Air Platforms - latestdefencenews.com

May 2, 2026
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R&D

Indian Navy Plans Major MiG-29K Modernization with Uttam AESA Radar

The Indian Navy is moving ahead with a comprehensive upgrade program for its MiG-29K carrier fighters, selecting DRDO’s indigenous Uttam Mk2 AESA radar to replace the aging Zhuk-ME mechanically...

May 2, 2026
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R&D

GTRE Launches Search for Industry Partner to Develop Indigenous High Energy Ignition System

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has taken a major step in advancing India’s aero-engine self-reliance by issuing an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the indigenous development and production...

May 2, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts

India Preparing Rafale RFP for 114-Fighter Program with Major Local Manufacturing Push

The Indian government is preparing to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to Dassault Aviation by mid-next month, taking a major step forward in the Indian Air Force’s multi-role...

April 30, 2026
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Mergers & JV

Bell and KAI Explore Tiltrotor Solution for South Korea Helicopter Program

Bell Textron has partnered with Korea Aerospace Industries to study possible solutions for South Korea’s High Speed Medium Utility Helicopter initiative. The agreement centers on evaluating variants based on...

April 27, 2026
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R&D

US Boosts F-35 Test Aircraft Program for Faster Upgrades

The United States Department of Defense has expanded its support for the F-35 program by awarding Lockheed Martin a $177.49 million contract modification to produce three dedicated flight sciences...

April 27, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts

US Navy Awards Castelion Deal for F/A-18 Hypersonic Integration

The United States Navy has contracted Castelion with a $105 million deal to continue integrating its Blackbeard hypersonic missile onto the F/A-18 platform, supporting efforts to arm carrier-based fleets...

April 27, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts

Leonardo Pushes M-346 Deal to Strengthen Morocco Partnership

Leonardo is ramping up efforts to secure Morocco’s next training aircraft contract, with the M-346 Master emerging as the centerpiece of its strategy to regain momentum in a closely...

April 27, 2026
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R&D

HAL Prepares for Tejas Mk1A Induction With Facility Upgrades

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has floated a tender (HAL/LCA-Tejas/PM/C-03/2026) for interior wall panelling in the VVIP Dining Hall of the Customer Service Building at its Bengaluru facility. Although valued at...

April 24, 2026
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R&D

India’s Participation in European 6th-Ge

India is exploring potential involvement in one of Europe’s sixth-generation fighter jet programs, holding discussions with both leading consortiums as part of a long-term effort to strengthen its aerospace...

April 24, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts

Elbit Systems Lands $200M Deals to Supply Advanced Air Munitions to Israel

Israel has placed contracts worth around $200 million with Elbit Systems for the supply of advanced airborne munitions. The contracts, issued by the Israel Ministry of Defense, are linked...