Morocco confirms order for 24 Apache helicopters
Morocco has confirmed an order for 24 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters making the North African country the 17th nation to operate the type. The deal is valued at $4.25 billion.
Defence
in Defence / Features Massive boost for Moroccan armed forces
Posted 12 June 2020
The Moroccan Government is expected to procure transport aircraft, helicopters, multirole fighters, submarines, missile defence systems, frigates, and armoured vehicles, as the country’s 2020 finance bill increases the kingdom’s national
in Defence / Features Tunisian National Guard forms air unit
Posted 5 June 2020
The Tunisian National Guard has formed an air unit equipped with three Bell 429 GlobalRanger helicopters, and this has now been declared operational, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Training Senegal Air Force takes its first new KAI trainer
Posted 3 June 2020
The Senegal Air Force has taken delivery of its first two KAI KT-1 turboprop trainers, giving the Korean manufacturer its first African customer.
in Defence / Features Victims of the battle for Tripoli
Posted 2 June 2020
The no-fly zone over Libya has already claimed victims, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features Tactical Texans fit Tunisia to a T
Posted 21 May 2020
The announcement by US State Department that it has approved a possible $234 million foreign military sale (FMS) of 12 Textron Aviation Beechcraft T-6C Texan II trainers to Tunisia will undoubtedly lead to an improved relationship between the two
in Air Transport / Defence / Business & Finance Rolls-Royce announces up to 9000 job losses
Posted 20 May 2020
Rolls-Royce announced this morning that it will lose up to 9,000 jobs as it addresses the change in demand following the collapse of the aviation industry due to Covid-19
in Defence Lockheed Martin accelerate more payments to supply chain
Posted 20 May 2020
Lockheed Martin will again accelerate payments of US$300m to small critical suppliers. Nicolas Jouan, Aerospace and Defence Analyst at GlobalData offers his view on Lockheed’s decision.
in Defence Leonardo’s new jet trainer certified and ready for the global market
Posted 13 May 2020
The latest military trainer designed with African air forces as a target has been certificated by Italy's (Directorate for Air Armaments and Airworthiness), the Italian Ministry of Defence’s Certification
in Defence / Features Nigeria's fleet path to fight terror
Posted 12 May 2020
Nigerian Air Force commander, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, talks to Alan Warnes about modernising the force’s capabilities while, simultaneously, fighting Boko Haram terrorists.
in Defence / Features Togo modernises in slow motion
Posted 5 May 2020
The rapid degradation of the security panorama in neighbouring Burkina Faso has served as a catalyst for a limited aircraft procurement effort by Togo. But, as Erwan de Cherisey reports, air force modernisation can be a slow, and often uphill, journey.
in Defence Chad missile accident causes five deaths
Posted 20 April 2020
A missile accidently fired from a Chadian military jet as it was preparing for takeoff hit a house near the base, killing at least five civilians.
in Defence Airbus achieves world’s first fully automatic refuelling contacts
Posted 20 April 2020
Airbus has achieved the first ever fully automatic air-to-air refuelling (A3R) operation with a boom system.
in Defence First Nigerian Air Force A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft completes inaugural flight
Posted 18 April 2020
Embraer Defence & Security and Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has announced the first of 12 A-29 Super Tucano light attack, combat and reconnaissance aircraft for the Nigerian Air
in Defence / Space Horizon Technologies secures new FlyingFish orders
Posted 1 April 2020
Horizon Technologies has secured a £500+K order for an undisclosed quantity of FlyingFish SIGINT systems from a Sub-Saharan African country.
in Defence / Features Adaptable A-Darter homes in on its first production orders
Posted 13 March 2020
A type certificate has been granted for the South African/Brazilian Denel V3E A-Darter infrared homing short-range air-to-air missile (SRAAM), marking the conclusion of the missile’s development, qualification and
in Defence / Features Grob lands African ‘first’ with delivery to Ethiopia
Posted 11 March 2020
Late last year, H3 Grob Aircraft completed the delivery of a first batch of Grob G 120TPs to the Ethiopian Air Force. As African Aerospace was going to press, a second batch was expected to be delivered to fulfil the EAF’s requirement for
in Defence / General Aviation Denel at advanced stage of exiting aerostructures business
Posted 9 March 2020
As part of its efforts to restructure its business, exit from non-core entities and find new markets for its defence and high-tech products and services, Denel is currently at an advanced stage to exit and wind up its
in Defence / Features Icarus-X Caravan set to take off in east Africa
Posted 9 March 2020
Belgium’s H3 Defence Solutions was showing off its Cessna 208 Caravan demonstrator – dubbed Icarus-X – at the Dubai Airshow in mid-November. Alan Warnes explains why the aircraft is very much a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
in Defence / Features Spartans boost Zambia and Kenya
Posted 3 March 2020
The Leonardo C-27J Spartan is about to enter full operational service with two new African air force operators. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features $1.8bn Russian fighter deal for Algeria
Posted 24 February 2020
A $1.8 billion order for 30 Russian aircraft will take Algeria’s fighter fleet numbers up to 74 – sufficient for six squadrons. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence USAF C-130 supports Flintlock 2020
Posted 20 February 2020
A United States Air Force (USAF) C-130J Super Hercules aircraft and Airmen assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron, 86th Airlift Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, deployed to Senegal and Mauritania to support and participate in Flintlock 2020, the annual
in Defence / General Aviation Beechcraft King Air 350ERs begin maritime patrol duties
Posted 19 February 2020
Leonardo has revealed that two Beechcraft King Air 350ERs, equipped as Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), have gone into service with an African Navy following their delivery by the Company, which acted as prime contractor and
in Defence Denel on the front foot after Fitch rating
Posted 12 February 2020
Denel’s efforts to restructure its business and implement a comprehensive turnaround plan, have been given a boost following the recent decision by Fitch Ratings in London to affirm its long-term rating and to assign it “stable outlook” status.
