Americas – Page 58 – The Defense Post

Mar- 2026 -

12 March

USAF B-21 Raider Spotted in Aerial Refueling Tests Ahead of 2027 Fielding

The US Air Force’s B-21 Raider was spotted refuelling mid-air for what appears to be the first time, marking a key milestone toward the first aircraft’s scheduled 2027 delivery.

12 March

The MEO Epoch 2 mission seeks to provide resilient, space-based missile warning and tracking of ballistic missiles and advanced threats.

Jodesz Gavilan

BAE Systems Advances US Space Missile Tracking Program

BAE Systems has finished the preliminary design review for a new US Space Force satellite program aimed at tracking ballistic and hypersonic missiles.

12 March

Karman works on SM3 ballistic missile defense.

Jodesz Gavilan

Karman Space Opens Utah Facility for Missile and Drone Systems

Karman Space & Defense is opening a new manufacturing facility in Utah to expand production of launch systems and rocket components used in US missile and counter-drone programs.

11 March

A view of oil facilities on Kharg island on the Persian Gulf about 776 miles south of Tehran

Charbel A. Antoun

Don’t Turn Kharg Island Into America’s Next Quagmire

A US landing on Iran’s main oil terminal would turn a fast air campaign into a fixed defensive slog with no clear exit.

11 March

A P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft. Photo: Portuguese Air Force

Rojoef Manuel

Canada to Upgrade Portugal’s P-3C Orion Patrol Aircraft

Canada has signed a government-to-government contract to modernize five Portuguese Air Force P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft.

11 March

Soldiers from 2-130th Infantry Regiment hone their skills in counter UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) training at McGregor Range, N.M.

Giulia Bernacchi

US Outlines Rules for Counter-Drone Detection, Personal Data Limits

Joint Interagency Task Force 401 has published a new guide regulating the use of counter-drone system detection technologies in the US.

11 March

Giulia Bernacchi

US Tests High-Energy Laser for Counter-Drone Missions

Joint Interagency Task Force 401 and the US Federal Aviation Administration conducted a high-energy laser test for counter-drone missions.

11 March

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

Iran Revamps Shahed‑101 With Quieter, Radar-Evading Design

As nations scramble to develop defenses against Shahed drones, Iran appears to have made its infamous loitering munition much harder to detect with an unusual new design.

11 March

PICATINNY ARSENAL, NJ – The U.S. Army has cleared the M111 Offensive Hand Grenade (OHG) for Full Material Release (FMR). Developed by the Capabilities Program Executive Ammunition and Energetics (CPE A&E), in conjunction with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Armaments Center at Picatinny Arsenal, the M111 OHG will replace the obsolete body and fuze of the Mk3A2 hand grenade series, marking the first new lethal hand grenade to achieve FMR since 1968 when the Mk3A2 entered service. The Mk3A2 is restricted for use due to its asbestos body unlike the M111 which utilizes a plastic body that is fully consumed during detonation. U.S. Army photo by Christopher Arthur

Rojoef Manuel

US Army Approves M111 as First New Hand Grenade Since Vietnam War Era

The US Army has cleared the M111 Offensive Hand Grenade for full material release, marking the first new lethal hand-launched explosive for service since the 1960s.

11 March

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

Sikorsky, Robinson Unveil Tablet-Controlled Cargo Helicopter

Sikorsky and Robinson Helicopter Company are aiming to redefine cargo delivery and resupply with the R66 TURBINETRUCK, a new autonomous helicopter built for a wide range of missions.

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