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March 9, 2026
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R&D
Air Platforms

C-130J Autonomous Flight Program Reaches Preliminary Design Review Stage With Merlin

Merlin Labs has completed the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for its autonomy system designed for the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft operated by the US Special Operations...

March 9, 2026
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R&D
Communication and Electronics

Spanish Industry Unveils GaN-Based Radar to Track Artillery and Rocket Fire

Spain is developing a new counter-battery radar capable of rapidly detecting incoming artillery shells, rockets, and mortar rounds while identifying their launch origin. Known as RALOFI (Radar for Locating...

First Batch of Japan’s Type 12 Extended-Range Missiles Planned for Kyushu Deployment

Launchers for the first batch of Japan’s Type 12 surface-to-ship long-range missiles have arrived at a military base in the country’s southwest, marking the beginning of preparations for their...

March 9, 2026
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R&D
Air Platforms

Saab Considers Establishing Gripen Manufacturing in Portugal With Domestic Partner

Saab is looking to expand its industrial partnership with Portugal by considering local production of components for its Gripen fighter aircraft if Lisbon decides to replace its aging F-16...

U.S. Awards $9.9M Machine Gun Deal to FN America

FN America has been awarded a $9.9-million contract to supply additional M240B medium machine guns to the US Army and US Navy, continuing the production of a weapon system...

March 8, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts
Air Platforms

Turkey Could Station F-16 Jets in North Cyprus as Mideast Conflict Escalates

Turkey is exploring the deployment of General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets to Northern Cyprus as part of heightened security precautions, a source from the Turkish Ministry of...

March 7, 2026
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R&D
Air Platforms

Switzerland Considers Reducing F-35 Fleet as It Reworks Defense Structure

Switzerland is reconsidering its fighter jet procurement plan and may purchase around 30 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II aircraft instead of the originally planned 36 after price increases from...

March 6, 2026
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R&D
Unmanned Systems

Europe Prepares to Develop Next-Generation Hybrid Drone for Multi-Mission Operations

The European Defence Agency has commissioned Survey Copter to explore and develop a hybrid multi-mission drone that could soon operate in European airspace. Based on Airbus’ Capa-X UAS, the...

March 6, 2026
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R&D
Air Platforms

Embraer and Valkyrie Upgrade Super Tucano to Strengthen Counter-Drone Capabilities

A new collaboration between Embraer and Valkyrie Aero is set to give the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano a technological advantage in counter-drone warfare. The upgrade centers on Valkyrie’s Gunslinger...

Germany Moves Ahead with Plan to Acquire 500 MARS 3 Rocket Artillery Units

Germany is moving toward a large-scale acquisition of approximately 500 MARS 3 rocket artillery launchers, a program that could dramatically expand the nation’s modern artillery capabilities. Reporting by Hartpunkt...