities, particularly in the face of evolving fifth-generation aerial threats from adversarial forces in the Indo-Pacific region.

As of June 2025, the countries with operational fifth-generation fighter aircraft include the US, China, and Russia. Meanwhile, India, South Korea, and Türkiye are pursuing their own stealth fighter programmes, with India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae, and Türkiye’s KAAN representing national aspirations to enter the elite fifth-generation club.

Harpreet Sidhu, Aerospace and Defence Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Indonesia’s KAAN acquisition demonstrates a strategic intent to leapfrog into fifth-generation capabilities while developing its indigenous defence industrial base. In addition to a set supply schedule, the agreement with Türkiye incorporates technology transfer and the use of Indonesian production lines, both of which are essential components of long-term self-reliance.”

Indonesia is also engaging with South Korea in procuring another combat aircraft of a similar category, namely the KF-21 Boramae. Recently, Indonesia has reduced its financial and technical commitment to South Korea's KF-21 Boramae program. Initially expected to fund 20% of the development cost (around $1.2 billion), Indonesia has now revised its remaining commitment to approximately $440 million, having so far invested $290 million. Though Indonesia still aims to acquire 50 KF-21 fighters, the decrease in funding signals a more limited involvement in the programme than originally planned.

Sidhu added: “The concurrent signing of the KAAN agreement with Türkiye introduces new variables into Indonesia’s fighter jet roadmap. With a defence budget still under 1% of its GDP, it’s becoming harder to see how the country can realistically fund two major fighter programmes at once. This dual-track strategy could reshape Indonesia’s broader defence procurement and industrial participation ambitions.”

Sidhu concludes: “The KAAN program has the potential to become a competitive alternative to Chinese and American fifth-generation fighters in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) defence market if it is expanded and bolstered by efficient diplomacy and industrial cooperation. Over the next ten years, it is anticipated that the spread of stealth technology will reshape aerial combat doctrines, regional alliances, and defence supply networks as tensions continue throughout Asia and the rest of the world.

“Indonesia, by diversifying its fighter fleet and participating in multiple international programmes, positions itself as a key player in the region with formidable air power. However, its long-term influence will depend on consistent investment, clearer strategic alignment, and the ability to balance ambitions with budgetary realities.”

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Indonesia’s decision to acquire 48 KAAN fifth-generation fighter jets from Türkiye marks a major leap in its defence modernisation and airpower ambitions, says GlobalData.

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Thu, 19 Jun 2025 10:55:40 +0000 eNethersole 70136 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
Zambia hosts 14th African Air Chiefs Symposium http://www.timesaerospace.aero/features/defence/zambia-hosts-14th-african-air-chiefs-symposium

Zambia hosts 14th African Air Chiefs Symposium

14th African Air Chiefs symposium

The 14th African Air Chiefs Symposium (AACS), co-hosted by the Zambia Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Europe-Air Forces Africa, took place in Lusaka, Zambia from February 17-21. Alan Warnes reports.

More than 240 participants from 38 nations attended the symposium to include air chiefs, liaison officers, women, peace and security representatives and senior enlisted representatives. This year’s theme was ‘Strategic Collaboration and Operational Excellence: Enhancing effectiveness of the Association of African Air Forces.’

Zambia Air Force commander lt gen Oscar Nyoni, the Association of African Air Forces (AAAF) chairman, highlighted the challenges Zambia faces with natural disasters and the importance of gathering air chiefs across the continent.

“During the African Air Chiefs Symposium 2024 in Tunisia, it became abundantly clear that the AAAF needed to redirect its efforts toward fostering multilateral collaboration and interoperability to confront these shared challenges effectively,” said Nyoni.

At the event, African air forces conducted a tabletop exercise (TTX) focused on a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief scenario. The exercise was a key step in advancing the AAAF exercise series with the end goal to conduct an intra-continental live-fly exercise in 2026.

Commander of US Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa and AAAF co-chairman, general James Hecker who attended on the third day (19th) praised the participant’s accomplishments in the TTX in addressing considerations ranging from fuel to diplomatic clearances.

A Women, Peace and Security panel brought together WPS representatives from 25 African nations to share experiences and challenges faced in their respective air forces.

The keynote panelists included major general Fatuma Ahmed, the Kenya Air Force air chief and first African female air chief, as well as United Nations representatives.

The Nigerian Air Force will chair the AAAF next year and host for AACS 2026. In his acceptance speech, air marshal Hasan B. Abubakar the NAF CAS said air power was vital in tackling terrorism, insurgency and transnational crime, calling for strengthened cooperation among African Air Forces to enhance continental security.

