Search

The article focuses on the Georgian-Russian conflict and the missteps taken by both sides during the military conflict over South Ossetia. Russian forces cut Georgia's main east-west highway in two places between Tbilisi and the port city of Poti. But they did not reach the economically critical oil pipeline that runs from Tbilisi to the Black Sea oil terminal at Supsa, nor did attempted bombing damage the conduit. Early reports indicate that pipelines running through Tbilisi from the Caspian Sea oil fields were targeted unsuccessfully by the Russians.

The article focuses on a report from the 2008 Farnborough air show in Great Britain, which identified key themes and issues that will be on the agendas of industry executives, government officials and senior military leaders. As the F-35 testing program ramps in the fall of 2008, Lockheed Martin and Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) partner nations are in the midst of a complicated situation to improve the pricing of the fighter before the Defense Department steps in with a stabilizing multiyear purchase beginning in 2014.

The article considers the market potential of AleniaAermacchi's M-346 advanced jet trainer. For the Italian company, seeing the M-346 through was a more natural decision than for others, because it is fundamentally a trainer house. The M-346 trainer will be used to fully test, develop and then freeze the production configuration, and to certify the full structure.

The article reports that Italian researchers are making breakthroughs in passive radar technology, opening the door to detecting previously hard-to-track targets such as stealthy aircraft. The Italian work is being driven by Finmeccanica, Elettronica and several academic institutions. North Atlantic Treaty Organization's Consultation, Command and Control Agency is also involved by supporting the multi-static passive radar activity. An active radar system sends out radio-frequency energy and waits for the returns to track a target. The passive system needs to know the location of the emitters and measures the general electromagnetic environment when it's not disturbed by a target flying in an area.

The article focuses on Pier Francesco Guarguaglini, chairman and CEO of Finmeccanica SpA. When he took the helm in 2002, this Italian company seemed destined to operate in the shadows of the global aerospace/defense industry's industrial juggernauts. Guarguaglini will be the first to admit his work is far from over, despite the already considerable accomplishments. These include making Great Britain another "domestic" market for the Italian company by becoming the second-largest defense contractor there, and by winning competitions that at times seemed unwinnable.

Reports the proposal of Italian defense staff to overhaul the armed services for better requirements and security demands. Creation of a balanced force structure to meet the emerging requirements; Transformation from conscript to an all-professional force structure; Avoidance of duplicating existing assets of North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

The article examines the space programs of Italy and Great Britain. Italian cabinet minister Mariastella Gelmini states that the country's space agency will be spared most of the spending cuts being imposed on other agencies by the government. David Willets, Great Britain's cabinet officer for space, says that his priority will be cooperation with other countries and with the aerospace industry.

The article reports on the contract awarded by the Turkish defense ministry to Telespazio to design, build and launch a submetric optical-imaging spacecraft. The satellite itself, to be launched by the end of 2011 and commissioned early the following year, will be built by Thales Alenia Space, which is also part of the Space Alliance. Telespazio will also supply the entire ground segment, including satellite control and data acquisition/processing facilities, along with a satellite integration and test center.

The article focuses on the showmanship efforts of Alenia Aeronautica as it tries to persuade buyers in the Middle East, Asia and the Americas to purchase its C-27J aircraft. The features of the aircraft include autothrottle and a moving map display. The author's experience of flying with Alenia chief test pilot Marco Venanzetti and test pilot Enrico Scarabotto aboard the aircraft is described.

The article discusses efforts by Alenia Aeronautica officials to create plans for derivatives for the C-27J aircraft. The centerpiece of the mission expansion is a stretched version of the aircraft that will allow it to carry more military troops or equipment, according to Alessandro Franzoni, chief technical officer and head of Alenia's C-27J business unit. The goal would be to broaden the company's customer base.

The article evaluates AleniaAermacchi's M-346 advanced jet trainer.

This article reports that Italy and Russia are expected to conclude by May the second phase of a joint research and development project that could lead to a new class of diesel submarine. The S1000 advanced attack submarine, a mid-sized boat displacing about 1,000 tons, would be affordable for a burgeoning export market, and a candidate for the navies of both countries. The project dates to a bilateral agreement between Italy and Russia that was signed in November 1996. The program did not go anywhere, however, until 2003, when it was restarted by Italy.

The article presents information on the problems regarding the partnership in the aeronautic industry between Great Britain and the United States. It reflects that while Pentagon claims problems are close to resolution Great Britain finds fault in the U.S. handling of industrial partnership. It observes that the Anglo-American feuding over the Joint Strike Fighter threatens to spill over into the wider transatlantic relationship. Great Britain is leading the assault on Washington over the contentious issue of technology access on the Joint Strike Fighter with other program partners, such as Australia, in support.

