MTQ News

 On March 27, 2026, Germany signaled possible interest in adding a new autonomous combat layer to its air force when Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said in Australia that Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat was under consideration. The remark places Berlin in the growing debate over how collaborative combat aircraft could support existing fighter fleets. For the Luftwaffe, German Air Force, the relevance is immediate: any such system would be examined not as a replacement for the Eurofighter Typhoon, but as a force multiplier able to extend its reach and survivability in a more contested battlespace.  Read Full Defense News At This Link. Germany is evaluating the MQ-28 Ghost Bat as an autonomous teammate to enhance the reach, survivability, and combat effectiveness of its Eurofighter Typhoon fleet (Picture Source: Australian Air Force / U.S. Air Force) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/bEMtjYK via IFTTT

France’s Ministry of the Armed Forces awarded Mistral AI a three-year contract to deploy sovereign generative AI across its military. The framework agreement, notified in December 2025 and led by AMIAD, gives French forces and defense institutions access to foundation models, AI assistants, and document exploitation tools. The contract extends across the armed services and key agencies, including CEA, ONERA, and naval hydrographic units, embedding AI into operational workflows, research, and intelligence processing. The focus centers on secure deployment options such as on-premises and private cloud environments to maintain strict data control. Read more... France’s Ministry of the Armed Forces has selected Mistral AI under a three-year framework deal to strengthen sovereign defense AI capabilities, giving the French Army secure tools to accelerate data exploitation, staff work, and operational decision-making. Picture of Asgard, French military supercomputer (Picture source: French...

U.S. forces sharply increased their strike posture in the Middle East on March 27, 2026, as USS Tripoli, an America-class amphibious assault ship and its embarked Marines, entered U.S. Central Command, positioning a fifth-generation, sea-based air combat capability within immediate reach of Iran-linked threats. The move places F-35B stealth fighters at sea in a crisis zone, enabling rapid precision strikes and vertical assault operations without reliance on fixed regional bases. Centered on the America-class assault ship USS Tripoli, the deployment brings an aviation-heavy Marine force built for distributed operations and fast-response combat. By shifting advanced airpower offshore, the U.S. reduces vulnerability to regional basing constraints while sustaining persistent pressure on hostile networks, reinforcing deterrence at a moment of escalating proxy attacks. Read full Naval News at this link … A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II operates in the U.S. Central Command area,...

U.S. Marines from the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment (3rd MLR ) successfully engaged low-altitude drone threats with the MADIS air defense system during live-fire drills at Fort Irwin, demonstrating the Corps’ ability to counter small unmanned systems in contested environments. The event confirmed MADIS can detect, track, and neutralize fast, low-signature targets using a mix of kinetic and electronic effects from the JLTV 4x4 armored vehicle. The live-fire validation strengthens the Marine Corps’ push to field distributed, survivable air defense units capable of operating inside Indo-Pacific threat zones. By proving MADIS performance under realistic desert conditions, 3rd MLR advances a critical capability to protect dispersed forces against the growing threat of drones in future conflicts. Read full Defense News at this link … U.S. Marine Corps MADIS JLTV equipped with a 30mm automatic cannon as part of the multi-vehicle Marine Air Defense Integrated System, highlighting its rol...

The U.S. Department of Defense has proposed a $65 million initiative to integrate the PAC-3 MSE missile interceptor onto U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyers equipped with the Aegis combat system.  Read full defense news at this link... A PAC-3 MSE integration would give U.S Navy ships an additional interceptor optimized for short- to medium-range engagements against high-density threats, which are currently managed with a limited mix of Standard Missiles. (Picture source: Lockheed Martin) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/M7kf5KO via IFTTT

South Korea has unveiled the KF-21EJ electronic warfare variant of the KF-21 Boramae, developed by Korea Aerospace Industries, to expand its ability to penetrate and disrupt advanced enemy air defense networks.  Read full defense news at this link... The KF-21EJ would most plausibly accompany formations of KF-21 Boramae and provide continuous electronic attack coverage during all mission phases, including ingress, target engagement, and egress. (Picture source: KFN) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/nDRcheC via IFTTT