in Defence Airbus C295 successfully performs wet contacts as a tanker
Posted 29 January 2020
The Airbus C295 tactical airlifter has successfully achieved its first wet contacts during an air-to-air (AAR) tanker flight test campaign.
in Defence Developing 3D printing capability for the defence and aerospace sector
Posted 17 January 2020
BAE Systems and Renishaw have signed an agreement to work together on the development of additive manufacturing capability for the defence and aerospace sector, designed to help improve performance, reduce
in Defence Paramount Group supports Draken’s Mirage F1 upgrades
Posted 16 January 2020
Paramount Aerospace Systems (a Paramount Group subsidiary) has provided upgrade and engineering support for Draken International’s regenerated Mirage F1s.
in Defence Burkina Faso reinforces its military transport capabilities
Posted 16 December 2019
The Ministry of Defence of Burkina Faso has placed a firm order for one Airbus C295 military airlifter.
in Defence Leading companies in Internet of military things, revealed by GlobalData
Posted 27 November 2019
The global internet of military things (IoMT) market is forecast to grow to $317.8bn by 2023, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
in Defence Kenya Air Force selects AbuDhabi's GAL
Posted 21 November 2019
Kenya's Ministry of Defence has selected Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL) – part of the new Abu Dhabi-based Edge Group to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services to the Kenya Air Force.
in Defence / Features Combat pilot Mfeka is a SAAF history-maker
Posted 21 November 2019
The South African Air Force (SAAF) now has its first black female combat pilot, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features Aircraft boost for Madagascar
Posted 13 November 2019
The Madagascar Air Force received a boost in June with the arrival of a batch of new aircraft to bolster its small inventory. Erwan de Cherisey report.
in Defence / Features NAF breaths new life into Albatros
Posted 5 November 2019
Nigeria’s continuing counter-insurgency campaign against Boko Haram is the driving force behind a further small increase in the capabilities of its air force. Alan Dron reports.
in Defence Congolese Air Force cargo plane crashes
Posted 14 October 2019
An Antonov An-72 transport plane operating for the Air Force of the Democratic Republic of the Congo crashed near Punia last week.
in Defence French make first airdrops with A400M in African mission
Posted 1 October 2019
The French Armed Forces General Staff has announced that two test airdrops have been successfully carried out by one of the French forces’ 15 A400M under the supervision of the Centre d’expertise aérienne militaire
in Defence Paramount Group’s Mbombe 4x4 meets NATO STANAG 4569
Posted 18 September 2019
Paramount Group has announced that the Mbombe 4x4, the newest addition to its advanced Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) family of vehicles, has received final certification for the independently verified blast tests which exceeded
in Defence / Features Galaxy still out of this world
Posted 28 August 2019
The US Air Force’s Lockheed C-5 Galaxy remains a stalwart of airlift operations to and from Africa, supporting deployments and delivering humanitarian assistance.
in Defence / Features AS365N Dauphins for Djibouti
Posted 19 August 2019
As part of an ongoing expansion programme, Djibouti’s small air arm, the Force Aérienne du Djibouti (FAdD, Djibouti Air Force), has taken delivery of four newly refurbished AS365N Dauphins.
in Defence / Features Twin giants square up for Herculean task
Posted 8 August 2019
With most African countries ignoring the more expensive C-130J Hercules, both the Leonardo C-27J and Airbus C295 are now battling it out for tactical airlift supremacy in Africa. Alan Warnes looks at the state of play and the status of the North
in Defence / Features Man with a mission to modernise
Posted 26 July 2019
When Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar was appointed as the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) chief of air staff in July 2015, only 50% of his aircraft were serviceable. In one of his first speeches, he said he wanted “effective and efficient capacity building” and training
in Defence Paramount forges top level ties with Saudi
Posted 5 July 2019
Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and South Africa’s Paramount Group, have signed a high-level defence collaboration agreement, in step with Saudi Arabia’s vision for the creation of an integrated defence industrial ecosystem.
in Defence Nigerian Air Force starts intensive K-9 unit training with Paramount Group
Posted 27 June 2019
Military personnel from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) this week commence intensive training in South Africa to qualify as highly specialised Canine Unit (K-9 Unit) operatives.
in Defence / Features Why are the Cobras not striking?
