Hawk helicopters pave the way for troops' rescue
Jon Lake reports on a vital helicopter rescue mission near the Somali border with Kenya.
Defence
in Defence New C-27 Spartan baseline configuration performs first flight
Posted 4 December 2018
The new C-27J Spartan baseline configuration— characterised by a brand new avionics system, new cockpit control panels and LED aircraft lights—completed its first flight yesterday at Leonardo’s Aircraft Division Turin
in Defence / Features Africa's arms race
Posted 30 November 2018
Many believe that Africa will be the big growth market for the global defence industry, thanks to burgeoning security requirements and vast oil and natural gas reserves. Jon Lake takes a look at the situation.
in Defence / Features Secret Spartans for Kenya
Posted 28 November 2018
Kenyan Treasury Secretary, Henry Rotich, has revealed the previously undisclosed acquisition of two or three Alenia C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft and an undisclosed number of Agusta Westland AW139 helicopters (thought to be four). Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features US angered by laser targeting of pilots
Posted 26 November 2018
US military pilots in Djibouti have reported being targeted by high-powered lasers – apparently from a nearby Chinese base. Alan Dron reports.
in Defence / Features No deal on lifting CAR arms embargo
Posted 22 November 2018
An arms embargo placed on the Central African Republic is to remain in place, blocking a proposed Chinese weapons package being delivered to the country’s forces.
in Defence / Features Botswana replaces crashed C212 with second-hand Airbus
Posted 16 November 2018
The Botswana Defence Force Air Wing has acquired a second-hand Airbus CAS C-212 light turboprop transport aircraft to replace one similar that crashed in 2017.
in Defence / Features Military gains for Indonesia in Africa
Posted 12 November 2018
Indonesia is making inroads into the African military transport market. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features Threats and peace-keeping needs top of the shopping list
Posted 8 November 2018
Jon Lake looks at the reasons why Morocco is seeking new fighters and attack helicopters.
in Defence / Features Why the Mirage F1 is of Paramount importance
Posted 2 November 2018
Paramount Group, the South African-based global aerospace and defence company, has become the prime contractor for the maintenance, repair and modernisation of recently retired Mirage F1 supersonic multi-role fighter aircraft. David
in Defence / Events Marrakech Air Show: RAF Voyager makes show debut
Posted 30 October 2018
Aircrew from the Royal Air Force’s largest aircraft provided senior military leaders from across Africa with insights into Voyager’s capabilities and versatility at last week’s Marrakech Air Show.
in Defence Tunisia and Saudi together for joint air defence exercises
Posted 4 October 2018
The Saudi Royal Air Force and the Tunisian Air Force are training together for the first time in a joint exercise in the North African country.,
in Defence Two Antonov aircraft collide on the ground at Khartoum Airport
Posted 3 October 2018
Two military aircraft, an Antonov An-30 and an An-32, have collided on the runway at Khartoum International Airport, Sudan.
in Defence / Features Huey II simulators hunt for Kenya and Uganda
Posted 26 September 2018
The US Army is carrying out market research to find a contractor that can deliver a level 5 flight-training device (FTD) to Kenya, with a potential option for an additional Huey II FTD for the Republic of Uganda, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features Angola orders C295s for maritime surveillance
Posted 21 September 2018
Angola has ordered three C295 transport aircraft from Airbus Defence and Space, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence Paramount to work with Leonardo on weaponised M-345
Posted 20 September 2018
Leonardo and the Paramount Group are to evaluate the joint development of a weaponized configuration of M-345 jet trainer for the African market and will continue discussions over the future of the SF-260 programme and its logistic
in Defence First Airbus C295 delivered to African operator for humanitarian operations
Posted 20 September 2018
Nairobi, Kenya-based DAC Aviation International has received its first Airbus C295 for humanitarian missions in North-East and Central Africa.
in Defence / Events South Africa’s President opens door on partnerships for defence as economic driver
Posted 19 September 2018
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed the importance of the defence industry as he formally opened the 10th Africa Aerospace and Defence show at Waterkloof, Pretoria today.