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Mon, 16 Jun 2025 08:19:14 +0000 pIvanova 70103 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
Morocco F-35s deal could agitate neighbours http://www.timesaerospace.aero/features/defence/morocco-f-35s-deal-could-agitate-neighbours

Morocco F-35s deal could agitate neighbours

IMAGE: Alan Warnes

If all the speculation in early February is to be believed, Morocco could soon become the first Arab and African nation to acquire the Lockheed Martin F-35. Alan Warnes reports.

The deal for 32 aircraft has been given the go ahead by Israel, which has a big say on Arab nations buying the advanced fighter, is estimated to be around $17 billion over 45 years that would include procurement and maintenance costs.

Sources at IDEX in February indicated that the return of president Donald Trump for a second term, could see the unfinished F-35 business that he started during his first four years in office finally given the green light.

Lockheed Martin representatives at IDEX allegedly provided an in-depth briefing to a Moroccan military delegation on the fifth-generation jet’s capabilities.

From Morocco’s perspective it would provide a huge leap in capability. In August 2020, the RMAF’s purchase of 24 Lockheed Martin F-16C/D block 72s (20 F-16Cs, four F-16Ds) equipped with Pratt & Whitney F100-229 engines, was cleared by the US government, with deliveries expected to take place this year.

The surviving 23 F-16s are being upgraded to the more advanced F-16V, equipped with the Northrop Grumman APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, Lockheed Martin AN/AAQ-33 sniper pod, Terma AN/ALQ-213 EW management systems and L3Harris AN/ALQ-211 advanced integrated defensive electronic warfare system (AIDEWS).

Morocco’s two new ISR Gulfstream 550s being integrated by L3 Systems, with Israeli Elta systems, at its Greenville, Texas facility and along with new Israeli spy satellites, will ensure a keen eye can be kept on its neighbours and geopolitical rivals Algeria.

It must be alarmed at the build up the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s combat edge, that threatens to eclipse its own capabilities. This is a major reason why Algeria is set to become the first export customer of Russia’s fifth-gen Sukhoi Su-57, although unlike Morocco it doesn’t integrate all its war fighting assets to anything close to the way that its neighbour does.

The F-35/F-16 integration will certainly be helped with so many other allied air forces in NATO going down the same training route well before Morocco would receive their fifth gen fighters in around 2035.

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Wed, 11 Jun 2025 14:45:13 +0000 pIvanova 70087 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
Namibia response boosted by China transports http://www.timesaerospace.aero/features/defence/namibia-response-boosted-by-china-transports

Namibia response boosted by China transports

Namibia's Shaanxi Y-9E

Namibia has continued its longstanding military equipment relationship with China with the delivery of a pair of Shaanxi Y-9 medium transports.

The Y-9, powered by four WoJiang WJ-6C turboprops, is a stretched and upgraded Chinese development of the Shaanxi Y-8F.

The programme was a collaborative effort with Ukrainian company Antonov – the designers of the Soviet-era Antonov An-12 from which the Y-9 is ultimately derived – and was aimed at competing with the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules.

Namibia is the first recipient of the Y-9E export variant, with a maximum payload of 25 tonnes, or the ability to carry up to 106 paratroopers. The Y-9Es are a major advance in capability over the Namibian Air Force’s existing largest aircraft, the Antonov An-26 light tactical transport.

They will give the country the ability to transport supplies to remote outposts in the large southern African nation, or to carry men or materiel elsewhere in Africa on peacekeeping or humanitarian missions.

“The acquisition of these medium transport aircraft will go a long way in improving and enhancing the Namibian Defence Force’s operational capacity and readiness to respond at short notice to any situation that might require the involvement of our soldiers, both during peacetime and wartime emergencies,” president Nangolo Mbumba was quoted as saying by local media.

China has provided Namibia with several components of its air arm.

Most significantly, it provided a squadron of six F-7NMs, the Chinese unlicenced version of the Soviet MiG-21, according to specialist South African website DefenceWeb, together with four K-8 training jets and two Y12-11 light transports.

Meanwhile, Nigeria has bolstered its fleet of Dassault-Dornier Alpha Jets with the purchase of a further 12 surplus examples of the Franco-German advanced trainer and light strike aircraft to supplement the estimated eight examples currently in service.

It is understood that six of the aircraft will be restored to flying condition and enter operational service, while the remaining six will be used as a source of spare parts for the operational fleet.

