Event   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Space Defense & Militarization   Asia-Pacific (APAC)   Defense Policy  
AeroTime • Jean Carmela Lim

ASPCon26 in Canberra spotlights air and space power in national defence

The Air and Space Power Conference 2026 (ASPCon26) convened in Canberra, bringing together global military leaders and senior defence officials to explore the role of air and space power in national defence. The event served as a forum for exchanging perspectives on strategic priorities and multinational cooperation.

2026-03-17T06:54:55.753057-07:00
Middle East   Accident   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Airbus  
AeroTime

Israel says it destroyed Airbus A340-300 used by Iran’s late Supreme Leader

By AeroTime: Airbus A340-300 Israel says it destroyed Airbus A340-300 used by Iran’s late leader Israel said it destroyed an aircraft used by Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in an overnight… ByStephen PopeMarch 16, 2026.

Also: The Aviationist
2026-03-17T00:45:06.678576-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Accident   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Asia-Pacific (APAC)  
DefenseNews.com • Valerie Insinna

F-35A Loses External Panel During Training Flight ~65 Miles East of Okinawa

By DefenseNews.com: An aircraft panel measuring approximately 12 inches by 24 inches dropped from an F-35A sometime during a “routine training mission” about 65 miles east of Okinawa.

2026-03-16T22:40:06.535857-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Asia-Pacific (APAC)  
FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

Japan’s EC-2 EW aircraft approaches service entry

By FlightGlobal: The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) has released images of its developmental Kawasaki EC-2 electronic warfare aircraft, converted from the first C-2 transport delivered, as the service weighs acquisition numbers and its future transport fleet composition.

2026-03-16T22:54:52.363355-07:00
North America   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Boeing  
DefenseNews.com • Valerie Insinna

Canada to buy used Australian F/A-18s, effectively killing Boeing Super Hornet bid

By DefenseNews.com: Canada’s Liberal government will announce next week plans to proceed with an interim buy of used F/A-18 Hornets from Australia, dashing Boeing’s hopes of a Super Hornet sale, three sources familiar with the situation told Reuters.

2026-03-16T22:40:06.484913-07:00
Israel   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
DefenseNews.com • Barbara Opall-Rome

Israel declares first squadron of nine F-35s operational

By DefenseNews.com: The Israeli Air Force has declared its initial squadron of nine F-35 stealth fighters ready for operational use, less than a year after the first two were delivered here by the U.S.

2026-03-16T22:40:06.486827-07:00