in Defence / Features Partnerships progress in Senegal and New Jersey
Posted 17 September 2018
Two rounds of the African partnership flight (APF) programme were conducted in March and April 2018. Jon Lake reports on progress.
in Defence / Features Senegal steps in for light-attack L-39NG
Posted 11 September 2018
Aero Vodochody’s L-39NG jet trainer programme received a considerable boost in early April when the Senegal President, Macky Sall, announced a deal for four of the new generation classics. Alan Warnes reports.
in Defence / Features Diamond sparkles
Posted 4 September 2018
Diamond Aircraft set out to woo new buyers by undertaking a west African tour with two of its aircraft. David Oliver followed the mission’s progress.
in Defence / Features Rafale delays hold back the Wild Wolves progress
Posted 28 August 2018
Jon Lake reveals that it’s good news and bad news for Egypt’s Rafales.
in Defence / Features Farmageddon
Posted 20 August 2018
Mali is rapidly becoming a major terrorist focus point. Alan Warnes looks at what’s being done to combat the problem.
in Defence / Features The Paramount picture
Posted 10 August 2018
Sam Basch takes brief look at South Africa’s Paramount Group, which is headed by Ivor Ichikowitz, a man who seems to have the ability to see opportunities others often overlook and who continuously grows his innovative defence group across the air, land and sea domains.
in Defence / Features Hueys give Uganda's force uplift
Posted 28 June 2018
The Ugandan People’s Defence Force (UPDF) has received a useful boost to its vertical lift capabilities with the arrival of five refurbished Bell Huey II helicopters from US surplus stocks.
in Defence / Features ZAF remembers the Spartans
Posted 22 June 2018
The Zambian Air Force (ZAF) will substantially improve its transport capabilities with the arrival of two Leonardo C-27J Spartan tactical airlift aircraft.
in Air Transport / Defence / People Air Force chief takes over as Civil Aviation Minister in Egypt
Posted 18 June 2018
Following a restructuring of the Egyptian government’s cabinet, Air Marshal Younes Al Masry has been appointed as the country’s Civil Aviation Minister.
in Defence / Features Cheetah purrfect for US private air force
Posted 14 June 2018
The most advanced fighter aircraft ever constructed in Africa is about to find a new lease of life on the other side of the world. Alan Dron reports.
in Defence / Features The mystery of Algeria’s ISR Gulfstreams
Posted 6 June 2018
Delays to the work on three special mission Gulfstreams 550s are causing the Algerian Air Force some real concerns. Alan Warnes reports.
in Defence / Features Ever ready for the fight against Boko Haram
Posted 31 May 2018
The Cameroonian Air Force (CAF) transport fleet is one of the most capable and serviceable in the region and provides a capability that has few equivalents throughout central Africa. Erwan de Cherisey looks at its history and current state of
in Air Transport / Defence / Route Planning & Tourism Sinai warnings extended due to flight safety concerns
Posted 28 May 2018
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) extended a security warning for the Egypt Sinai Peninsula to 25 November 2018 due to continuing concern for flight safety.
in Defence / Features Kenya turns to crop dusters to turbo charge its forces
Posted 23 May 2018
Kenya’s requirement for new light attack/armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft has been dogged by controversy. Jon Lake attempts to unravel a complicated situation.
in Defence / Features The rise and rise of Tanzania's Air Force
Posted 14 May 2018
Alan Warnes spotlights the origins of the Tanzanian Air Force Command and highlights an interesting mix of aircraft being flown.
in Defence Aviall to lead AHRLAC supply chain and join industry team Bronco Combat Systems
Posted 1 May 2018
Boeing, through its subsidiary Aviall has announced Aviall’s leadership role in supply chain management for the production of the Advanced High- Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft
in Defence Algerian transporter crashes - more than 200 dead
Posted 11 April 2018
An Algerian Air Force Ilyushin-76TD military transport plane has crashed with more than 200 passengers and crew believed dead.
