Air Platforms - defencenews.online

March 9, 2026
G.Krish
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
G.Krish
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
G.Krish
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
G.Krish
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
G.Krish
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...

March 6, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts

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...

March 5, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts

US Air Force Awards $74M HC-130J BLOS Upgrade Deal to R4-Integration

The US Air Force has awarded R4‑Integration a $74-million contract to equip 39 HC‑130J Combat King II aircraft with Ku/Ka beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) communication systems. Under the firm-fixed-price contract,...

March 5, 2026
G.Krish
R&D

USAF Evaluates Advanced Multi-Channel Radio System for HH-60W Fleet

The US Air Force is planning a communications upgrade for its HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopters by replacing the current Link-16 TacNet Tactical Radio with a multi-channel...

March 4, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts

Lockheed Martin Awarded $1.9B Contract to Supply C-130J Training Solutions

Lockheed Martin has been awarded a contract worth up to $1.9 billion to continue providing training system support for the C-130J Super Hercules used by the United States Armed...

March 4, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts

Northrop Grumman Secures $225M to Develop US Navy E-130J Training Systems

Northrop Grumman has received a $225-million contract modification to design and deliver advanced training systems and courseware for the U.S. Navy’s E-130J aircraft under the service’s Take Charge and...