The article reports that a major reorganization of European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co.'s (EADS's) Sogerma MRO unit looks like the only hiccup in what otherwise is shaping up as a trouble-free, record-breaking year for the European aerospace and defense giant. Co-CEO Noel Forgeard says initial restructuring undertaken last year to turn around the maintenance, repair and overhaul division had proven insufficient, and a much more radical plan is now anticipated. The plan will involve closing Sogerma's VIP customizing business, adjusting European military MRO activities to meet demand, and redeploying civil MRO work to better performing overseas sites.

This article reports that aviation company Aermacchi SpA has its hands full with its two trainer programs, the M-346 and M-311, over and above preparing them for their first appearance at the Paris air show at Le Bourget. The Finmeccanica unit is in the midst of an intensive technical and commercial effort to fully develop the two aircraft. Along the way, it is signing up industrial partners in the hope the international ties will lead to informal commitments by various governments to buy the aircraft, which is already in flight testing. Aermacchi's strategy mirrors what the U.S. is trying to do with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program and the P-8 Multimission Maritime Aircraft.

The article informs that Airbus Inc. has again revised its plans for the A350, turning it from an A330-derivative to a new widebody in the face of rival Boeing Co.'s success with its 787. After first saying the existing A330/A340 family would suffice to compete with the 787, and last year amending that to projecting a mere derivative of the A330, the aircraft will now undergo a more dramatic transformation, a new development at a higher price. About "90% of the part numbers are going to be changed" over the current aircraft type, says Olivier Andries, A350 program manager. The "all new" A350 will be formally launched at the upcoming Le Bourget air show, says Airbus Chief Commercial Officer John Leahy.

The article presents information on aircraft industries. It reports that despite a relatively flat market in the past few years, there is optimism within the U.S. and European commercial rotary wing industries that the 2005 economic climate will favor increased utilization of vertical lift assets and stronger sales of new aircraft. It also informs that American Eurocopter Corp. has begun a program to reengine the U.S. Coast Guard's fleet of HH-65 helicopters and is delivering initial kits that will facilitate the change to Turbomeca engines from the Textron Lycoming turboshaft powerplants.

This article focuses on developments in Boeing airplanes. Boeing is moving toward reaching major Italian air force KC-767A tanker milestones early next year, but meeting key offset requirements is in jeopardy as long as the U.S. Air Force's counterpart tanker program remains stalled. Although Boeing is addressing some of the offset demands within the Italian program, fully complying with Rome's requirements would take additional sales of the KC-767, a senior Boeing official acknowledges. The aircraft will replace Italian air force Boeing 707TTs.

Often turbulent and rarely smooth, transatlantic defense-industrial relations are headed for rough weather, with problems building on several fronts. At the eve of the brewing storm is the thorny issue of technology access and sharing between Washington and its European partners. Concerns in this area already are emerging on the recently selected $6-billion-plus North Atlantic Treaty Organization Alliance Ground Surveillance program. At the same time, Great Britain's long-running efforts to negotiate a waiver that would ease industrial collaboration appears to have stalled, while technology access issues also are proving knotty on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program.

Defense spending in Asia is slowly rebounding, but it is being driven by new political and economic realities that could alter traditional spending habits. Emerging factors impacting military procurement trends range from a growing awareness of the need to better integrate equipment, to concerns about ballistic missiles, to China's increasing economic and military force, say industry representatives. Moreover, elections of one sort or another loom this year in Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines and other countries, which could slow modernization decisions.

Aircraft manufacturer Boeing Co. was said to have "bet the company" in 1966 when it launched the 747 on the promise of just 25 orders. Nobody is talking about betting the company, although Boeing's worldwide reputation will be on the line. The manufacturer's goal is to enmesh key suppliers in the aircraft's design, development and assembly so they shoulder much of its technical and financial burden. All the big blocks on Boeing's 7E7 manufacturing assembly chart are to be filled in by year-end. Boeing has used a worldwide supplier network for years. In part, that's because it will fill out Boeing's product line by adding a mid-range aircraft that complements the workhorse 100-200-seat 737 and the 250-370-seat long-range 777 family.

