2026 - defencenews.online

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...

March 17, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Weapons and Munition

Pennsylvania firms partner with US Army on advanced small arms barrel development

The United States Army has partnered with Pennsylvania-based manufacturers to develop a next-generation small arms barrel designed to improve durability and resistance to wear under high-pressure conditions. Specialists from...

L3Harris completes delivery of 100,000 M-Code GPS units

L3Harris Technologies has achieved a major milestone by delivering 100,000 Military-Code (M-Code) GPS receivers to US and allied forces, reinforcing secure navigation capabilities in contested environments. M-Code receivers provide...

$200M ESAero acquisition enhances AeroVironment’s UAS portfolio

AeroVironment has acquired California-based Empirical Systems Aerospace for approximately $200 million, enhancing its capabilities in the design, prototyping, and production of advanced unmanned aircraft systems for defense use. ESAero...

March 17, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts
Air Platforms

Thales’ radio system chosen by Pilatus for PC-7 aircraft in Europe

Pilatus Aircraft has chosen Thales Group to provide a radio management system for its PC-7 military training aircraft used across Europe. Engineers from both firms worked closely to develop...

March 17, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Weapons and Munition

Baykar unveils K2 loitering munition with 2,000 km range and swarm readiness

Baykar has unveiled a new chapter in drone warfare with the introduction of its AI-enabled K2 kamikaze UAV, designed to operate in coordinated swarm formations. The K2 recently completed...

EOS wins deal to supply cannon-based anti-drone systems

Electro Optic Systems has secured a $42 million contract from a Middle Eastern nation to supply its Slinger counter-drone remote cannon system, as regional tensions continue to rise. Developed...

March 17, 2026
G.Krish
Mergers & JV
Land Platforms

Rheinmetall joins forces with Nooteboom to develop military-grade heavy transport solutions

Rheinmetall and Nooteboom Trailers BV have entered into a cooperation agreement to jointly develop and market military Heavy Equipment Trailer (HET) systems, aiming to address growing demand for heavy...

March 17, 2026
G.Krish
Mergers & JV
Unmanned Systems

Orqa of Croatia collaborates with Red River Depot to increase drone production for the US Army

Orqa has entered into an agreement with Red River Army Depot to help expand the US Army’s production capacity for small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Under the deal, the...

March 17, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Air Platforms

Indonesia and Australia move toward expanded defense ties involving Japan and Papua New Guinea

Indonesia and Australia have unveiled plans to deepen defense cooperation by pursuing new trilateral partnerships with Japan and Papua New Guinea, alongside enhanced intelligence-sharing efforts. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin outlined the...