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AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

Spain may keep F/A-18 Hornets flying to 2040 as sustainment costs rise and F-35 shortfall widens

Spain plans to extend its F/A-18 Hornet fleet's service life to as late as 2040, citing rising sustainment costs and delays in replacing the type that have opened a widening fighter capability gap. Political reluctance to purchase F-35As is deepening the shortfall and forcing costly sustainment measures.

2026-03-23T08:31:12.335474-07:00

SpaceNews.com

York Space rides defense surge but procurement changes cloud near‑term outlook

2026-03-23T07:12:22.751358-07:00

DefenseNews.com

F-35 program chief Bogdan to retire; Rear Adm. Mat Winter named successor

2026-03-23T06:05:47.705753-07:00

DefenseNews.com

Defense Acquisition Board to review CH-53K King Stallion LRIP for first 24 aircraft on March 30

2026-03-23T06:05:47.384219-07:00

News Timeline

AeroTime

Spain may keep F/A-18 Hornets flying to 2040 as sustainment costs rise and F-35 shortfall widens Spain plans to extend its F/A-18 Hornet fleet's service life to as late as 2040, citing rising sustainment costs and delays in replacing the type that have opened a widening fighter capability gap. Political reluctance to purchase F-35As is deepening the shortfall and forcing costly sustainment measures.

2026-03-23T08:31:12.335474-07:00

Spain may keep F/A-18 Hornets flying to 2040 as sustainment costs rise and F-35 shortfall widens

SpaceNews.com

York Space rides defense surge but procurement changes cloud near‑term outlook York Space is benefiting from rising defence demand that has bolstered its order book and validated its smallsat manufacturing push, but shifts in government procurement and contracting timelines have introduced uncertainty into near‑term revenue and delivery forecasts, clouding the company's short‑term outlook.

2026-03-23T07:12:22.751358-07:00

York Space rides defense surge but procurement changes cloud near‑term outlook

DefenseNews.com

F-35 program chief Bogdan to retire; Rear Adm. Mat Winter named successor Deputy director Rear Adm. Mat Winter will succeed F‑35 program chief Bogdan, who is retiring, the F‑35 office announced. Winter joined the program in 2016 after serving as chief of Naval Research and will assume leadership amid ongoing fleet readiness and sustainment challenges.

2026-03-23T06:05:47.705753-07:00

F-35 program chief Bogdan to retire; Rear Adm. Mat Winter named successor

DefenseNews.com

Defense Acquisition Board to review CH-53K King Stallion LRIP for first 24 aircraft on March 30 On March 30 the Defense Acquisition Board will decide whether to approve low-rate initial production for the CH-53K King Stallion, covering an initial lot of 24 helicopters. The decision will determine whether the heavy-lift programme proceeds into early production and contract commitments.

2026-03-23T06:05:47.384219-07:00

Defense Acquisition Board to review CH-53K King Stallion LRIP for first 24 aircraft on March 30

DefenseNews.com

India and Russia advance plan to produce Ka-226T helicopters in India; production awaits Putin approval India and Russia have advanced a plan to produce Kamov Ka-226T light helicopters in India, pending formal approval from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Once authorised the partners will establish Indo-Russian Helicopters Private Limited to manage local production and assembly of the Ka-226T in India.

2026-03-23T06:05:46.745425-07:00

India and Russia advance plan to produce Ka-226T helicopters in India; production awaits Putin approval

DefenseNews.com

Air Force: F-15 retirement unlikely before late 2020s as threat environment hardens Air Force officials say retirement of the Boeing F-15 fleet is unlikely before the late 2020s, citing the type’s aging airframes and a deteriorating threat environment that sustains demand for its capabilities. The stance will shape transition timing for follow-on fighters and sustainment planning.

2026-03-23T06:05:46.646488-07:00

Air Force: F-15 retirement unlikely before late 2020s as threat environment hardens

DefenseNews.com

Putin to approve weapons delivery to Balkans, says Serbian defence minister Serbia's defence minister said President Putin will approve Russian weapons deliveries to the Balkans as Belgrade seeks to buy a Russian air‑defence system and open a repair centre for Mil helicopters in Serbia — moves that deepen military‑technical ties with Moscow.

2026-03-23T06:05:46.498383-07:00

Putin to approve weapons delivery to Balkans, says Serbian defence minister

SpaceWatch Global

Aurora spaceplane radar-tracked in live New Zealand defense trial The Royal New Zealand Navy, DST and Dawn Aerospace completed a live radar-tracking experiment that successfully detected and followed the Aurora Spaceplane during a New Zealand defence test. The trial demonstrates operational sensor engagement with a commercial reusable spaceplane and strengthens government–industry monitoring ties.

2026-03-23T04:39:14.952994-07:00

Aurora spaceplane radar-tracked in live New Zealand defense trial

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Spain may keep F/A-18 Hornets flying to 2040 as sustainment costs rise and F-35 shortfall widens

York Space rides defense surge but procurement changes cloud near‑term outlook

F-35 program chief Bogdan to retire; Rear Adm. Mat Winter named successor

Defense Acquisition Board to review CH-53K King Stallion LRIP for first 24 aircraft on March 30

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