The June 16-22, 2003 Paris air show is expected to emphasize the aerospace-defense industry's economic concerns rather than new technical achievements. 176 aircraft had been registered for the show, down from 226 in 2001, according to Jean-Luc Joly, chief executive of Salons Internationaux de l' Aeronautique et de l' Espace, the company that manages the air show. The straitened economy plays a significantly bigger role than political tensions, Joly stressed. Aircraft appearing for the first time include the Airbus A340-500 and A318, Embraer's 170/175 regional jets, Grob's seven-seat G160 Ranger single turboprop business aircraft and Vulcanair's newly completed VF600W, an Italian utility aircraft. An Air France Concorde is scheduled to make its final in-flight presentation over Le Bourget on May 14, 2003 the show's official opening day. In the absence of major new programs, beyond the traditional objective of providing a business forum, the 45th Paris air show is expected to be dominated by discussions centering on post-Iraq war transatlantic divergences.

Reports the strategy of the European defense officials in research and development (R&D) spending. Aim of the officials to effectively use available funds; Facts about the European investment in military R&D; Allocations in the national level.

The article focuses on the helicopter industry firms Eurocopter and AgustaWestland. Development of upgraded versions of T-129 military attack helicopter by AgustaWestland for sales to the armed forces of Italy and Turkey is examined. Sales of the Tiger attack helicopter by Eurocopter to Germany, Australia, France and Spain are discussed.

The article discusses cuts to the defense budget in Italy, examining the possibility that the country will no longer participate in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program or will reduce the number of planes on order. The article attributes changes in defense spending to the government under Mario Monti, austerity measures, and reduced foreign policy ambitions. The reduction of the country's force level under Defense Minister Giampaolo Di Paola is discussed.

An interview is presented with Giuseppe Orsi, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Italian aerospace company Finmeccanica. Orsi discusses the reorganization and restructuring of the company's businesses and skill base, the acquisition of the company DRS Technologies, and the defense electronic business. Concerns about the Italian government's spending cuts, competition in the market, and the company's relationship with the aerospace company Boeing are examined.

The article discusses the possibility that the private equity fund Cinven, which owns the majority of the aerospace engine company Avio, may sell their stakes The company could be sold to another private equity firm, though it is possible that it will go public, especially if the Italian financial market improves. The Italian industrial conglomerate Finmeccanica might also unload stakes in the company.

The article focuses on the design, construction and marketing of military helicopters. Operations in the Afghan War have created increased demand for helicopters in armed forces of numerous countries, with Sweden used as an example. The introduction of a new military helicopter by the company AgustaWestland is discussed.

The article discusses flight trials of prototypes of the Airbus Military A400M aircraft under Europe's military airlifter program. The schedule for testing protoypes of the A400M aircraft referred to as the MSN3 and MSN4 is noted. Airbus Military Chief Executive Domingo Urena-Raso is cited regarding progress being made with the airlifter program through flight testing of the prototypes.

The article looks at a low-Earth-orbit satellite system designed by Iridium Communications Inc., focusing on various companies involved in development and funding. Satellite makers Thales Alenia, Boeing Commercial Satellite Systems, and Ball Aerospace are noted for their involvement in the project. The author comments on how on the satellite constellation, which will be named Iridium Next, is expected to cost over $2.9 billion to build and launch.

The article looks at the budget cuts for defense spending in Europe in light of the global financial crisis. The author comments on how defense cuts have mostly effected countries with severely damaged economies such as Lithuania and Estonia. The effects of debt on the development and sale of jet fighter planes in Europe are discussed.

This article reports that Alitalia airline has changed its breakeven date to a date late in 2011. Airline officials blame the poor global economy on the delay in the recovery. Rocco Sabelli, chief executive officer for Alitalia, also noted that the company will money because of the problems with air travel caused by the volcanic ash from Iceland's volcanic eruption in April 2010.

This article reports that Airbus Military is deciding whether to further develop its C-212, CN-235, and C-295 military transport planes. Because of strong competition for such light military transport planes, Airbus is working with its Indonesian partner to reduce its manufacturing costs so that it can remain competitive. Indonesian manufacturing has the benefit of low overhead costs.

This article looks at the impact of changes in U.S. space exploration plans on the international and commercial partners of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The 2011 budget of NASA has revived old debates in Europe and elsewhere as the station partnership starts to understand what the greater emphasis on low-Earth-orbit research and an opening of the path beyond might mean for them. Paragon Space Development Corp. is developing and testing a standard air revitalization system optimized for low-Earth orbit.

The article reports on the strong performance of major European space contractors in the aerospace industry as they focus increasingly on services. The major contracts include Astrium and the Thales/Finmeccanica Space Alliance, which won seven telecommunications satellite orders in 2009. An 11 percent increase in revenue was posted by Astrium to 4.8 billion euros in 2009.

The article reports that the British Defense Ministry and industry are pursuing a novel design of active, electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for the Eurofighter Typhoon. The work was undertaken as an element of the Advanced Radar Targeting System (ARTS) demonstrator project. Led by Qinetiq, with Selex providing the AESA, the radar was integrated on a Tornado GR4A, with trials carried out in Great Britain and using ranges in the U.S.

