Air Platforms – Page 7 – defencenews.online

March 19, 2026
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R&D

NH90 overview: Europe’s advanced multirole utility helicopter

European defense forces required a next-generation helicopter capable of operating across diverse environments—from maritime missions at sea to troop deployments in austere land bases. This requirement led to the...

March 19, 2026
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Mergers & JV

Lockheed Martin finalizes industrial partnerships for Czech F-35 program

Lockheed Martin has finalized industrial partnership agreements linked to the Czech Republic’s procurement of F-35 Lightning II jets. The agreements consist of 11 cooperation frameworks that will allow the...

March 19, 2026
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R&D

US Navy restructures acquisition system with five new portfolio offices

The US Navy has introduced five dedicated portfolio acquisition executive (PAE) offices aimed at improving procurement efficiency, reducing administrative complexity, and speeding up the delivery of systems to warfighters....

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 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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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

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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R&D

BAE to upgrade electronic warfare suite of US Air Force U-2 Dragon Lady aircraft

The United States Air Force has tasked BAE Systems with modernizing the electronic warfare capabilities of the U-2 “Dragon Lady,” under a contract managed through Robins Air Force Base....

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

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...