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 in Norway, boosting F-35A strike capability

Japan took delivery of its first Kongsberg Joint Strike Missiles at a ceremony in Norway, a milestone that enhances the strike capability of its Lockheed Martin F-35A fleet. The shipment marks the start of Japan's fielding of JSMs on its stealth fighters.

2026-03-15T22:18:57.611304-07:00
Middle East   Accident   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
Associated Press • Mark Scolforo

Six U.S. service members killed in KC-135 tanker crash in western Iraq

By Associated Press: The U.S. military is identifying the six service members who died last week when a KC-135 refueling plane crashed in western Iraq.

Also: news.ssbcrack.com and The Independent
2026-03-15T10:53:55.037109-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

Pentagon reveals LUCAS loitering munition: 434 nm range, unit cost under $55,000

By FlightGlobal: The Pentagon has disclosed specifications for its LUCAS one-way attack drone, a reverse-engineered derivative of Iran's Shahed-136 offering 434nm range at costs between $10,000 and $55,000, as the US military deploys the type operationally for the first time in the Middle East theatre.

2026-03-15T08:59:43.411374-07:00
Satellite   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Space Defense & Militarization   Cybersecurity (Cyber Threats & Protection)  
SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

U.S. defense contract for Raytheon protected satellite communications terminals increased by $2 billion

By SpaceNews.com: Raytheon contract for protected satellite communications terminals raised by $2 billion Raytheon contract for protected satellite communications terminals raised by $2 billion.

2026-03-15T06:17:45.046914-07:00