Military Aircraft Procurement Orders Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Asia-Pacific (APAC) Embraer

FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

First Embraer C-390 for Republic of Korea completes maiden flight in Brazil

Embraer's first C-390 Millennium for the Republic of Korea Air Force completed its maiden flight from the manufacturer's facility near São Paulo. The tactical transport underwent a full flight evaluation and will enter testing and systems integration to meet ROKAF requirements as Asia's first C-390 operator.

Also: jetlinemarvel.net and adj.com.my

2026-03-18T21:40:23.895071-07:00

Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons Defense Industry & Major Contractors Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact

DefenseNews.com • Zita Fletcher

Lockheed Martin tests upgraded Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) designed for anti-ship strikes

By DefenseNews.com: The upgraded missile is backed by "significant investment" and is advancing rapidly through initial tests.

Also: news.ssbcrack.com, Military Times and c4isrnet.com

2026-03-18T16:49:25.634799-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Europe Defense Industry & Major Contractors Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact

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: The Aviationist 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: abcnews.com, The Independent and orlandosentinel.com

2026-03-18T14:39:49.011104-07:00

Aircraft Carrier Europe Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Budgets & Spending Defense Industry & Major Contractors Defense Policy

Bloomberg • Kavita Mokha

France Names Next Nuclear Aircraft Carrier 'Free France' as Paris Bolsters Naval Capabilities

By Bloomberg: President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday named the nation’s next aircraft carrier “Free France,” in a homage to the World War II resistance movement as the nuclear power moves to bolster its naval capabilities.

The Aviationist

France names next-generation nuclear carrier 'France Libre' — two reactors, ~80,000t, to replace current carrier

Reuters

Macron names new French aircraft carrier 'Free France' in nod to resistance

Also: Associated Press, aviationnews.eu, Naval News, Air Data News, Aviation Week, aa.com.tr, lemonde.fr, Army Recognition, navylookout.com, The Independent and Army Recognition

2026-03-18T10:29:04.272055-07:00

Defense Budgets & Spending Defense Industry & Major Contractors Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Commercial Space Space Defense & Militarization

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Rocket Lab wins $190 million Pentagon deal for hypersonic test flights

By SpaceNews.com: Rocket Lab wins $190 million Pentagon deal for hypersonic test flights Rocket Lab wins $190 million Pentagon deal for hypersonic test flights.

rnz.co.nz

Rocket Lab wins record contract from U.S. Department of Defense

Defense Daily

Rocket Lab Nabs $190 Million Contract For HASTE Launches In Support Of Hypersonic Testing

Also: Seeking Alpha, rocketlabcorp.com and Seeking Alpha

2026-03-18T15:12:21.968064-07:00

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.