May 2, 2022 | International, Aerospace
Chinese drone giant DJI suspends business in Russia, Ukraine
Shenzhen-based firm says it is “reassessing compliance requirements” following controversy over role in Ukraine war.
August 19, 2020 | International, Aerospace
Taiwan signs deal to purchase 66 F-16 jets from Lockheed Martin
Taiwan has signed an agreement to purchase 66 F-16 jets from Lockheed Martin amid escalating tensions between the US and China.
As part of the $62bn deal, Taiwan will procure the latest generation of F-16s to boost its air power. The Pentagon also confirmed the deal without specifying the buyer.
According to a Bloomberg report, the deal marks the first sale of fighter aircraft to the Asian island, which China considers to be part of its territory since 1992 when the former US administration approved the sale of 150 F-16s to Taiwan.
The latest agreement comes a year after Taiwan received approval from Washington for the purchase.
After the potential deal was announced last year, China issued a strong response and said that the deal will violate the one-China principle.
During the past year, the relationship between the US and China further deteriorated over the Covid-19 pandemic, 5G technology, Hong Kong and trade impasse.
Lockheed Martin has an initial order of 90 F-16 jets, the delivery of which is scheduled for late 2026.
https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/taiwan-66-f-16-jets/
On the same subject
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November 10, 2020 | International, Naval
Turkey to launch its first armed unmanned surface vessel
By: Burak Ege Bekdil ANKARA, Turkey — A partnership between two leading Turkish defense companies has launched the country's first armed unmanned surface vessel, the ULAQ. Ares Shipyard and Meteksan Defence said Oct. 28 the ULAQ was built from advanced composites, has a 400-kilometer range and can travel up to 65 kph. The companies also said the platform is equippped with day and night vision capabilities as well as encrypted communication infrastructure, which can be operated from mobile vehicles and headquarters or from sea platforms such as aircraft carriers or frigates. That infrastructure can be used for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, surface warfare, asymmetric warfare, escort and strategic infrastructure protection missions. The design for the prototype was finalized in August, Ares and Meteksan said, and structural construction was recently completed, with the first vessel to enter Mediterranean waters in December following its outfitting. ULAQ's missile systems are inclusive of four cells of Cirit and two of L-UMTAS, manufactured by Turkey's state-controlled missile-maker Roketsan. Firing tests are planned for the first quarter of 2021. Along with the Cirit and L-UMTAS missile systems, the ULAQ will be equipped with different variations of communication and intelligence technology, like jamming and electronic warfare systems, to cover diverse operational needs. The vessel will be able to carry out joint operations with complementary drones. Its builders said the ULAQ is not only remotely controlled but also an autonomous vehicle that hosts artificial intelligence. “ULAQ is a messenger (original word is ‘ulak'), an envoy from the ancient Turkish culture who represents the state with his extraordinary skills since Central Asia. Along with the intelligence and experience, ULAQ possesses extreme warriorship capabilities,” Ares CEO Utku Alanc said. Added Meteksan CEO Selcuk Alparslan: “While designing the critical electronic systems of the platform, we have sought maximum indigenousness and fully considered the operational needs of Turkish Armed Forces.” https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2020/11/09/turkey-to-launch-its-first-armed-unmanned-surface-vessel/
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April 8, 2022 | International, Aerospace
MBDA boss rallies European governments to spend locally
'The Ukrainian drama is emphasizing again the importance of sovereignty,' said CEO Eric Beranger.