Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Asia-Pacific (APAC)  
af.mil

US permanently bases F‑35A at Misawa AB; 13th Fighter Squadron begins transition

The U.S. Air Force has stationed F‑35A Lightning IIs at Misawa Air Base, Japan, marking the first permanent basing of the type there and beginning the 13th Fighter Squadron’s transition from F‑16s. The arrival on March 28 strengthens forward stealth-capable presence and Indo‑Pacific deterrence.

Also: aerospaceglobalnews.com and Stars and Stripes
2026-03-30T09:25:39.794613-07:00
Aircraft Carrier   North America   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
NEW
Reuters • Idrees Ali, Phil Stewart

Thousands of US Army paratroopers arrive in Middle East as buildup intensifies

By Reuters: Thousands of soldiers from the U.S. Army's elite 82nd Airborne Division have started arriving in the Middle East, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Monday, as President Donald Trump weighs his next steps in the war against Iran.

Also: AirForceTimes and al-monitor.com
2026-03-30T12:10:15.027889-07:00
Satellite   Middle East   Accident   Space Defense & Militarization   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
defence-industry.eu

Zelenskyy says Russia shared satellite intelligence with Iran ahead of attack on U.S. Base in Saudi Arabia

By defence-industry.eu: Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia had taken satellite images of a U.S. air base in Saudi Arabia in the days before an Iranian attack that wounded American personnel.

2026-03-29T15:58:11.004040-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Accident   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
Kyiv Independent • Kollen Post

Russia launches Iskander missile and ~164 drones (including ~90 Shahed-type); at least 4 killed, 35 injured in Ukraine

By Kyiv Independent: Russia launched an Iskander ballistic missile and 164 drones at Ukraine overnight, including around 90 Shahed-type long-range drones, the Air Force said.

Also: AeroTime
2026-03-30T04:17:41.001206-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   AI   Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Defense Policy   Airbus  
Airbus

Airbus’ uncrewed ‘Bird of Prey’ interceptor successfully autonomously engages kamikaze drone with Frankenburg missile

By Airbus: Successful first demo flight: Airbus’ uncrewed Bird of Prey interceptor autonomously engages kamikaze drone with Frankenburg missile.

Also: DefenseNews.com, FlightGlobal, Air Data News, Aviation Week, Aviation24, aeroxplorer.com, edrmagazine.eu, suasnews.com, indiastrategic.in, India Defense News and 6 more
2026-03-30T03:20:51.648413-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Orders   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Asia-Pacific (APAC)  
FlightGlobal • Craig Hoyle

Indonesian air force orders Pilatus PC-24 transports and signs LOI for PC-21 trainers

By FlightGlobal: Pilatus has secured its biggest military contract to date for the PC-24 light jet, with the Indonesian air force to take a dozen examples, while Jakarta also has expressed interest in acquiring its PC-21 turboprop trainer.

Also: Air Data News and AeroTime
2026-03-30T07:10:23.643094-07:00