March, 2026 - defencenews.online

March 19, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Air Platforms

NH90 overview: Europe’s advanced multirole utility helicopter

European defense forces required a next-generation helicopter capable of operating across diverse environments—from maritime missions at sea to troop deployments in austere land bases. This requirement led to the...

March 18, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Air Platforms

BAE to upgrade electronic warfare suite of US Air Force U-2 Dragon Lady aircraft

The United States Air Force has tasked BAE Systems with modernizing the electronic warfare capabilities of the U-2 “Dragon Lady,” under a contract managed through Robins Air Force Base....

March 18, 2026
G.Krish
Mergers & JV
Missile & Missile Defence

Nordic Air Defence enters Poland through partnerships with WB Group and Tantalit

Nordic Air Defence is expanding its footprint into Poland by partnering with WB Group and Tantalit to counter drone threats. The move includes opening a local office and formalizing...

March 18, 2026
G.Krish
Mergers & JV
Weapons and Munition

Ananth Technologies teams up with EndureAir to develop indigenous loitering munitions for Indian forces

India is taking a significant step toward self-reliance in defense technology as Ananth Technologies Private Limited and EndureAir Systems Private Limited enter into a Technology Cooperation Agreement to co-develop...

March 18, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Weapons and Munition

NAL and Solar Defence aim for 2028 testing milestone for India’s next-gen loitering munition

India is advancing its autonomous strike capabilities through a joint effort between CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories and Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited to develop a 150-kg class loitering munition UAV...

March 18, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Air Platforms

Indian Air Force outlines sustainment plan to extend IL-76 fleet operations into the 2040s

Indian Air Force is navigating a pivotal phase in its strategic airlift program, relying heavily on its legacy Ilyushin Il-76 fleet to fill a growing capability gap until new...

March 18, 2026
G.Krish
Mergers & JV
Missile & Missile Defence

Diehl and Latvian partners form joint venture to support Baltic air defense systems

Diehl Defence has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Ripo Remonta Centrs to create a joint venture focused on supporting ground-based air defense systems in the Baltic region....

March 18, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts
Air Platforms

Japan receives its first batch of Joint Strike Missiles for F-35A jets

Japan has received its initial delivery of Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) for integration with its F-35A Lightning II aircraft, strengthening its ability to conduct long-range precision strikes. The missiles,...

March 18, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Air Platforms

Boeing to modernize mission software for South Korea’s Poseidon aircraft

The US Department of Defense has contracted Boeing with a $38.7 million deal to deliver mission software upgrades for South Korea’s P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. The effort involves...

March 18, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Air Platforms

Bell completes initial SPINE upgrades for US Marine Corps H-1 helicopters

Bell Textron has finalized the first phase of SPINE upgrades for the US Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopter fleet. The SPINE program—formerly referred to as the...