According to pictures released on social networks, the Israeli army has learned from the experiences of the Ukrainian conflict. The turret roofs of Merkava 4 tanks are now equipped with a "Cope Cage" or "Protective Canopy." This type of armor is designed to offer protection against aerial attacks, such as drones and loitering munitions.

Raytheon has been awarded a contract by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop an innovative air-breathing propulsion system known as the Gambit program. This program aims to harness the power of a rotating detonation engine (RDE), which promises to revolutionize missile propulsion technology. The implications of this breakthrough are far-reaching, with potential benefits for military operations across multiple branches of the armed forces.

The Russian Defense Ministry is deploying two air divisions in the Kaliningrad region and Crimea. Their formations will be completed in late 2019. All combat aircraft in the territories will be integrated into a single contour.

Air Recognition's Top Stories of 2017

As 2017 came to an end, here is an overview of the top ten defense aerospace stories we published last year, based on the number of readers for each story. As you can see, fighter jets purchase and upgrade programs and future airborne platforms drew a lot of interest among Air Recognition readers.

Russian Helicopters promotes full range of rotary-wing platforms for foreign market - Part 1

Helicopters are often named the workhorses of modern war. They transport troops and various cargoes, evacuate wounded personnel, conduct air support and reconnaissance, etc. Russia`s Rosoboronexport company (a subsidiary of the Rostec state corporation) offers a wide range of modern helicopters that meet the strictest requirements to this type of military hardware.

Air Recognition's Top Stories of 2016

As 2016 comes to an end, here is an overview of the top ten defense aerospace stories we published this year, based on the number of readers for each story. As you can see, the use of combat helicopters in the war against terrorism and the maiden flight of Japan's X-2 demonstrator drew a lot of interest among Air Recognition readers. Some Russian and US advanced research programs were other topics that drew a lot of attention.

French Air Force pilots get a feel of the C-130J airlifter at Ramstein air base

Representatives of the French Air Force visited with US Air Force airmen at the 37th Airlift Squadron, Ramstein air base, for a presentation on aircraft features and capabilities after recently purchasing several of their own C-130J Super Hercules and KC-130 Hercules, April 28.

USAF's venerable KC-135 tanker supports KC-46A Pegasus testing program

Sixty-year-old KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refuelling aircraft from McConnell Air Force Base recently supported the new KC-46A Pegasus testing and evaluation missions in Washington, the US Air Force recently said on its website.

RAAF demonstrates air-land integration in battlespace during Exercise Jericho Dawn

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Australian Army, with support from Northrop Grumman, have successfully conducted a firepower demonstration and a combat team quick attack demonstration at Puckapunyal Military Area in Victoria as part of Exercise Jericho Dawn to display the powerful effects of integrated air and land operations.

USAF F-35A fighter jets dropped GBU-12 laser-guided bombs for the first time

Airmen from USAF's 388th and 419th Fighter Wings dropped laser-guided bombs at the Utah Test and Training Range, marking the first time an F-35 combat unit has employed weapons from the F-35A. Lt. Col. George Watkins, 34th Fighter Squadron commander, said employing weapons on the F-35 allows pilots to more fully engage the aircraft and confirm that everything works as planned.