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FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

Japan receives first Kongsberg JSMs but F-35A software delay prevents operational use

Japan has taken delivery of its first Kongsberg Joint Strike Missiles (JSM), but the weapons cannot be fielded because software integration on Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35A fighters remains incomplete, the JASDF chief of staff confirmed. Until the F-35A software is finished, the JSMs will not be operationally deployable.

2026-03-19T01:09:13.271732-07:00

FlightGlobal

South Korea's first Embraer C-390 Millennium completes maiden flight in Brazil

2026-03-18T21:40:23.895071-07:00

DefenseNews.com

USAF Special Operations issues RFI for lightweight, long‑range one‑way FPV attack drones

2026-03-18T13:35:27.250925-07:00

DefenseNews.com

Biden to nominate Andrew Hunter as Air Force acquisition chief

2026-03-18T13:05:06.439737-07:00

News Timeline

FlightGlobal

Japan receives first Kongsberg JSMs but F-35A software delay prevents operational use Japan has taken delivery of its first Kongsberg Joint Strike Missiles (JSM), but the weapons cannot be fielded because software integration on Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35A fighters remains incomplete, the JASDF chief of staff confirmed. Until the F-35A software is finished, the JSMs will not be operationally deployable.

2026-03-19T01:09:13.271732-07:00

Japan receives first Kongsberg JSMs but F-35A software delay prevents operational use

FlightGlobal

South Korea's first Embraer C-390 Millennium completes maiden flight in Brazil The Republic of Korea Air Force's first Embraer C-390 Millennium completed its maiden flight from Embraer's Gavião Peixoto facility near São Paulo, Brazil. The airframe will now enter testing and systems integration ahead of planned delivery to the ROKAF in 2026.

2026-03-18T21:40:23.895071-07:00

South Korea's first Embraer C-390 Millennium completes maiden flight in Brazil

DefenseNews.com

USAF Special Operations issues RFI for lightweight, long‑range one‑way FPV attack drones USAF Special Operations has issued a Request for Information seeking small one‑way loitering munitions — lightweight FPV 'kamikaze' drones — capable of strikes beyond 12 miles for tactical penetration and unit‑level use. The solicitation underscores a shift toward low‑cost, expendable strike systems at the tactical level.

2026-03-18T13:35:27.250925-07:00

USAF Special Operations issues RFI for lightweight, long‑range one‑way FPV attack drones

Aviation Week

USAF Special Tactics Seek Short‑Range FPV One‑Way Attack Drones Special tactics units within U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command are researching options to buy short‑range, first‑person‑view, one‑way attack drones for tactical strikes and penetration missions. The inquiry signals an operational shift toward low‑cost, expendable loitering munitions integrated at the unit level.

2026-03-18T13:20:30.102139-07:00

USAF Special Tactics Seek Short‑Range FPV One‑Way Attack Drones

Via Satellite

Connectivity Under Fire: Satcom Terminals Meet EMC and EMP Survivability for Airborne Operations Satcom terminals engineered with survivability as a core design requirement have demonstrated compliance with stringent electromagnetic compatibility and electromagnetic pulse standards while sustaining reliable communications in demanding airborne military environments. The findings highlight terminal-level hardening as essential to preserving airborne satellite links under contested conditions.

2026-03-18T13:20:01.036137-07:00

Connectivity Under Fire: Satcom Terminals Meet EMC and EMP Survivability for Airborne Operations

DefenseNews.com

Biden to nominate Andrew Hunter as Air Force acquisition chief Biden will nominate Andrew Hunter as the Air Force's acquisition chief. Hunter is known in Washington as a low-key professional and a true expert on defense acquisition; the role places him over the service's procurement portfolio and major weapons programs.

2026-03-18T13:05:06.439737-07:00

Biden to nominate Andrew Hunter as Air Force acquisition chief

DefenseNews.com

USAF cuts MQ-9 Reaper combat lines from 60 to 56 to fund next‑generation fighters, trimming ISR capacity The U.S. Air Force will reduce MQ-9 Reaper combat lines from 60 to 56 in FY2022, reallocating budget to next‑generation fighter development as it scales back forces in the Middle East. The cut lowers available persistent ISR and strike capacity during the transition.

2026-03-18T13:05:06.094289-07:00

USAF cuts MQ-9 Reaper combat lines from 60 to 56 to fund next‑generation fighters, trimming ISR capacity

DefenseNews.com

Ellsworth to be first operational B-21 base The U.S. Air Force will place its first operational B-21 Raider at Ellsworth Air Force Base, with Whiteman and Dyess AFBs slated to receive aircraft as they become available. The basing plan sets the initial order of fielding for the service's next‑generation stealth bomber.

2026-03-18T12:44:26.856314-07:00

Ellsworth to be first operational B-21 base

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Military Aircraft Procurement News

Japan receives first Kongsberg JSMs but F-35A software delay prevents operational use

South Korea's first Embraer C-390 Millennium completes maiden flight in Brazil

USAF Special Operations issues RFI for lightweight, long‑range one‑way FPV attack drones

Biden to nominate Andrew Hunter as Air Force acquisition chief

News Timeline