Air Platforms - defencenews.online

March 11, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts

Canada to Carry Out Upgrade Program for Portugal’s P-3C Orion Aircraft

Canada has entered into a government-to-government agreement to modernize five Portuguese Air Force P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft. The contract, valued at 39 million Canadian dollars ($28.7 million), will...

March 11, 2026
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New Product Launches

Sikorsky, Robinson Debut Cargo Helicopter Controlled via Tablet Interface

Sikorsky Aircraft and Robinson Helicopter Company are seeking to transform cargo delivery and resupply operations with the Robinson R66 TURBINETRUCK, a newly developed autonomous helicopter designed for multiple mission...

March 11, 2026
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New Product Launches

Turkey Debuts First Purpose-Built Stand-Off Electronic Warfare Platform

A business jet has been transformed into Turkey’s first dedicated stand-off jammer (SOJ) aircraft, completing its maiden flight and marking a major step forward in the country’s airborne electronic...

March 10, 2026
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Financial and Investment Updates

$1B Investment by GE Aerospace to Grow US Production and Add 5,000 Workers

GE Aerospace has unveiled a $1-billion investment plan aimed at expanding defense manufacturing, increasing engine production, and accelerating delivery timelines across its operations in the United States. The investment,...

March 9, 2026
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R&D

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...

March 9, 2026
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R&D

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
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R&D

Saab Explores Local Partnership for Gripen Production in Portugal

Saab has indicated plans to expand industrial cooperation with Portugal by exploring the possibility of producing Gripen fighter aircraft components locally if the country chooses the jet to replace...

March 8, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts

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
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R&D

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
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R&D

Super Tucano Gets Counter-Drone Boost Through Embraer–Valkyrie Collaboration

Embraer and Valkyrie Aero are enhancing the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano with advanced technology aimed at countering hostile drones, transforming the aircraft into a more intelligent and lethal counter-UAS...