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UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
16 Mar 26. United Kingdom 120mm Light Mounted Mortar Variant-Hinged [MoD] . MoD (UK) The Authority is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) for 120mm Light Mounted Mortar Variant-Hinged (Project STOKES), a ‘concept and assessment phase’ to inform a procurement decision to purchase est. Qty 60 hinged mounted 120mm mortar systems that will be fitted/integrated onto a UK light vehicle (assumed to be Jackal 3 Extenda). The Project is currently inviting responses to preliminary market engagement (RFI) on key information (eg. costs, feasibility of integration) regarding hinged mortar systems to inform the Authority’s decision. © Hawk Information 2026, MPI ISBN 1361-0228 Page 31 A hinged mortar system provides a balance of performance (enhanced lethality and survivability), time (easiest to integrate at pace) and cost (lower system integration and through life support) compared to mounted (recoil-less) alternatives. Only hinged-mounted systems will be considered. The RFI requests key information about the likely costs involved for an initial integration of a supplier’s own system onto a UK MOD[1]owned vehicle as well as system cost and munition cost and availability. The RFI should be taken as the latest and definitive information regarding 120mm mortars project and any previous informal communications are to be disregarded. Process is ongoing with closing date 31 March 2027.
EUROPE
25 Mar 26. Norway to Significantly Expand Long-term Defence Procurement Under New Spending Plan. Norwegian Ministry of Defence Norway has announced a major expansion of its long-term defence plan, significantly increasing funding to accelerate the acquisition of key military capabilities across multiple domains. The updated programme includes planned procurement of new frigates to replace ageing surface vessels, expansion of the submarine fleet in cooperation with Germany, additional long[1]range air defence systems, artillery, and enhanced maritime surveillance capabilities. The plan also includes investment in unmanned systems and counter-drone technologies, reflecting evolving operational requirements and the need to strengthen national resilience and deterrence in the High North. The programme represents a substantial forward pipeline of defence procurement activity, with multiple acquisition phases expected to move into formal tendering over the coming years. The scale and scope of the plan indicate sustained demand across naval shipbuilding, missile systems, land systems, and ISR capabilities, with both domestic and international industry expected to participate as requirements are translated into specific procurement competitions.
(Source: Hawk Information)
27 Mar 26. Belgium (NATO) Various Parts and Services for NATO Requirements NATO Requests from NATO for provision of a range of separate services, each with deadlines in April 2026. Boxer Vehicle – Spare Parts [NATO: LM – Rockets and Missiles] KV-77 Test Set [NATO: LW – AWACS] Boxer Armoured Vehicle – Valve Stem Cap / Dehumidifier Desiccant Container / Fluid Passage Bolt [NATO: LM – Rockets and Missiles] AH64 & CH47 Helicopter – Repair and Service for Heli Blades [NATO: LA – Aviation Support] Leopard Main Battle Tank (MBT) Parts [NATO: LM – Rockets and Missiles] Airborne Decoy [NATO: QQ – Acquisition Planning and Development Office] AB205 Helicopter – Shaft, Turbine [NATO: LA – Aviation Support] Energy Optimization and Sustainability project [NATO: OS – Operations and Support Programme] Boxer Vehicle – Various Cable Assembles [NATO: LM – Rockets and Missiles] AB-206 Helicopter – Transmission Mechanical [NATO: LA – Aviation Support] Emergency Ambulance Vehicle [NATO: LW – AWACS] Connector Plug Electrical [NATO: LD – Communications, Air and Missile Defense Programme] RACAL Military Radio – Battery [NATO: LD – Communications, Air and Missile Defense Programme] Deployable Lighting Towers [NATO: SA – Southern Operating Centre] Hinge for AWACS [NATO: LW – AWACS] AS-532 Helicopter – Power Supply [NATO: LA – Aviation Support] (Source: Hawk Information)
25 Mar 26 . Italy Next-Gen DDX Destroyer Programme (Procurement Update). Italy’s next-generation DDX destroyer program reached significant milestones following the official procurement launch in early February. The project, valued at approximately €2.7 billion ($3.17 billion) for the first two units, is a cornerstone of Italy’s naval modernization efforts to replace the aging Durand de la Penne-class vessels. Industrial Mobilization: On March 7, 2026, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto convened an emergency defence summit in Rome to discuss strategic industrial policy, which includes accelerating flagship programs like the DDX to ensure national sovereignty and industrial readiness. Contractual Expectations: According to Fincantieri’s 2026–2030 business plan released in late February, the company expects formal orders for the two DDX units to be finalized within the first half of 2026. This timeline aligns with the broader procurement push initiated earlier in the year. © Hawk Information 2026, MPI ISBN 1361-0228 Page 29 Complementary Capability Testing: On March 25, 2026, the Italian Navy successfully test-fired an Aster 30 missile from an offshore patrol vessel. This test is highly relevant to the DDX, as the destroyers are designed to carry at least 48 cells for Aster-type surface-to-air missiles, forming the backbone of Italy’s future sea[1]based air and ballistic missile defence. Technical Profile of the “Super-Destroyer”. The DDX has evolved into one of Europe’s largest surface combatants, with updated 2026 specifications highlighting its massive scale. Displacement: Projected full load between 13,500 and 14,500 tons, placing it closer to the tonnage of cruisers than traditional destroyers. Dimensions: Approximately 175 to 179 meters in length with a 24-meter beam. Speed: Expected to exceed 30 knots using a hybrid CODOGAL propulsion system. Armament: Planned to feature a Leonardo 127/64 LW gun, multiple VLS cells for air defence, and deep-strike capabilities via cruise missiles. The program is managed by Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, a joint venture between Fincantieri (51%) and Leonardo (49%), with the first unit expected to be laid down by 2030 Nor (Source: Hawk Information)
USA
01 Apr 26. FCC Seeks to Expand Deployment of US-Made Drones. On April 1, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) and Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) released a Public Notice seeking comment on actions to advance the production, deployment, and export of American unmanned aircraft systems.
