Air Platforms - latestdefencenews.com

March 18, 2026
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R&D

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
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Procurement & Contracts

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

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
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R&D

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 17, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts

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
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R&D

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 15, 2026
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R&D

Introducing the MQ-25A Stingray and Its Role in Shaping Future Carrier Air Power

The MQ-25A Stingray isn’t designed for aerial displays or dogfights — it exists to extend the reach and endurance of other aircraft. Built to support carrier-based operations, this unmanned...

March 15, 2026
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R&D

Tejas Mk2 Engineered for Long-Term Operations With Enhanced Airframe Durability

India’s upcoming HAL Tejas Mk2—officially categorized as a Medium Weight Fighter (MWF)—represents more than a simple upgrade within the Tejas family. Instead, it reflects a comprehensive structural and operational...

March 13, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts

US Air Force Restarts E-7A Wedgetail Program With $2.4B Boeing Awards

Boeing has received $2.43 billion in contracts from the US Air Force to continue development of the E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft, indicating renewed support for...

March 11, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts

Canada to Modernize Portugal’s P-3C Orion Maritime Patrol Fleet

Canada has finalized a government-to-government contract to upgrade five Portuguese Air Force P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft, strengthening defense cooperation between the two NATO partners. The 39-million Canadian dollar...