in Defence Draken engages Paramount to regenerate 22 Mirage F1Ms
Posted 11 April 2018
The world’s largest operator of ex-military aircraft, Draken International, has signed an agreement with Paramount Aerospace Systems for the overhaul and ongoing engineering support of their recently acquired fleet of Mirage
in Defence / Technology / People Denel gets new Board to stabilise "tarnished" defence and technology giant
Posted 10 April 2018
South Africa's Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, has appointed an entirely new Board of Directors for the coountry's state-owned technology group Denel reports Sam Basch. The board is an
in Defence / Features South Korea's Eagle swoops on Botswana
Posted 10 April 2018
South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has mounted a renewed effort to sell its FA-50 Golden Eagle lightweight fighter to the Botswana Defence Force (BDF).
in Defence Senegal purchase four L-39NG aircraft from Aero Vodochody
Posted 5 April 2018
After 20 years, Aero Vodochody is selling new aircraft on the international market
in Defence / Features The power of two...
Posted 4 April 2018
Following its participation in Exercise Blue Shield in Sudan and Exercise Red Flag in the USA, the Royal Saudi Air Force undertook a further major training exercise, Faisal-11, in Egypt. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features Transport of the light for Mali Air Force
Posted 26 March 2018
The Force Aerienne de la Republique du Mali (FARM - Republic of Mali Air Force) has taken delivery of a pair of Harbin Y-12E Harbinger light transport aircraft, which staged through Malta on delivery in September 2017.
in Defence / Features More helicopters for Burkina Faso
Posted 20 March 2018
Burkina Faso signed two agreements covering the delivery of two Mil Mi-171Sh transport helicopters and associated weapons during Russia’s Army 2017 exhibition, according to Sergei Kornev, the deputy director general of the Russian state arms export
in Defence / Features Angola inducts Sukhoi Su-30 twins as part of $1 billion order
Posted 13 March 2018
The Força Aérea Nacional de Angola (FANA – National Air Force of Angola) took delivery of its first two Sukhoi Su-30K fighters in September 2017 and is due to receive 10 more by early 2018.
in Defence / Features Somalia battles for an air force to fight against terror
Posted 7 March 2018
The Somalia National Air Force was decimated by the Ogaden War with Ethiopia in the late-1970s and the civil war in the 1990s. It now has no aircraft and has been reduced to guarding the airport. However, the Somali Government has
in Defence / Features The 39's steps...
Posted 27 February 2018
The Aero L-39 Albatros high-performance jet trainer was created in Czechoslovakia by Aero Vodochody in the 1960s. Alan Warnes looks at how the aircraft is still being used throughout Africa.
in Defence AHRLAC based Bronco II launched
Posted 22 February 2018
The newly created company Bronco Combat Systems (BCS) USA, announced today the launch of the Bronco II aircraft, which is based on Paramount Group's AHRLAC aircraft (Advanced High-Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft).
in Defence Lockheed Martin delivers 400th C-130J Super Hercules Aircraft
Posted 14 February 2018
Lockheed Martin reached a major milestone with the delivery of its 400th C-130J Super Hercules aircraft on Feb. 9. This Super Hercules is an MC-130J Commando II Special Operations aircraft that is assigned to the U.S. Air
in Defence South Africa’s multi role aircraft ramps up for production
Posted 7 February 2018
Paramount Group and its partners in AHRLAC Holdings have announced that its new factory is fully operational and ramping up for full production of the Advanced High Performance and Reconnaissance Light Aircraft (AHRLAC) and
in Defence / General Aviation Chinese take over Diamond for a GA jewel in the crown
Posted 27 December 2017
Chinese automotive and aviation company Wanfeng has bought the majority of shares in Austria’s Diamond Aircraft, the fourth largest general aviation manufacturer in the world.
in Defence GKN Aerospace signs support contract for South African Gripen RM12 engine
Posted 18 December 2017
GKN Aerospace has signed a three year contract extension worth over US$8 million (Initial order value ZAR 89M), covering the technical product support, maintenance and parts supply for the Gripen RM12
in Defence / Features Legacy of Ghav's pioneers of peace
Posted 22 November 2017
For more than a decade, the Ghana Aviation Unit (GHAV) was deployed in Côte d'Ivoire as part of a UN peacekeeping force. Erwan de Cherisey looks at what was achieved and the legacy left by the unit as it finally went home earlier this year.
