2026 - defencenews.online

March 9, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Air Platforms

Merlin Moves C-130J Autonomy Project Forward With Preliminary Design Review

Merlin Labs has successfully concluded the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for its autonomous flight system being developed for the C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft operated by US Special Operations...

March 9, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Weapons and Munition

Production of Ukraine’s Bohdana Howitzer Extends to Poland

Ponar Wadowice of Poland and Ukraine’s Kramatorsk Machine-Building Plant (NKMZ) have launched a joint venture to produce the Bohdana 155mm self-propelled howitzer and its towed variant in Poland. The...

U.S. Air Force Backs Increased Production of Lockheed’s LRASM Missile

The US Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control a $53-million contract modification aimed at increasing production capacity for the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM). With the...

March 9, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Air Platforms

NATO AWACS Conducts First Aerial Surveillance Operation Over Finnish Airspace

A NATO AWACS aircraft has carried out its first operational surveillance mission over Finnish territory, supporting the alliance’s air monitoring and command-and-control operations in Northern Europe. The mission contributed...

Hanwha Aerospace of South Korea Plans Investment in Estonia’s Defense Sector

Hanwha Aerospace of South Korea has announced a 100-million-euro ($115.5 million) investment initiative designed to boost Estonia’s defense manufacturing capabilities, including plans to establish a repair and sustainment center...

South Korea Sends Cheongung-II Interceptors to UAE Following Urgent Request

South Korea is sending additional Cheongung-II air defense interceptors to the United Arab Emirates after the Gulf nation issued an emergency request amid ongoing missile and drone attacks linked...

March 8, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts
Air Platforms

Ankara Weighs F-16 Deployment to North Cyprus During Regional War Tensions

Turkey is weighing the option of deploying General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets to Northern Cyprus as a precautionary security measure, according to a source from the Turkish...

March 7, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Air Platforms

Swiss Government Reviews Smaller F-35 Purchase While Adjusting Defense Strategy

Switzerland has announced plans to reduce its planned purchase of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter jets from 36 to about 30 after the United States increased the price...

March 6, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts
Unmanned Systems

$7M Contract Awarded to Kratos for UAV and Cruise Missile Detection System

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has secured a $7 million production contract for a counter-unmanned aerial system designed to detect, track, and classify airborne threats. The company said the...

March 6, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts
Air Platforms

New Delhi Clears Acquisition of 60 Strategic Military Airlifters

India has taken a significant step toward modernizing its tactical airlift capability after the Defence Procurement Board cleared a proposal to acquire 60 transport aircraft for the Indian Air...