ATC   North America   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Exploration & Science Missions   NASA  
The War Zone • Howard Altman, Joseph Trevithick

USAF RAT‑55 NT‑43A radar test‑bed 737 and WB‑57 rehearse in Artemis II launch airspace

USAF's secretive RAT‑55 (NT‑43A) radar test‑bed 737 has entered a new operational phase after flying under a NASA callsign in airspace reserved for the Artemis II launch. The NT‑43A and a WB‑57 performed rehearsals in restricted launch corridors to support the upcoming mission.

Also: The Aviationist and news.defcros.com
2026-04-01T16:38:38.694217-07:00
Supply Chain   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Defense Policy   Boeing  
Reuters

Pentagon inks 7‑year framework with Boeing, Lockheed to triple PAC‑3 MSE seeker production

By Reuters: The Pentagon on Wednesday said it had reached a framework seven-year deal with Boeing Co and Lockheed Martin Corp to triple production capacity for Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement seekers.

Also: Air Data News, AeroTime, Boeing, Bloomberg Law, Defense Daily, aeromorning.com, insidedefense.com, militarnyi.com, news.ssbcrack.com, Military Times, edrmagazine.eu, defence-industry.eu and insidedefense.com
2026-04-01T04:51:59.110748-07:00
Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Orders   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
FlightGlobal • Craig Hoyle

UK accepts final Tranche 1 F-35B Lightnings, completing initial 48-aircraft buy as future procurement plans remain undecided

By FlightGlobal: The UK has taken delivery of its last of 48 on-order Lockheed Martin F-35Bs, as firm details around its future purchase plans remain to be outlined. On 27 March, the UK’s Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) procurement body announced that the “final Tranche 1 F-35B Lightning has been accepted, completing the UK’s first batch of….

Also: Air Data News and Aviation A2Z
2026-04-01T04:01:25.324818-07:00
North America   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Policy & Regulation   Workforce & Skills Development   Defense Policy  
Canada.ca

Transport Canada aircraft services personnel join Canadian Coast Guard Defence Team

By Canada.ca: Today, the Canadian Coast Guard welcomed personnel from Transport Canada’s aircraft services to the Defence Team. The program provides federal aviation services to various government departments, including managing and maintaining a civilian fleet of aircraft that support operational flights, environmental response, natural disaster response, and remote community outreach.

2026-04-01T08:06:19.820994-07:00
Accident   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Policy & Regulation   Defense Policy  
Washington Post • Alex Horton, Dan Lamothe, Tara Copp

Pentagon chief blocks Army probe, absolves helicopter crews after Kid Rock flyby

By Washington Post: “No punishment. No investigation,” the Pentagon chief wrote on social media hours after military officials announced they had grounded the pilots involved.

Also: The Independent, globalnews.ca and the-independent.com
2026-04-01T02:58:25.323360-07:00
Supply Chain   Europe   M&A   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
Reuters

Arcline withdraws bid for Senior Plc — aerospace and defence supplier draws fresh interest from rival suitors

By Reuters: The field of suitors for British aerospace and defence supplier Senior Plc narrowed after private equity firm Arcline Investment Management dropped out of buyout talks on Wednesday, though negotiations with other bidders remained ongoing.

2026-04-01T02:45:25.380321-07:00