NEWS – Page 30 – defencenews.online

March 18, 2026
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R&D

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
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Mergers & JV

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
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Procurement & Contracts

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
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R&D

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
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R&D

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
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R&D

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...

March 17, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts

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...

March 17, 2026
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Financial and Investment Updates

$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
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Procurement & Contracts

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
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R&D

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...