in Defence / Features Sudan's Chinese jet milestone
Posted 9 November 2017
On June 5, China's state-owned Guizhou Aircraft Industries Corporation (GAIC) rolled out the first production FTC-2000 Mountain Eagle (Shanying) from its plant in Anshun. As Jon Lake reports, it was a particularly significant moment for Sudan.
in Defence / Features Nigeria sale lights the way for Super Tucano
Posted 31 October 2017
A US Air Force competition to find a new light attack aircraft could open new doors in Africa for Embraer's Super Tucano. Alan Dron reports.
in Defence South Korea intensifies KAI T-50 export bid to Botswana
Posted 5 October 2017
The government of South Korea says the 2017 edition of the Seoul Air Show will be used to showcase the export version of the Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic trainer jet with the objective of
in Defence Russian Helicopters to unveil helicopter Ka-62 at Eastern Economic Forum
Posted 6 September 2017
Russian Helicopters Holding is to present the Russain and international audience with a brand new utility helicopter Ka-62.
in Defence Pilot instructor killed in Nigerian Air Force trainer aircraft crash
Posted 30 August 2017
A senior Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilot instructor has died after the Air Beetle trainer aircraft he was flying crashed near the city of Kaduna. By Oscar Nkala.
in Defence US approves approves US$593 million Super Tucano A-29 sale to Nigeria
Posted 9 August 2017
The US State Department has approved the sale of twelve (12) Embraer A-29 Super Tucano aircraft and weapons, associated training, spare parts, aviation and ground support equipment, hangar facilities
in Defence / Features Senegal sees strength in modernisation plan
Posted 7 August 2017
Over the past decade, the Senegalese military has been immersed in an unprecedented modernisation effort, which has allowed for a complete overhaul of the Army equipment and Navy fleet. Although the Senegalese Air Force (SAF) has also
in Defence / Features Trump shift the emphasis in east Africa
Posted 1 August 2017
The US is entering a new chapter of its military interventions in east Africa. Jon Lake reports
in Defence Boeing to modernise next-generation Chinook
Posted 31 July 2017
Boeing will build and test three U.S. Army CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters as part of a modernisation effort that will likely bring another two decades of work to the company's Philadelphia site.
in Defence / Features Customers eyeing up the all-seeing Mwari
Posted 25 July 2017
With Paramount Group starting production of its AHRLAC advanced high-performance light reconnaissance aircraft, attention is now switching to the weaponised version, Mwari. Sam Basch reports.
in Defence Nigerian Air Force AW-109 crashes
Posted 12 July 2017
A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) utility helicopter was damaged when it developed a technical fault and crashed into a body of water in the north-east of the country on Thursday last week. By Oscar Nkala
in Defence / General Aviation Airborne drones set to provide security patrols in South Africa
Posted 10 July 2017
Autonomous drones are set to take over border patrols, crime hotspot monitoring and more, according to South Africa's Airborne Drones.
in Defence Nigerian Air Force to receive 10 Mi-35M attack helicopters in 2018
Posted 4 July 2017
The Russian Federal Service for Technical-Military Cooperation (FSTMC) says it will complete the delivery of 12 Mi-35M attack helicopters to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in 2018, correcting earlier reports
in Defence Airbus VSR700 helicopter demonstrator performs first autonomous flights
Posted 20 June 2017
Airbus Helicopters recently started autonomous flight trials of a VSR700 Optionally Piloted Vehicle (OPV) demonstrator, paving the way for a first flight of the actual VSR700 prototype in 2018.
in Defence / Features Tiger bares its teeth
Posted 7 June 2017
For decades, Botswana has avoided social division and corruption, and has been widely praised as an “African tiger”, with a successful economy, an 85% literacy rate, and a Government rated 35th out of 176 countries in Transparency International's latest clean
in Defence / Features Angolan Air Force revitalises helicopter force
Posted 6 June 2017
The Angolan Air Force is rebuilding its shattered helicopter fleet through a series of acquisitions of new and refurbished helicopters from Italy and Russia.