The article reports on the state of the market for military aircraft as of 2009. Saudi Arabia and Oman are reorganizing their combat aircraft inventories as France and Russia are trying to persuade nations to buy their aircraft. Qatar took delivery of C-17, which is considered one of the biggest deals for 2009. French President Nicolas Sarkozy is closely involved in top-level lobbying for Rafale aircraft.

The article announces the appointment of James Albaugh as chief executive officer (CEO) and president of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

The article reports on the challenge being faced by the Eurofighter consortium as it tries to convince its major stakeholder governments to invest on two major capability upgrades for the Typhoon fighter plane. The upgrade plans include the integration of the Meteor ramjet-powered missile and radar of MBDA with an active, electronically scanned array (AESA) on the aircraft. It is noted that the first Tranche 3A aircraft will be delivered to customers in 2013.

The article reports on the decision of AgustaWestland to continue its development and production activities to offset the temporary difficulties of the commercial market. According to AgustaWestland chief executive Giuseppe Orsi, the military business will remain robust and there is no reason to adjust performance targets for 2009. The company is continuing to develop the XX9 helicopter in spite of the current weak economic climate.

The article focuses on the cancellation of high-profile acquisition efforts of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). It states that the Pentagon has been issuing program terminations and stop-work orders based on the budget request for fiscal 2010. According to the article, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) will not incur shutdown expenditures until it has serviced its last foreign customer. It talks about the termination approach for the secure communications Transformational Satellite (TSAT).

This article discusses the potential of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency to field ascent-phase missile defenses. It attributes the potential to tweaks to the Standard Missile-3 and Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense interceptors, as well as air-launched weapons in the U.S. arsenal. However, it warns that the project is facing some challenges due to the U.S. economic slowdown and political change. The position of Defense Secretary Robert Gates on the project is also noted.

The article deals with the design changes introduced by AgustaWestland for its 8-metric-ton-class AW149 troop transport helicopter The aggressive pace of activity has been prompted by the need for the company to secure a possible $2-billion launch order for the rotorcraft in Turkey. According to AgustaWestland Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Giuseppe Orsi, the compony is offering the AW149 configuration for the Turkish Utility Helicopter Program (TUHP) as a codevelopment with Turkish industry.

The article discusses the highlights of the 2009 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit, which dealt with missile defense activities. According to German defense minister Franz Josef Young, arms control and disarmament constitute a concern that the alliance's strategic concept needs to address. The summit had been regarded as a key venue in which to urge members to embrace the concept of continental defense. France is also stepping up its interest in missile defense.

The article reports that the ability of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) to win an air-to-air engagement is getting increased attention as the U.S. military and industry's focus includes the expansion of the Joint Strike Fighter's customer base beyond the core purchasing nations. Lockheed Martin contends that the combination of stealth, multisensor situational awareness, advanced pilot-machine interface and basic aeromechanical performance of the F-35 make it also a credible fighter aircraft.

The article reports that Italy, France and Germany are starting work on the radar and optical components of Europe's next-generation satellite surveillance system, which is expected to enter service toward the middle of the next decade. The system, called the Multinational Space-based Imaging System (Musis), will replace a heterogenous mixture of national systems on which European forces currently depend, according to the authors.

The article reports on the future of Alitalia after partnering with Aifr France-KLM. Two major issues are still unresolved by the carrier, whether its route system will be built around hubs in Rome and Milan, and determining if it can survive without being fully merged into the Air France-KLM group. Air France-KLM projects a 15% return on equity starting in the third year

The article reports on the production plans of Sukhoi and Alenia Aeronautica for the Superjet 100 regional jet. Managers of the Sukhoi-led program are now targeting a 70-aircraft annual rate for 2013 instead of 2011. Sukhoi Commercial Aircraft Co. and Superjet International will draw on support from Italian and French credit agencies. The companies are joining forces to offer up to 85% of delivery-price financing.

The article reports that Italian defense expenditure could fall by as much as 4% in 2009 as the result of a Finance Department program to rein in government spending over a three-year period. It is said that the cuts will affect defense programs across the board. Support has been withdrawn for the combat search-and-rescue helicopter program, as well as a tri-service signals intelligence aircraft, the Joint Airborne Multi-sensor Multi-mission System (Jamms).

The article reports that Italy plans to procure a small batch of Predator B medium-altitude endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), but is struggling to define how to meet its longer-term unmanned reconnaissance needs. The deal for General Atomics Predator Bs, which would include four vehicles and up to three ground stations as well as logistics support, comes on top of a purchase of Predator As several years ago.