Air Platforms - latestdefencenews.com

March 22, 2026
Admin
R&D

E-2D Hawkeye: the US Navy’s airborne surveillance powerhouse

As carrier-based fighters launch into the horizon, a silent coordinator is already at work above them—the E-2D Hawkeye. Positioned high over the fleet, it detects, tracks, and manages threats,...

March 20, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts

US clears aircraft support package for Jordan’s F-16, C-130, and F-5 fleet

The US State Department has authorized a possible $70.5-million foreign military sale to Jordan, focused on aircraft sustainment and support services. The package includes maintenance, equipment, and logistical support...

March 20, 2026
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R&D

US Army conducts 1,300-mile brigade-level aviation exercise in South Korea

During the Talon Reach exercise, US Army aviation units in South Korea showcased their ability to execute long-range missions by flying more than 1,300 miles prior to a simulated...

March 19, 2026
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R&D

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 19, 2026
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Mergers & JV

Lockheed Martin secures industry tie-ups for Czech Republic’s F-35 initiative

Lockheed Martin has concluded a series of industrial cooperation agreements tied to the Czech Republic’s acquisition of F-35 Lightning II aircraft. The milestone includes 11 framework agreements that enable...

March 19, 2026
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R&D

US Navy overhauls procurement framework, establishing five portfolio offices

The US Navy has established five new portfolio acquisition executive (PAE) offices to streamline procurement processes, reduce bureaucracy, and accelerate the delivery of capabilities to operational forces. The newly...

March 18, 2026
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R&D

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...

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
Admin
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...