Ukraine demonstrated its long-range strike capability by damaging a Russian Project 23550 Arktika-class icebreaking patrol ship, identified as the Purga, at the Vyborg shipyard deep inside Russian territory.  Read full defense news at this link... Russia’s approach in the Arctic relies on persistent presence and logistical support, making vessels like the Project 23550 (such as the Purga and the Ivan Papanin) central to its strategy. (Picture source: Ukraine AFU and Russian MoD) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/qGDywX8 via IFTTT

Europe’s SAMP/T NG air defense system is positioning itself as a serious challenger to the U.S. Patriot, offering advanced protection against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft, and drones. Developed by the Franco-Italian Eurosam consortium, the system combines next-generation radar with upgraded interceptors to deliver performance aligned with the most modern Patriot variants. Beyond technical parity, SAMP/T NG marks a strategic shift for Europe, reducing reliance on U.S. systems while strengthening sovereign defense capabilities. As demand for integrated air and missile defense accelerates, the program underscores Europe’s push to secure its own skies with domestically controlled, high-end solutions. Read full Defense News at this link … SAMP/T NG and Patriot air defense systems are compared side by side, highlighting differences in radar coverage, missile performance, and ballistic missile interception capability as Europe advances a sovereign alternative to the U....

The vehicles were produced at Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Redbank, part of Canberra’s LAND 400 Phase 2 program to field 211 Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles. The delivery marks a key transition as Australia moves from importing armored platforms to sustaining domestic production, with long-term implications for maintenance, upgrades, and export potential. The Boxer CRV, equipped with a Lance turret and an advanced sensor suite, is designed to deliver enhanced reconnaissance, firepower, and survivability for the Australian Army. Read more.  The Boxer CRV itself reflects a modular armored fighting vehicle design centered on a mission module concept, allowing rapid reconfiguration between roles (Picture source: Australian MoD) Read full Defense news.  from World Defence News https://ift.tt/W9gkDpn via IFTTT

  On March 18, 2026, U.S. Marines carried out a live-fire FIM-92 Stinger event at Daecheon Firing Range in the Republic of Korea during Korean Marine Exchange Program 26.1, a semi-annual exercise that brings together ROK Marine Corps and U.S. Marine Corps units to train together, improving their combined capabilities to deter threats and maintain peace on the Korean Peninsula. The drill focused on strengthening the ability of Marine air defenders to detect, track, and engage enemy aircraft while reinforcing integrated air defense capabilities. At a time of persistent tension on the peninsula, such training highlights the practical importance of short-range air defense in allied military readiness. The event offered a clear illustration of how bilateral training is translated into operational proficiency in the field. Read Full Defense News At This link. U.S. and South Korean Marines sharpened their ability to shoot down low-flying threats with live Stinger missile fire, re...

London’s decision expands enforcement from monitoring to physical interdiction, allowing Royal Navy units and maritime police to stop, inspect, and potentially detain vessels tied to Russia’s shadow fleet. These ships, often operating under opaque ownership and flags of convenience, have been used to bypass price caps and sanctions on Russian crude exports. The policy introduces operational risk for illicit oil transport through key maritime routes near the UK, including the English Channel and North Sea approaches. Officials indicate enforcement could begin immediately, backed by intelligence tracking and allied coordination. Read more.  The Royal Navy tracked the vessel and supplied critical intelligence during a French-led interception and boarding of a sanctioned Russian oil tanker in the Mediterranean. (Picture source: British MoD) Read full Defense news.  from World Defence News https://ift.tt/VozfU3g via IFTTT

 On March 24, 2026, Lockheed Martin announced that its new GRIZZLY containerized launcher had completed live-fire trials, including an integrated HELLFIRE missile firing and a vertical-launch test, in a development that highlights growing military interest in mobile, low-signature missile systems. The announcement comes as armed forces place increasing emphasis on launchers that can be moved quickly, concealed more easily and integrated into dispersed operations. At a time when drones, persistent surveillance and precision strikes are making traditional firing positions more vulnerable, GRIZZLY enters the debate as a compact and potentially hard-to-target missile delivery option.    Read Full Defense News At This Link. Lockheed Martin has demonstrated its GRIZZLY containerized launcher firing a HELLFIRE missile, showcasing a fast-deploying, low-signature system designed for dispersed and harder-to-target strike operations (Picture Source: Lockheed Martin) ...

 On March 25, 2026, South Korea rolled out the first mass-production KF-21 Boramae, marking a decisive milestone in a national combat aviation program designed to replace the Republic of Korea Air Force’s aging F-4 and F-5 fighter fleets. The ceremony, held in Sacheon in the presence of President Lee Jae-myung, signaled the shift from prototype validation and flight testing to serial output for frontline use. More than an industrial event, the rollout confirms that the KF-21 is now entering the force-generation phase, where production aircraft begin shaping squadron planning, training pipelines and future air combat readiness. The development is especially relevant at a time when regional airpower modernization is accelerating and indigenous defense manufacturing has become a strategic priority for South Korea.  Read Full Defense News At This Link. South Korea has rolled out its first production KF-21 Boramae fighter, marking the transition from testing to operational...

The Italian Senate has approved the free transfer of the aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi to Indonesia, enabling the Indonesian Navy to expand its maritime aviation and command capabilities through the acquisition of a former Italian Navy flagship.  Read full defense news at this link... The Senate’s approval allows the Italian government to legally proceed with the transfer of the Giuseppe Garibaldi to Indonesia under Article 311 of the military code, which requires a binding parliamentary opinion before any free transfer of military equipment. (Picture source: Italian Navy) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/jbXSfTa via IFTTT

The US Army Research Laboratory introduced the SPARTA drone, a 3D-printed reconnaissance system designed for rapid production, modular payload integration, and squad-level deployment.  Read full defense news at this link... The SPARTA is a lightweight 3D-printed drone with an endurance of 30 to 60 minutes, a range of over 30 km, a modular payload bay, and fully 3D-printable airframe producible overnight at just over $1,000 per unit (Picture source: US Army) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/rxX4WSt via IFTTT

Aerovironment’s $17.58 million Red Dragon award gives the U.S. Army a new ground-launched one-way attack drone optimized for GPS-denied, communications-degraded combat, extending precision strike reach far beyond the front line while reducing exposure for soldiers on the ground. The contract includes air vehicles, launchers, ground control stations, training, and field support. The package signals rapid fielding intent as the Army accelerates deployment of autonomous, EW-resistant strike drones. Red Dragon enters service less than a year after its unveiling, aligning with Pentagon demand for scalable, low-cost one-way attack systems. Read more... AeroVironment’s Red Dragon gives the U.S. Army a ground-launched attack drone built for GPS-denied combat, helping small units strike targets at long range. The $17.6 million contract reflects the Army’s push for more autonomous precision-strike drones (Picture source: Aerovironment). from World Defence News https://ift.tt/LohjngD ...

 U.S. Central Command released strike footage showing the destruction of an Iranian Arash-2 drone during Operation Epic Fury, underscoring that U.S. forces are actively targeting Tehran’s drone threat. The visuals confirm a direct campaign against Iran’s one-way attack drone capability, a system widely used to project force across the region. The operation began Feb. 28, 2026, and now spans a wide set of Iranian military targets, including command centers, air defenses, ballistic missile sites, anti-ship systems, and drone production facilities. The Arash-2 strike is not an isolated hit, it supports a broader effort to degrade Iran’s ability to produce, launch, and sustain drone attacks over time.  Read More At This Link. U.S. Central Command released strike footage showing an Iranian Arash-2 drone destroyed during Operation Epic Fury, underscoring a broader campaign to dismantle Iran’s drone warfare capability at the source (Picture Source: U.S. CENTCOM) from ...

Held with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment at Vilseck from 3 to 13 March, the XTech Edge Strike Ground Competition pushed unmanned platforms through realistic combat scenarios. Out of 170 initial entries, 17 reached final trials, where soldiers tested mobility, payload integration, and command interoperability under operational conditions. UNEX emerged as one of five selected systems after demonstrating mission flexibility and compatibility with existing tactical networks. The event reflects a shift toward soldier-driven evaluation, with direct operator feedback shaping future procurement decisions. Read more .  UNEX unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) is designed as a fully electric, multi-role platform combining amphibious mobility and modular architecture. (Picture source: ABRIS) Read full Defense news.  from World Defence News https://ift.tt/iwDCHNV via IFTTT

The aircraft, supplied by Sweden, was observed flying over Ukrainian airspace, demonstrating Kyiv’s new ability to detect and track low-altitude cruise missiles and drones at extended ranges. The activity, revealed on March 20, 2026, through footage shared by WarTranslated, suggests the Saab 340 AEW&C has entered active service following its transfer announced in May 2024, strengthening Ukraine’s early warning network and improving real-time coordination in response to high-volume Russian strike operations.  Read full defense news at this link... The Saab 340 AEW&C, also known as ASC 890, is capable of tracking up to 1,000 airborne targets and 500 surface targets simultaneously, and its radar’s lookdown capability allows it to detect low-flying threats that would otherwise be obscured by terrain. (Picture source: NATO and X/WarTranslated) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/8kCD3hf via IFTTT

Iran claimed it used its new Arash-2 loitering munition to strike Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, presenting the drone as a long-range precision weapon capable of penetrating defended airspace. The announcement marks a clear attempt by Tehran to showcase a deep-strike capability against high-value targets. According to Iranian Army spokesperson Brigadier General Mohammad Akrami Naeini, the Arash-2 successfully hit the airport and is engineered to evade advanced detection systems. The drone is assessed as an upgraded one-way attack UAV within Iran’s expanding loitering munition arsenal, built for extended-range, precision missions. No independent verification has confirmed the strike or any damage at the airport. Read full Defense News at this link … Launch of the Iranian Arash-2 long-range loitering munition during a military demonstration, highlighting its deep-strike and low-detectability capabilities. (Source: Iranian Army) Read More from World Defence News https://ift....

Iran launched a two-stage ballistic missile toward the U.S.-UK base on Diego Garcia, according to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) Chief of Staff, in what would be the longest-range strike attempt ever attributed to Iran at roughly 4,000 km. Early assessments indicate a system that exceeds Iran’s declared 2,000-kilometer limits, signaling a significant expansion of its strike capability. The attempt places Diego Garcia, a cornerstone of U.S. bomber operations and Indo-Pacific logistics, within potential reach for the first time, forcing an immediate reassessment of base vulnerability, force dispersion, and missile defense priorities. It also raises escalation risks across the region, as Iran demonstrates a capacity to threaten high-value Western assets far beyond its previously accepted operational range. Read full Defense News at this link … Estimated 4,000 km strike envelope of Iran’s two-stage ballistic missile, extending reach from Iranian territory to Diego Garcia and markin...

 On March 21, 2026, aviation photographer Jarod Hamilton captured the clearest public images yet of an F-22A Raptor flying with stealth-shaped external fuel tanks and faceted mission pods, including one with an apparent infrared or electro-optical sensor aperture. The images reveal a concrete upgrade to the U.S. Air Force’s premier air-superiority fighter, aimed at extending survivable range and enabling passive target detection in high-threat environments.  Read Full Defense News At This Link.  New images show an F-22 Raptor flying with stealth fuel tanks and sensor pods, signaling a U.S. push to extend range and boost passive detection in high-threat air combat (Picture Source: Jarod Hamilton on X) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/QDctATI via IFTTT

  On March 19, 2026, the Royal British Navy tracked the Russian frigate RFN Soobrazitelny and the sanctioned tanker MV Anatoly Kolodkin during a 48-hour surveillance mission in UK waters, maintaining continuous contact as both vessels transited the English Channel. The operation highlights Britain’s and NATO’s ability to track and respond rapidly to Russian naval activity across critical European sea lanes. It also reinforces allied oversight of the English Channel, one of the world’s busiest and most strategically important maritime corridors. Beyond the immediate patrol, it reflects a broader effort to maintain constant situational awareness in waters increasingly shaped by military signaling and strategic competition. Read More At This link. The Royal Navy used HMS Mersey and a Wildcat helicopter to continuously track a Russian frigate and a sanctioned tanker through the English Channel, underscoring intensified NATO maritime surveillance in European waters (Picture Sou...

  The Netherlands moves to join the U.S. Collaborative Combat Aircraft program to expand F-35 unmanned teaming capabilities. The step positions Dutch forces inside a critical U.S.-led effort shaping future AI-enabled air combat. The Dutch Ministry of Defence confirmed plans to sign a Letter of Acceptance after its October 2025 Letter of Intent, unlocking access to CCA data, operational concepts, and technical expertise. While the move stops short of a procurement commitment, it gives the Netherlands direct exposure to the technologies, doctrine, and partnerships driving crewed-uncrewed combat aviation, with TNO and NLR set to accelerate Dutch and broader European expertise in the field. Read Full Defense News At This Link. The Netherlands is moving to join the U.S. Collaborative Combat Aircraft program to enhance F-35 unmanned teaming, illustrated by the U.S.'s F-35As paired with an XQ-58A Valkyrie, image for illustrative purposes only (Picture source: U.S. Air Force) ...

The U.S. Navy and Hadrian have opened a high-capacity manufacturing facility in Cherokee, Alabama, expanding production of critical components for Virginia-class attack submarines and Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines. The site is designed to accelerate output and eliminate key bottlenecks as the Navy pushes to meet rising demand across both programs. The facility delivers a direct boost to undersea warfare capability by increasing the speed and reliability of parts that underpin fleet readiness and nuclear deterrence. Its launch comes at a pivotal moment, as the Columbia-class program anchors U.S. strategic deterrence and any delay carries national-level consequences. Read full Naval News at this link … U.S. Navy USS Iowa (SSN 797), a Virginia-class submarine, as the US Navy expands mass production to boost fleet readiness (Picture source: U.S. Department of War) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/Fjd1L2D via IFTTT

The U.S. Air Force has deployed B-2 Spirit stealth bombers in Operation Epic Fury, striking hardened targets in Iran and demonstrating the ability to penetrate advanced air defenses to destroy deeply buried facilities. The mission underscores Washington’s capacity to hold critical infrastructure at risk inside heavily defended environments. Built by Northrop Grumman, the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber delivered bunker-busting munitions against fortified sites, reinforcing its role as a core element of U.S. strategic strike power. With an intercontinental range and the ability to carry weapons such as the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, the aircraft provides a unique capability to eliminate high-value, hardened targets at scale. Read full Defense Aerospace News at this link … U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber demonstrates deep-strike capability during Operation Epic Fury, penetrating advanced air defenses to deliver precision bunker-busting munitions against hardened target...

The United States has approved a $1.22 billion Foreign Military Sale to the United Arab Emirates for 400 AIM-120C-7/C-8 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, reinforcing the country’s ability to intercept advanced aerial threats in beyond-visual-range engagements.  Read full defense news at this link... Integration of the AMRAAM missile within the UAE Air Force is centered on its primary fighter fleet, such as the F-16 Block 60, used for air superiority and interception missions against aerial threats such as drones and missiles (Picture source: US Air Force) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/Ijbegmd via IFTTT

Defense officials told Congress on March 18, 2026, that the Department of Defense is assessing options to accelerate B-21 output, potentially reshaping delivery timelines for the stealth bomber program. Built by Northrop Grumman, the B-21 is central to replacing portions of the B-1 and B-2 fleets over the next decade and to strengthening both conventional and nuclear deterrence. Early production decisions could influence unit costs, industrial base workload, and the pace of bomber force modernization. Read more.   A B-2 Spirit performs a low pass flyover during the Warriors over the Wasatch airshow at Hill Air Force Base on June 29, 2024. (Picture source: US DoD) Read full Defense news.  from World Defence News https://ift.tt/6nj9Ic3 via IFTTT

Rheinmetall and Italy’s Agenzia Industrie Difesa are moving to upgrade the Italian Army’s legacy MATS anti-tank mine into the MATS MK2, a decision that goes well beyond routine stockpile maintenance. Announced on March 19, 2026, the program covers joint development, testing and production under a February MoU, with RWM Italia leading design and industrial execution. Work is expected within 12 months, converting legacy stockpiles into requalified, safer and operationally relevant munitions. Rather than replacing the system, the upgrade focuses on fuze modernization, explosive validation and long-term storage reliability. Read more... Rheinmetall and Italy’s Agenzia Industrie Difesa are upgrading the Italian Army’s legacy MATS anti-tank mine to the MATS MK2, improving safety, extending service life and preserving a large-scale anti-armor obstacle capability for modern battlefield operations (Picture source: OSINT). from World Defence News https://ift.tt/SROHKtz via IFTTT

Three electromagnetic catapults will equip France’s PA-NG carrier, increasing launch rate and aircraft weight capacity. The configuration was confirmed on March 16 ahead of President Emmanuel Macron’s March 18 visit to Naval Group’s Nantes-Indret facility, where nuclear propulsion construction has begun, as a fallback plan is prepared if U.S. approval is denied. Read more.  The PA-NG is conceived on a far larger scale than the Charles de Gaulle, with a displacement of around 80,000 tonnes, a length of approximately 310 meters, and a flight deck about 85 meters wide, compared to 42,000 tonnes and 261 meters for its predecessor. (Picture source: Naval Group) Read full Defense news.  from World Defence News https://ift.tt/072BDEX via IFTTT

Leonardo will conduct the first operational test of its Michelangelo integrated air and missile defense architecture in Ukraine by the end of 2026, using real combat conditions for validation. The system combines sensors, interceptors, command networks, and space assets, with further NATO trials expected to follow in 2027.  Read full defense news at this link... The Michelangelo Dome system, first introduced in November 2025, is a multi-domain architecture integrating air, land, maritime, and space components into a unified defensive network to detect, track, and neutralize a wide spectrum of threats. (Picture source: Leonardo) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/aNKZnft via IFTTT

The Royal Netherlands Navy has used Shield AI’s V-BAT reconnaissance drone at sea for the first time, launching the system from the amphibious transport ship HNLMS Johan de Witt during Exercise Cold Response off Norway. Announced by the Dutch Ministry of Defence on 17 March 2026, the move turns a compact U.S.-built uncrewed aircraft into a new shipborne ISR asset designed to expand maritime situational awareness, improve route assessment, and accelerate decisions for Dutch naval commanders operating in contested waters. Read more... Royal Netherlands Navy personnel operate Shield AI’s V-BAT aboard HNLMS Johan de Witt during its first at-sea deployment, marking a key step in fielding a compact shipborne ISR drone to strengthen Dutch and NATO maritime surveillance in contested waters (Picture source: Dutch Navy). from World Defence News https://ift.tt/k8TUaqv via IFTTT

The French Air and Space Force deployed around 40 aircraft during the Poker exercise from March 16 to 17, 2026, simulating a nuclear strike in contested airspace. The operation demonstrates France’s ability to execute coordinated deep strike missions and sustain a credible airborne nuclear deterrent under realistic threat conditions. Read more .  A Rafale B flies alongside an A330 MRTT during the POKER 2026 strategic exercise. The aircraft is carrying a mock-up of the ASMPA-R supersonic nuclear cruise missile, as part of a mission designed to simulate a full nuclear strike profile. (Picture source: French MoD) Read full Defense news.  from World Defence News https://ift.tt/DLUYWKN via IFTTT

The Greek Navy deployed the Psara frigate to Cyprus in March 2026 following a drone attack near RAF Akrotiri. The vessel is equipped with the Centauros electronic warfare system to counter low-altitude Iranian UAVs. The mission focuses on defensive operations in the Eastern Mediterranean and on reducing reliance on high-cost missile interceptors.  Read full defense news at this link... This expertise was developed during the frigate’s 2024 deployment in the Red Sea under EU Operation Aspides, where the Psara protected shipping lanes against Iranian-made drones by using its Centauros system. (Picture source: Greek Navy) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/fHbLPB5 via IFTTT

 Japan is moving forward with the deployment of its upgraded Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile, marking a step in expanding its long-range strike capabilities, as elements of the system were presented to local officials at the Ground Self-Defense Force’s Kengun Garrison in Kumamoto on March 17, 2026. The event, attended by regional leadership including Governor Takashi Kimura and Mayor Kazufumi Onishi, comes just ahead of an initial operational rollout expected by the end of the month, underscoring Tokyo’s accelerating effort to field counterstrike systems as part of a broader shift in national defense policy in response to regional security pressures. Read more.  An upgraded Type 12 surface-to-ship missile is launched from a ground-based platform during a test in Japan, demonstrating extended stand-off engagement capabilities. (Picture source: Japanese Defense Ministry) Read full Defense news.  from World Defence News https://ift.tt/Fa8cvzR via IFTTT