The Alpha Jets have been extensively used as ground-attack aircraft in the continuing campaign against Boko Haram Islamist rebels in the north of the country.

Alan Dron

Alan Dron

Alan Dron is air transport editor at Arabian Aerospace for which he has written since its launch.

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Wed, 04 Jun 2025 12:34:12 +0000 pIvanova 70056 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
New subsidiary marks Embraer’s expanded footprint in India http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/defence/new-subsidiary-marks-embraers-expanded-footprint-in-india

The establishment of a subsidiary in India aims at strengthening its interests across defence, commercial aviation, business aviation, services & support and the burgeoning urban air mobility sector. Embraer is working on growing its team in the country, building capacity to capitalise on the opportunities within the country’s ever-evolving aerospace and defence industry. This includes establishing teams across corporate functions and specialised cells focused on procurement, supply chain and engineering.

“India is a key market for Embraer, and this expansion demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the country,” said Francisco Gomes Neto, President & CEO of Embraer. “We are excited to deepen our collaboration with the Indian aerospace and defence industry, leveraging our expertise and technology to contribute to the nation’s growth and Make in India campaign. We see significant opportunities across defence, commercial aviation, business aviation, services & support, and the emerging urban air mobility sector.”

Embraer is significantly deepening its engagement in India. The company has a substantial footprint with nearly 50 Embraer aircraft and 11 aircraft types currently operating in the country - from commercial aviation, defence and business aviation, all supported by Embraer’s service and support network in the country.

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Embraer has reinforced its commitment to India with the establishment of a fully owned Indian subsidiary which will have its corporate office in AeroCity, New Delhi.

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Fri, 30 May 2025 11:58:13 +0000 eNethersole 70011 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
US approves sale of Bell 412 helicopters to Zambia http://www.timesaerospace.aero/features/defence/us-approves-sale-of-bell-412-helicopters-to-zambia

US approves sale of Bell 412 helicopters to Zambia

IMAGE: Zambia Air Force

The US State Department has contracted helicopter manufacturer Bell Textron to supply an undisclosed number of Bell 412 enhanced performance exportable medium lift transport helicopters to the Zambian Air Force at an estimated cost of US$100 million.

In a notice issued to the US Congress on January 13, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said the contract also includes the supply, to Zambia, of radio communication and navigation systems, weather radar and transponder capabilities as well as qualification and transition training for pilots and maintenance crews.

In addition, Bell Textron will also provide, in-country contractor field support services, programme management reviews, technical assistance, aviation ground support systems as well as spares and repairs among other deliverables.

“The proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping improve the security of an important partner that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in South Central Africa,” the DSCA stated.

“The proposed sale will improve Zambia’s capability to conduct peacekeeping (operations), regional security, disaster response and humanitarian missions over long distances and in non-standard weather conditions. Zambia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.”

The acquisition will be funded by the DSCA through the foreign military sales (FMS) programme. Although the number was not disclosed, the sale will add more Bell power to the Zambian Air Force, which commissioned two new Bell 412 attack helicopters to its fleet.

Oscar Nkala

Oscar Nkala

Oscar is a Zimbabwean born journalist working across Africa covering defence, aerospace and the environment.

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Wed, 28 May 2025 11:06:51 +0000 pIvanova 69998 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
UAE to establish Ground Master series air surveillance facility http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/defence/uae-to-establish-ground-master-series-air-surveillance-facility

The agreement supports the UAE’s vision to boost local manufacturing and develop national defence capabilities.

This reflects Thales’ commitment to supporting the UAE’s vision of advancing manufacturing capabilities through innovation and industrial excellence.

The Ground Master radars are recognised for their reliability, superior performance, mobility, and adaptability to diverse missions, positioning them amongst the world’s leading air surveillance and defence systems. The facility is scheduled to be fully operational by 2027, where it will assemble, test, and qualify advanced air surveillance radars to meet both domestic and export market needs.

This factory will serve as a strategic asset, bolstering the UAE’s defence manufacturing capabilities, enhancing self-sufficiency in critical technologies, and providing flexibility to address varying operational requirements.

Thales said it places localisation at the heart of its growth strategy through advanced training programmes and sustainable professional career development, building specialised local expertise in advanced radar technologies in support of the UAE’s National Defence Strategy and its vision of a highly capable, future-ready national workforce. As the project is not only focused on building the radar system, but also on qualifying domestic suppliers, it further contributes to strengthening the national industrial base and promoting long-term self-reliance.

