* Airbus Military and IAI Elta are developing a C-295 AEW turboprop, using an Elta AESA radar. Its likely price point, and C-295M/MPA commonality will make it a serious competitor to turboprops like the E-2D Hawkeye and Saab 340/2000 Erieye – as well as mid-tier jet options like Brazil’s EMB-145 AEW&C, or IAI’s own Gulfstream G550 CAEW.
* BAE Systems announces the creation of a new Electronics Systems Sector. The reorganization sees the consolidation of BAE’s Systems Electronic Solutions and Systems Platform Solutions sectors. BAE hope the reorganization will better serve its military electronics and information technologies and homeland security customers.
* EADS signs a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Turkish Aerospace Industries to boost collaborative opportunities for the UAV market.
* Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) also uses the Paris Air Show to unveil a prototype unmanned helicopter. The R-IHA is expected to achieve first-flight in 2012. TAI is also confident that the R-IHA will prove attractive to Arab and Southeast European markets.
* MBDA’s PARS 3 LR guided missile system has been shortlisted for the Indian Army’s helicopter future air-to-ground requirement. The announcement comes two months after three successful PARS 3 LR firings were conducted at Sweden’s Vidsel test range.
* Speaking at the Paris Air Show, the General Executive Manager of the Portuguese Aerospace Industry Association (PEMAS) says Embraer is the catalyst for the country’s emerging aerospace sector, but laments the decision not participate in the A400M program.
* Cobham’s Chief Executive tells Reuters at the Paris Air Show that the company is upbeat about further air tanker deals with the United States and Brazil.
* South Korea’s President meets with members of the National Assembly’s defense committee and asks for cooperation in gaining parliamentary approval for defense reforms. Plans focus upon making the military command’s structure more efficient and increased powers for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff over the Army, Navy and Air Force.
* The International Business Times outlines 9 ways the military is curbing its thirst for energy.