March, 2026 - latestdefencenews.com

March 19, 2026
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R&D
Air Platforms

NH90 explained: Europe’s next-generation multirole helicopter platform

From turbulent seas to remote forward bases, European military planners required a modern helicopter capable of transporting troops, carrying cargo, deploying special forces, conducting anti-submarine warfare, and supporting disaster...

March 18, 2026
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R&D
Air Platforms

BAE set to enhance EW capabilities of USAF’s U-2 Dragon Lady reconnaissance aircraft

The US Air Force, through Robins Air Force Base, has awarded BAE Systems a contract to upgrade the electronic warfare suite of the U-2 “Dragon Lady” aircraft. Under the...

March 18, 2026
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Mergers & JV
Missile & Missile Defence

Nordic Air Defence expands Polish footprint, teaming with WB Group and Tantalit

Nordic Air Defence has expanded into Poland, partnering with WB Group and Tantalit to strengthen counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities. The company is establishing a local presence in Poland...

March 18, 2026
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Mergers & JV
Weapons and Munition

EndureAir and Ananth Technologies collaborate on homegrown loitering munitions for India’s military

In a major push to strengthen India’s indigenous defense ecosystem, Ananth Technologies Private Limited and EndureAir Systems Private Limited have signed a Technology Cooperation Agreement to jointly develop next-generation...

March 18, 2026
Admin
R&D
Weapons and Munition

India’s advanced loitering munition by NAL and Solar Defence set for 2028 testing goal

India’s efforts to develop advanced autonomous strike capabilities are accelerating as National Aerospace Laboratories and Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited collaborate on a 150-kg class loitering munition UAV designed...

March 18, 2026
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R&D
Air Platforms

IAF prepares long-term maintenance program to keep IL-76 aircraft operational through the 2040s

Indian Air Force is entering a critical transition phase in its strategic airlift capability, increasingly relying on its aging fleet of Ilyushin Il-76 to bridge a capability gap until...

March 18, 2026
Admin
Mergers & JV
Missile & Missile Defence

Diehl signs JV agreement with Latvia to bolster ground-based air defense in the Baltics

Diehl Defence has signed a memorandum of understanding with Ripo Remonta Centrs to form a joint venture aimed at supporting ground-based air defense systems across the Baltic region. The...

March 18, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts
Air Platforms

Japan accepts initial delivery of Joint Strike Missiles for its F-35A fighters

Japan has taken delivery of its first batch of Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) to arm its F-35A Lightning II fleet, significantly enhancing its long-range precision strike capability. The missiles,...

March 18, 2026
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R&D
Air Platforms

Boeing plans mission system software upgrades for South Korea’s Poseidon fleet

The US Department of Defense has awarded Boeing a $38.7 million contract to upgrade mission software for the South Korea’s P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft fleet. The contract includes...

March 18, 2026
Admin
R&D
Air Platforms

Bell finalizes first phase of SPINE enhancements for US Marines’ H-1 fleet

Bell Textron has completed the initial rollout of the Structural and Power Improvements for NextGen Effects (SPINE) upgrades on the United States Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom...