Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

Japan receives first Kongsberg JSMs but F-35A software delay prevents operational use

Japan has taken delivery of its first Kongsberg Joint Strike Missiles (JSM), but the weapons cannot be fielded because software integration on Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35A fighters remains incomplete, the JASDF chief of staff confirmed. Until the F-35A software is finished, the JSMs will not be operationally deployable.

2026-03-19T01:09:13.271732-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Orders   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Asia-Pacific (APAC)   Embraer  
FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

Embraer C-390 destined for Republic of Korea Air Force completes maiden flight in Brazil

By FlightGlobal: The first Embraer C-390 tactical transport destined for the Republic of Korea Air Force has completed its maiden flight from the manufacturer's facility near Sao Paulo.

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
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.

Also: Associated Press, aviationnews.eu, Naval News, Air Data News, Aviation Week, interestingengineering.com, aa.com.tr, lemonde.fr, Army Recognition, navylookout.com, The Independent and Army Recognition
2026-03-18T10:29:04.272055-07:00
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
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.

Also: Military Times and news.ssbcrack.com
2026-03-18T13:35:27.250925-07:00
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.

Also: Seeking Alpha, Defense Daily, rocketlabcorp.com and Seeking Alpha
2026-03-18T15:12:21.968064-07:00