Posted 20 June 2019
Issues are arising surrounding the Kenya Air Force (KAF) Bell AH-1F Cobra attack helicopters, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features Equatorial Guinea continues air force expansion
Posted 18 June 2019
The air force branch of the Equatorial Guinea Guardia Nacional (National Guard) has continued its expansion, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features Cameroon gears up for counter-insurgency campaign.
Posted 14 June 2019
The Armée de l’Air du Cameroun (Cameroon Air Force) is undergoing a major re-equipment programme, although the US halted assistance in February 2019 amid reports of gross violations of human rights by Cameroon’s security
in Defence / Features Tunisia completes Black Hawk purchase from US
Posted 11 June 2019
The US Army’s Security Assistance Command (USASAC) has completed the delivery of a $338 million foreign military sales (FMS) package of eight Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and associated training and support to Tunisia, writes Jon
in Defence / Features Dogged determination to counter terrorism
Posted 4 June 2019
African air force commanders met with US Air Force and State Department leaders at the eighth annual Air Forces Africa (AFAFRICA) symposium in Morocco. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features Egypt gets extra bite with the ‘Nile Crocodile’
Posted 29 May 2019
The Kamov Ka-52 ‘Nile Crocodile’ helicopter has officially entered service with the Egyptian Air Force. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features MiG game in Africa
Posted 17 May 2019
The Russian Aircraft Corporation (RAC) MiG company is hoping that new variants will repeat the success of the original MiG-29 in Africa. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features Ghana’s air force in a class of its own
Posted 8 May 2019
The Ghana Armed Forces have a small but capable air force. The key to its success is training, as Patrick Dirksen and Frank Mink found out during a recent visit.
in Defence / Features Mauritania goes for second Basler
Posted 15 March 2019
It looks like Mauritania is about to receive a second Basler turbo-Dak intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features Rwanda closes in on medevac Caravan
Posted 6 March 2019
A US Air Force (USAF) notification, issued on September 20, revealed that Rwanda is to receive two new aircraft to be used for medical evacuation and light transport missions during international peacekeeping operations throughout Africa.
in Defence / Features Tanzania takes delivery of new helicopters
Posted 28 February 2019
Tanzania is understood to have taken delivery of four Airbus Helicopters Cougar and Super Cougar transport helicopters, writes Jon Lake.
in Air Transport / Defence / Business Aviation / General Aviation / Technology / Events Airbus showcases full spectrum of product and services at Aviation Africa
Posted 26 February 2019
From commercial aircraft and helicopters to unmanned aerial systems and satellite imaging, Airbus is showcasing the full spectrum of its business, products and services in Africa at this year’s Aviation
in Defence Airbus certifies A400M Cargo Hold Tanks refuelling unit
Posted 21 February 2019
Airbus has successfully completed the certification flight tests for the A400M Cargo Hold Tanks (CHT) refuelling unit, taking a new step towards the full certification of the aircraft for air-to-air refuelling operations as a
in Defence / Features Kenya takes ex-Emirati Fennecs for anti-insurgency ops
Posted 21 February 2019
The Kenya Air Force (KAF) has taken delivery of nine Eurocopter AS550 Fennec light helicopters from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features Russian sales rush is on
Posted 12 February 2019
African countries have traditionally provided a good market for Russian Helicopters, with more than 700 in active service across the continent. Now, as Jon Lake reports, the push is on to sell more.
in Defence Embraer and SNC to deliver 12 A-29s to Nigerian Air Force
Posted 6 February 2019
Embraer Defense & Security and its partner Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) were awarded a contract to deliver 12 A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft to the Nigerian Air Force.
in Defence / Features Cameroon's eyes in the sky focus on Boko Haram
Posted 4 February 2019
Since May 2014, Cameroon has been battling the terrorist organisation known colloquially as Boko Haram. Erwan de Cherisey takes a look at the country’s capabilities.
in Defence Cambridge Pixel provides IFF radar processors to Tellumat for SAAF SSR upgrade
Posted 22 January 2019
Cambridge Pixel, a developer of radar display, tracking and recording sub-systems, is supplying its IFF (identification friend or foe) secondary radar processing and plot extraction technology to
in Defence Ivory Coast joins the family of Airbus C295 operators
Posted 22 January 2019
The Ministry of Defence of Ivory Coast has signed a firm order for one C295 medium transport aircraft.
in Defence / Features Hawk helicopters pave the way for troops' rescue
Posted 5 December 2018
Jon Lake reports on a vital helicopter rescue mission near the Somali border with Kenya.
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
