Dassault Aviation   Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Airbus  
AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

FCAS dispute deepens as Airbus warns there is 'no plan B' and Germany seeks alternatives

A governance and leadership clash between Airbus and Dassault has intensified doubts over the tri‑national Future Combat Air System (FCAS). Airbus warned March 17 that 'there is no plan B' while Germany explores alternatives and Airbus Defence's CEO has endorsed twin‑fighter options, putting the programme's future in question.

Also: euractiv.com
2026-03-16T05:12:25.541351-07:00
Dassault Aviation   Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

FCAS: Dassault ready for “plan B” if cooperation with Airbus fails

By AeroTime: Since the beginning of 2021, many voices have been heard doubting the feasibility of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, a “system of systems” built around a sixth-generation fighter jet, the Next Generation Fighter (NGF).

2026-03-16T05:12:25.653067-07:00
Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

‘Epic Fury’ shows airpower’s limits as Iran leverages the Strait of Hormuz

By FlightGlobal: Despite striking 6,000 targets and destroying over 90 Iranian vessels, the US-Israeli air campaign against Iran has devolved into strategic stalemate as Tehran leverages control of the Strait of Hormuz and asymmetric tactics to counter overwhelming aerial superiority.

2026-03-16T03:18:51.187780-07:00
Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Thales  
FlightGlobal • Craig Hoyle

Thales to supply radio management system for Pilatus PC‑7 trainer to undisclosed European operator

By FlightGlobal: Thales has been chosen to provide a radio management system for use by an undisclosed European customer for the Pilatus PC-7 trainer.

2026-03-16T04:33:48.390559-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Middle East   Accident   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

Drone strike at Ali Al Salem Air Base destroys Italian MQ-9; Italian personnel unharmed

By AeroTime: A drone strike hit Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, destroying an Italian MQ-9 but causing no injuries among Italian personnel.

2026-03-16T02:08:51.886406-07:00
AI   Supply Chain   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
Bloomberg • Ignacio Gonzalez

Industrials' S&P 500 Earnings Beat Driven by Defense, Aerospace and AI Spending

By Bloomberg: US industrial companies delivered the biggest earnings surprise of any sector last quarter, with profits topping estimates as defense demand, commercial aerospace and artificial intelligence-related capital spending powered results.

2026-03-16T03:34:28.791605-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Deals   Defense Policy  
FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

Japan receives first Kongsberg Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) for F-35A fleet, boosting strike capability

By FlightGlobal: Japan has taken delivery of its first Kongsberg Joint Strike Missiles during a ceremony in Norway, marking a significant enhancement to the strike capabilities of its Lockheed Martin F-35A fleet.

Also: Aviation Week
2026-03-15T22:18:57.611304-07:00