March, 2026 - latestdefencenews.com

March 17, 2026
Admin
R&D
Weapons and Munition

US Army collaborates with Pennsylvania companies to develop next-generation small arms barrels

The US Army is advancing small arms technology through a partnership with Pennsylvania-based industry to develop a more durable, wear-resistant barrel for high-pressure weapon systems. The effort, led by...

L3Harris reaches milestone of delivering 100,000 M-Code GPS receivers

L3Harris Technologies has delivered its 100,000th M-Code GPS receiver to US and allied militaries, marking a key milestone in strengthening secure navigation and timing capabilities. Designed for operations in...

AeroVironment acquires ESAero in $200M deal to strengthen unmanned aircraft capabilities

AeroVironment has completed the $200 million acquisition of Empirical Systems Aerospace, strengthening its ability to develop and manufacture next-generation unmanned aircraft systems for defense missions. Under the agreement, ESAero...

March 17, 2026
Admin
Procurement & Contracts
Air Platforms

Pilatus selects Thales’ radio management system for its European PC-7 fleet

Pilatus Aircraft has selected Thales Group to supply an advanced radio management system for its PC-7 training aircraft operating in Europe. The system was jointly developed by teams from...

March 17, 2026
Admin
R&D
Weapons and Munition

Baykar extends loitering munition range to 2,000 km with swarm-capable K2 system

Baykar has advanced unmanned aerial warfare with the debut of its AI-driven K2 kamikaze drone, capable of operating in coordinated swarm formations. The system underwent flight testing over the...

EOS secures contract for a cannon-based counter-drone solution

Electro Optic Systems has been awarded a $42 million contract by a Middle Eastern customer to deliver its Slinger remote cannon-based counter-drone system, reflecting increasing demand amid ongoing regional...

March 17, 2026
Admin
Mergers & JV
Land Platforms

Rheinmetall and Nooteboom collaborate on heavy transport systems for military use

Rheinmetall has partnered with Nooteboom Trailers BV to co-develop and market military Heavy Equipment Trailer (HET) systems, targeting the rising need for heavy transport solutions in Europe. The agreement...

March 17, 2026
Admin
Mergers & JV
Unmanned Systems

Croatia’s Orqa partners with Red River Depot to expand US Army drone manufacturing

Orqa has signed a partnership agreement with Red River Army Depot to support the expansion of small UAS manufacturing for the US Army. As part of the arrangement, Red...

March 17, 2026
Admin
R&D
Air Platforms

Indonesia and Australia consider strengthening defense cooperation with Japan and Papua New Guinea

Indonesia and Australia are looking to strengthen defense ties by establishing new trilateral frameworks with Japan and Papua New Guinea, while also increasing intelligence-sharing cooperation. The plan was disclosed...

March 17, 2026
Admin
R&D
Missile & Missile Defence

Taiwan explores cost-effective air defense solutions amid China’s growing low-cost threat capabilities

Taipei is pursuing the development of more affordable air defense munitions as China expands its use of low-cost weapons in potential large-scale strike scenarios, Taiwan News reported. According to...