in Defence / Features KAF focuses on new strategic needs
Posted 30 May 2017
The Kenya Air Force is aiming to rethink its strategy to meet current threats. Githae Mwaniki reports.
in Defence Pilots killed in Libyan military plane crash
Posted 30 May 2017
Two pilots were killed last Tuesday when a Libyan National Army (LNA) air force SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 crashed while conducting a surveillance patrol of the Libya-Sudan border on Tuesday last week. Oscar Nkala reports.
in Defence ZAF looks east for modernisation programme
Posted 25 May 2017
The Zambian Air Force (ZAF) is negotiating with the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) for the possible acquisition of more advanced fighter and trainer jets, helicopters and heavy-lift transport aircraft, as it forges ahead with a
in Defence / Features Helicopter woes for MINUSMA
Posted 24 May 2017
A little-known UN mission in Mali celebrates its fourth anniversary this month. Since the deployment began, the multidimensional integrated stabilisation mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has been working to help stabilise the situation after a Tuareg rebellion in
in Defence / Features Alphas play key role for NAF
Posted 18 May 2017
Jon Lake looks at the resurgence of the Alpha Jet for Nigeria's Air Force
in Defence SuperJet International appoints new chief executive officer
Posted 17 May 2017
SuperJet International's Board of Directors has appointed Stefano Marazzani new chief executive officer of SuperJet International.
in Defence / Features Fighting terror from the sky
Posted 12 May 2017
Erwan de Cherisey takes a close look at Cameroon's rapid intervention aviation force.
in Defence Boeing demonstrates airborne networking system
Posted 10 May 2017
Boeing and the U.S. Air Force recently demonstrated that multiple aircraft and ground stations can efficiently and securely communicate using the Boeing-developed Talon HATE airborne networking system.
in Defence ExecuJet announces strong Q1 growth for business aviation in Africa
Posted 5 May 2017
ExecuJet is celebrating the start of a successful year in Africa, with significant increases in activity during Q1 at its South African and Nigerian FBOs.
in Defence / Features The Wolf packs a punch in the bush
Posted 2 May 2017
Wolfgang Vormbaum realized a boyhood dream when his C-Wolf aerial utility vehicle (AUV) was displayed at the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition (AAD) in Pretoria. Sam Basch reports.
in Defence / Features Eye spy in Africa
Posted 25 April 2017
Increasing terrorist threats have led to a massive increase in special mission aircraft in Africa. Alan Warnes looks at the latest situation.
in Defence Six die in Libyan fighter crash
Posted 31 March 2017
By Oscar Nkala| Six people were killed when a Libyan Air Force (LAF) MiG-21 fighter jet crashed into a house in the Watar district to the south of the city of Tobruk on Wednesday.
in Defence Russian Helicopters deliver Mi-17V-5 multirole helicopter to Kenya
Posted 30 March 2017
Russian Helicopters, part of State Corporation Rostec, delivered its Mi-17V-5 multirole helicopter to the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government of the Republic of Kenya. The rotorcraft was
in Defence Italian Air Force C-130 J airlifts wounded Libyan soldiers to Rome
Posted 29 March 2017
The Italian Air Force (IAF) has confirmed that it flew a Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules mobile hospital aircraft to Benina, Libya to evacuate 22 injured members of the Libyan National Army (LNA) to Rome where
in Defence Alligators will be with Egypt Navy this year says Russian Helicopters
Posted 27 March 2017
By Oscar Nkala: A top official of Russian Helicopters has confirmed that the delivery of the 46 Kamov Ka-52 'Alligator' helicopters ordered by the Egyptian Navy in 2015 will start in the second half of this year.
in Defence / Features Ghana's small unit making a huge impact
Posted 10 March 2017
Erwan de Cherisey takes a detailed look at the Ghana Air Force operation in Mali.
in Defence Vector Aerospace extends its support of the U.S. armed forces
Posted 9 March 2017
Vector Aerospace, that has facilities in South African and Kenya, has extended its tradition of serving the United States armed forces by providing support for the Airbus UH-72A Lakota.
