March, 2026 - globaldefencemagazine.com

March 18, 2026
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Air Platforms
R&D

BAE to Upgrade U-2 Spy Plane EW Systems

The US Air Force has awarded BAE Systems a contract to modernize the electronic warfare suite of the U-2 Dragon Lady. The upgrade includes enhancements to the AN/ALQ-221 system,...

March 18, 2026
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Missile & Missile Defence
Mergers & JV

Nordic Air Defence Expands to Poland

Nordic Air Defence has expanded into Poland through partnerships with WB Group and Tantalit to strengthen counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities. The collaboration includes integration and potential local production...

March 18, 2026
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Weapons and Munition
Mergers & JV

Ananth, EndureAir Develop Indigenous Loitering UAV

Ananth Technologies Private Limited and EndureAir Systems Private Limited have signed a Technology Cooperation Agreement to jointly develop next-generation loitering munitions under the IDDM category. The collaboration combines aerospace...

March 18, 2026
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Weapons and Munition
R&D

India Targets 2028 Test for New Loitering Munition

India is accelerating its indigenous defense capabilities through a collaboration between National Aerospace Laboratories and Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited. The project focuses on developing a 150-kg class loitering...

March 18, 2026
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Air Platforms
R&D

IAF Plans IL-76 Sustainment Till 2040s

The Indian Air Force is extending the operational life of its aging Ilyushin Il-76 fleet amid delays in acquiring new transport aircraft. With fleet strength reduced due to maintenance...

March 18, 2026
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Missile & Missile Defence
Mergers & JV

Diehl, Latvia Form JV for Air Defense Support

Diehl Defence has partnered with Latvia to establish a regional support hub for ground-based air defense systems, including the IRIS-T SLM. The agreement focuses on maintenance, repair, and technical...

March 18, 2026
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Air Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

Japan Receives First JSM for F-35A Fighters

Japan has received its first batch of Joint Strike Missiles developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace for deployment on F-35A Lightning II aircraft. Designed for internal carriage, the missile...

March 18, 2026
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Air Platforms
R&D

Boeing to Upgrade South Korea’s Poseidon Software

The US Department of Defense has awarded Boeing a $38.7 million contract to upgrade mission systems for South Korea’s P-8A Poseidon fleet. The upgrade introduces TOMS 105K software, enhancing...

March 18, 2026
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Air Platforms
R&D

Bell Completes SPINE Upgrades for USMC H-1 Helos

Bell Textron has successfully completed the first phase of its SPINE (Structural and Power Improvements for NextGen Effects) upgrade program for the AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopters. This...

March 17, 2026
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Weapons and Munition
R&D

US Army Develops Advanced Small Arms Barrels

The US Army is advancing its weapons technology through a partnership with industry leaders to develop a next-generation small arms barrel. This initiative focuses on improving durability and resistance...