March 2026 – Page 8 – defencenews.online

Rheinmetall-Led Team Initiates Modernization of Italian Army Anti-Tank Mines

Rheinmetall has partnered with Italy under a memorandum of understanding to modernize a large portion of the Italian Army’s MATS anti-tank mine inventory. The initiative, involving RWM Italia SpA...

US Army Chooses Elbit to Supply HUD Systems for Black Hawk and Chinook Helicopters

The US Army has selected Elbit Systems America under a $49.9 million deal to deliver advanced heads-up displays for its UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopter fleets. The...

March 22, 2026
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R&D
Air Platforms

E-2D Hawkeye: the airborne early warning system safeguarding US operations

When jets roar off an aircraft carrier and disappear into the distance, they are never truly alone. High above, the E-2D Hawkeye is already in position—scanning the skies, tracking...

US forces deploy Reaper drones for surveillance missions in Nigeria, says military

Military trainers from the US military deployed in Nigeria are employing MQ-9 Reaper drones to conduct surveillance and intelligence-gathering missions, according to Nigerian officials. Operating from an air base...

March 20, 2026
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R&D
Air Platforms

US Army trials long-range brigade aviation operations spanning 1,300 miles in South Korea

Units of the US Army stationed in South Korea demonstrated long-range operational capability by flying over 1,300 miles ahead of a simulated island seizure during the Talon Reach exercise....

March 20, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts
Air Platforms

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

The US State Department has approved a potential $70.5-million foreign military sale to support Jordan’s aircraft fleet, including maintenance, equipment, and munitions assistance. The request from Amman covers sustainment...

March 20, 2026
Admin
R&D
Unmanned Systems

Talon IQ testbed from Northrop completes maiden flight using Shield AI’s Hivemind

Northrop Grumman’s Talon IQ modular testbed, integrated with Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software, has completed its first partner-enabled mission autonomy flight in Mojave, California. After a single-day hardware-in-the-loop evaluation,...

March 20, 2026
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R&D
Communication and Electronics

Gecko Robotics receives $71M US Navy deal for AI-powered fleet sustainment

The US Navy has awarded Gecko Robotics a five-year contract valued at up to $71 million to enhance fleet maintenance and operational readiness. Under the deal, the company will...

March 20, 2026
Admin
R&D
Land Platforms

A closer look at the M1151 Humvee’s transformation into an armored battlefield vehicle

Few military platforms are as iconic as the Humvee, a vehicle that began as a light utility transporter and gradually transformed into a hardened battlefield asset. The M1151 High...

Thales lands deal to evaluate mobile air defense for British Army

The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded Thales UK a contract for the assessment phase of its future Mounted Short Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) program, marking a key step...