in Defence / Features Nigeria opts for Super Mushshaks
Posted 7 March 2017
With the introduction of a new glass cockpit, the Super Mushshak has been unleashed with a new lease of life. As a result, the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra, which builds the primary trainer, has won contracts with the air forces of Qatar and now
in Defence Sudan orders six Chinese-made FTC-2000 trainer jets
Posted 28 February 2017
The Guizhou Aircraft Industries Corporation of China (GAIC) says it will soon deliver six FTC-2000 two-seater,advanced fighter-trainer aircraft to the Sudanese Air Force (SAF)interms of a deal signed early in 2015, reports Oscar
in Defence / Features Why the Caravan club keeps growing in Africa
Posted 24 February 2017
African customers of Cessna's Caravan account for around 10% of total production of the utility aircraft and military users are increasingly purchasing the type. But, asks Alan Dron, will the armed Combat Caravan find its way to the continent?
in Defence New Rockwell Collins leadership to expand Middle East and North Africa presence
Posted 20 February 2017
Aviation and high-integrity solutions pioneer Rockwell Collins has revamped its Middle East leadership to head an expansion programme.
in Defence / Features Saab eyeing up the African MPA market
Posted 15 February 2017
Jon Lake looks at Saab's offerings to African maritime aircraft market and concludes that it is still the cheaper, 'lower end' solutions that are expected to be most in demand.
in Defence Kenya approves use of flying drones
Posted 15 February 2017
Kenya will soon be flying drones after it approved the policy procedures and regulations for remotely piloted aircraft systems.
in Defence Lockheed Martin rolls out first LM-100J Super Hercules Commercial Freighter
Posted 13 February 2017
Lockheed Martin has officially introduced the world to the latest member of the C-130J Super Hercules family: the LM-100J commercial freighter.
in Defence / Features Maritime surveillance is all at sea…
Posted 7 February 2017
Alan Warnes takes a look at the maritime surveillance situation in Africa and finds it to be somewhat patchy.
in Defence Sudan Airways in Saudi refleeting deal
Posted 26 January 2017
Sudanese President Omar al Bashir signed several cooperation agreements with King Salman of Saudi Arabia during a brief visit to Riyadh last week, reports ch-aviation.
in Defence C130J Hercules has a successful flight at St Helena Airport
Posted 21 December 2016
A Lockheed Martin C130J Hercules aircraft, operated by the Royal Air Force and commissioned by DFID, successfully conducted a technical flight at St Helena Airport on Sunday.
in Defence / Features Senegal upgrades gunships
Posted 19 December 2016
Senegal has upgraded its pair of Russian-supplied Mil Mi-24P 'Hind-F' helicopter gunships with a new Israeli high-definition electro-optical (EO) system.
in Defence UK visit strengthens Defence relationship with Kenya
Posted 14 December 2016
During the Kenyan leg of her visit, Armed Forces Minister Penny Mordaunt met with the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Defence, Raychelle Omamo, to discuss the UK and Kenya's long-standing Defence relationship, and the pair spoke
in Defence Ivory Jet Services to add a maiden Falcon 900
Posted 13 December 2016
Djibouti's Ivory Jet Services will add a maiden Dassault Aviation Falcon 900 to its fleet next year, reports ch-aviation.
in Defence / Features Why Lockheed Martin will keep on truckin…
Posted 13 December 2016
Lockheed Martin is aggressively marketing its PZL subsidiary's M28 Skytruck to African customers looking to replace existing An-28s, Airbus C212s, and even Mi-17 helicopters. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features In safe hands with the Portuguese men of yore…
Posted 7 December 2016
An African C-130 Hercules could be completely rebuilt in Portugal. David Oliver looks at the company behind the project.
in Defence / Features A sea change in Egypt's naval air power
Posted 2 December 2016
Egypt's naval air power is about to undergo a step-change with the purchase of 46 Kamov attack helicopters, to be carried on new, French-built Mistral-class amphibious assault ships. Alan Dron asks why such equipment is needed?