Matar Ali Al Romaithi, sector chief of defence and Security Industry Affairs at Tawazun Council, said: “The expansion of Thales’ Radar Centre of Excellence reflects the strength of the UAE’s defence industrial strategy and its regional leadership in advanced technologies. This initiative enhances national capabilities in air surveillance radar systems while creating significant opportunities for local companies to grow, innovate, and compete globally.”

Hervé Dammann, executive vice-president, land and air systems said: “Thales is proud to contribute to the growth of the UAE’s industrial defence ecosystem by advancing local capabilities, in-line with the national vision. The expansion of our Radar Centre of Excellence, through the establishment of a new production facility, marks a major milestone – from integration, testing, manufacturing to lifecycle support. This investment reinforces the UAE’s sovereignty in critical defence technologies, strengthens the national supply chain, embarks UAE talents and deepens local expertise in advanced radar systems.”

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Tawazun Council and Thales have signed a cooperation agreement to produce locally advanced Ground Master series air surveillance radars.

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Thu, 22 May 2025 14:43:45 +0000 eNethersole 69991 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
Algeria confirms acquisition of Su-57 http://www.timesaerospace.aero/features/defence/algeria-confirms-acquisition-of-su-57

Algeria confirms acquisition of Su-57

IMAGE: Shrey Chopra

Algeria finally confirmed on February 12 that it is the first customer of the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter, and that pilots are currently undergoing training in Russia. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in late 2025.

Alexander Mikheyev, the head of Russia’s state-owned Rosoboronexport defence agency had confirmed the first foreign client would receive the first aircraft in 2025.

It was announced at China’s Zhuhai Airshow in November last year that there was a first customer for the Sukhoi, which attended the Aero India 24 airshow in mid-February.

Unconfirmed reports would suggest that 14 aircraft were on order to replace the MiG-25 Foxbats retired in June 2022, and that more enhanced versions would eventually arrive later in the decade to replace the MiG-29 Fulcrums and Su-24 Fencer fleets.

Speculation that the Algerian Air Force had ordered the Su-57s surfaced in 2020 when Algerian military officers were seen viewing the model with Russian officials on state TV.

The Su-57 has been involved in combat operations in Syria (2018) and Ukraine (2022) where undoubtedly it would have been used for test and evaluation in combat, allowing both the air force and Rosboronexport to correct any issues that may have arisen.

The acquisition will go some way to cutting the capability gap the Royal Moroccan Air Force is opening up against long-time foe the Algeria Air Force, with the former set to enhance its Lockheed Martin F-16 fleets in addition to having aspirations to acquire the USA’s fifth-gen F-35 (see other news).

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Wed, 21 May 2025 15:53:08 +0000 pIvanova 69986 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
Havelsan partners with DNeX to accelerate digital transformation http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/defence/havelsan-partners-with-dnex-to-accelerate-digital-transformation

The agreement marks a milestone in building a digital bridge between Türkiye and Malaysia in both public and private sectors.

This collaboration enables Havelsan to introduce its indigenous digital transformation platform, Kovan New Generation Business Management System, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven technologies to the Malaysian market. Simultaneously, DNeX’s expertise in trade facilitation, AI applications, and logistics will be leveraged to generate value across various Turkish industries.

Through this partnership, the synergy between Havelsan’s AI capabilities and DNeX’s commercial AI applications will drive the development of next-generation digital solutions tailored to the needs of both nations.

Dr. Mehmet Akif Nacar, CEO of Havelsan, said: “Digital transformation directly impacts national competitiveness and security. This strategic partnership with DNeX is a significant step in sharing Türkiye’s digital experience with friendly and allied nations. Our flagship products like Kovan, alongside our AI projects, will deliver tangible value to Malaysia’s digital infrastructure.”

Faizal Sham Abu Mansor, Group CEO of DNeX, added: “Building upon its robust technology foundations in trade facilitation, semiconductor manufacturing, AI solutions, and upstream energy, DNeX is strategically collaborating with Havelsan. By integrating Havelsan 's internationally recognised expertise, including their defence-grade enterprise systems and AI-embedded smart solutions, DNeX aims to significantly advance digital transformation across Malaysia's public and private sectors, fostering innovation and strengthening the economic partnership between Türkiye and Malaysia.”

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Havelsan, Türkiye’s software and systems company under the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Malaysia’s technology group Dagang NeXchange Berhad (DNeX).

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Tue, 20 May 2025 11:50:37 +0000 eNethersole 69976 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero