UAV Development & Drone Programs   Middle East   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Deals   Defense Policy   Thales  
FlightGlobal • Craig Hoyle

UK orders additional Thales Martlet missiles as counter-drone demand surges

The UK Ministry of Defence has placed another order for Thales' Martlet lightweight multirole missile after demand surged for air-launched counter-drone weapons amid the Middle East conflict. The contract boosts UK stocks of small, helicopter- and light‑aircraft‑launched missiles for defeating small UAS and short‑range aerial threats.

Also: Aviation Week
2026-03-19T04:19:33.502591-07:00
Space Force   North America   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
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Bloomberg • Andreas Kluth

Inside NORAD’s Mountain HQ: How U.S.-Canadian Air Defence Patrols the Arctic

By Bloomberg: Escorting me out of his office, General Gregory Guillot pulls me aside to look at a few photos on the walls. We’re at the Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, which is the headquarters of the American military’s Northern Command and also of the binational US-Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command, both of which Guillot oversees.

2026-03-19T04:09:52.483061-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

Japan JSM deployment delayed by F-35A software issues

By FlightGlobal: Japan has taken delivery of its first Kongsberg Joint Strike Missiles (JSMs), but the weapons cannot yet be deployed operationally as software integration work on the JASDF's F-35A fighters remains incomplete, the service's chief of staff has confirmed.

2026-03-19T01:09:13.271732-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Orders   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Asia-Pacific (APAC)   Embraer  
FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

Embraer C-390 destined for Republic of Korea Air Force completes maiden flight in Brazil

By FlightGlobal: The first Embraer C-390 tactical transport destined for the Republic of Korea Air Force has completed its maiden flight from the manufacturer's facility near Sao Paulo.

Also: jetlinemarvel.net and 4 more
2026-03-18T21:40:23.895071-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Europe   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
The War Zone • Joseph Trevithick

RQ-180 Secret Stealth Drone Appears To Have Made An Emergency Landing At A Greek Air Base

By The War Zone: Spotters in Greece have caught an especially good look at what appears to be a particularly secretive drone.

Also: Army Recognition and news.defcros.com
2026-03-18T15:39:58.961557-07:00
North America   Airports   Accident   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
Associated Press • Freida Frisaro

FBI: Suspicious package containing possible energetic materials found at MacDill Air Force Base

By Associated Press: The FBI says a suspicious package found at MacDill Air Force Base contains possible energetic materials, and the investigation is ongoing.

Also: The Independent and orlandosentinel.com
2026-03-18T14:39:49.011104-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Defense Policy  
DefenseNews.com • Michael Peck

USAF Special Operations Issues RFI for One‑Way 'Kamikaze' Attack Drones

By DefenseNews.com: The U.S. Air Force wants small one-way attack drones for its special operations forces, according to an Air Force Request for Information.

Also: interestingengineering.com, Military Times, news.defcros.com and news.ssbcrack.com
2026-03-18T13:35:27.250925-07:00