Aircraft Carrier   Europe   Accident   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
Reuters

USS Gerald R. Ford docks in Split, Croatia for repairs after onboard fire during Middle East deployment

The U.S. Navy carrier USS Gerald R. Ford anchored in Split, Croatia for repairs and maintenance after an onboard fire during its extended Middle East deployment supporting U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran. The arrival ends an at-sea diversion and will address damage and conduct systems checks before the carrier resumes operations.

Also: Air Data News
2026-03-28T04:31:23.220729-07:00
Aircraft Carrier   Europe   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Cybersecurity (Cyber Threats & Protection)   Defense Policy  
Washington Post • AP, John Leicester

Sailor’s Strava activity exposes aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle’s location; France says it has taken measures

By Washington Post: France says it’s taking “appropriate measures” after a naval officer’s use of the Strava sports app inadvertently enabled journalists to geolocate the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the Mediterranean.

2026-03-27T10:12:37.203433-07:00
Supply Chain   North America   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Defense Policy  
AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

US Air Force, Northrop Grumman Break Ground on Sentinel ICBM Prototype Silo in Utah

By AeroTime: The US Air Force and Northrop Grumman have broken ground on a Sentinel ICBM prototype silo in Utah as the program targets initial capability by the early 2030s.

Also: defensetalks.com, Defense Daily and defence-industry.eu
2026-03-27T07:35:05.355632-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Helicopter   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Defense Policy   Boeing  
FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

US Army successfully launches UAS from AH-64E Apache in flight test, advancing 'launched effects' capability

By FlightGlobal: The US Army has positioned “launched effects” as a major pillar of its aviation modernisation strategy, enhancing the capability of crewed rotorcraft while increasing survivability.

Also: DVIDS / U.S. DoD, defensehere.com and aeromorning.com
2026-03-27T07:46:05.970680-07:00
Helicopter   Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Policy  
FlightGlobal • Dominic Perry

Norway reprioritises defence plan for ASW frigates and helicopters, delays army/SF helicopters and rules out C-130J expansion

By FlightGlobal: Norway has revised its most recent defence spending plan, prioritising the acquisition of new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates and accompanying helicopters, while postponing the purchase of new helicopters for its army and special forces and ruling out an increase to its fleet of Lockheed Martin C-130J transports.

Also: Aviation Week
2026-03-27T08:15:27.666174-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Export Controls & Trade Compliance   Defense Deals   Defense Policy  
AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

US diverts Swiss F-35 funds to cover frozen Patriot payments

By AeroTime: Washington has redirected over 100 million Swiss francs in F-35 payments to the Patriot program, circumventing a freeze over delays imposed by Bern in 2025.

2026-03-27T02:38:12.188468-07:00