The Public Notice follows two Executive Orders released on June 6, 2025 by the Trump Administration, titled Unleashing American Drone Dominance and Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty, that seek to establish U.S. drone leadership to support both the U.S. economy and U.S. national security. Comments are due May 1, 2026 and reply comments are due May 18, 2026.
WTB and OET seek input on several reforms to “establish American drone dominance,” including in the following areas:
Current Spectrum for UAS
The Public Notice explains that most drones in the United States have relied on unlicensed spectrum, or the same frequencies used by Wi-Fi routers and other consumer devices, for their command-and-control communications, including the 900 MHz band (902-928 MHz), 2.4 GHz band (2400-2500 MHz), 5.2 GHz band (5000-5725 MHz), and 5.8 GHz band (5725-5875 MHz). WTB and OET ask about the ongoing viability of the unlicensed bands for UAS operations, recognizing the potential for interference from other users.
Future Spectrum for UAS
The Public Notice seeks comment on permitting more intensive UAS operations in flexible-use terrestrial bands typically relied upon for mobile broadband, seeking comment on the scope and scale of current UAS deployments on licensed flexible-use spectrum and how these bands can support more intensive aerial operations. WTB and OET invite further comment on certain bands that prohibit aeronautical mobile use (including some or all of the 1670-1675 MHz, 1.4 GHz, 2.3 GHz, 3.7 GHz, and CBRS bands) and the viability of these bands for UAS.
Acknowledging that the FCC adopted initial rules for UAS deployment in the 5030-5091 MHz band but has not yet taken the necessary implementing steps to put the spectrum into use, the Public Notice asks about how to expedite implementation and allow more robust UAS operations in the band. WTB and OET also ask whether to revisit the FCC’s prior determination that the 960-1164 MHz band should not be made available for UAS operations, and invite discussion on pending proposals before the Commission to open specific frequencies for UAS-related activities (i.e., Aura’s petition to modify technical rules in the 450 MHz band consistent with a waiver it holds for those frequencies, and Echodyne’s petition to use the 24.45–24.65 GHz band for federal and non-federal radiolocation operations that would better facilitate the detection of UAS).
Lastly, the Public Notice seeks comment on how the FCC can support the Advanced Air Mobility National Strategy and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 provisions related to spectrum access for UAS and counter-UAS operations – and how the agency can facilitate spectrum access for these initiatives as needed.
Experimental UAS Licensing
WTB and OET ask how to modernize and streamline the FCC’s experimental licensing process specifically for UAS-related testing, including whether to establish a dedicated UAS experimental license category with more flexible terms and expedited renewals. The Public Notice also invites comment on whether to explore a blanket experimental authorization for qualified drone developers operating within specified frequency bands and safety parameters.
Testbeds and Innovation Zones
The Public Notice seeks input on the success of the FCC’s Innovation Zone program, known as the Aerial Experimentation and Research Platform for Advanced Wireless (AERPAW), and asks whether the testbed site provides sufficient flexibility or capacity to develop UAS technologies at meaningful scale.
Clarifying the Permissible Use of Counter-UAS
WTB and OET request comment about statutory and regulatory barriers to Counter-UAS deployment and how to address them, including Section 333 of the Communications Act of 1934, which provides that “[n]o person shall willfully or maliciously interfere with or cause interference to any radio communications of any station licensed or authorized by or under this chapter.”
Modernizing Coordination
The Public Notice asks how rules designed to prevent harmful interference restrict the use of UAS operations and whether it would be feasible to streamline the FCC’s coordination requirements to enable more intensive use of aerial technologies.
Law Enforcement Use of UAS
WTB and OET seek input on how to coordinate with state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) law enforcement agencies that frequently procure UAS, whether SLTT agencies procure UAS from foreign adversary entities, and how to encourage SLTT partners to prioritize the use of U.S.-made drones.
The Public Notice follows significant activity from the FCC on foreign-made drones. In December 2025, an Executive branch interagency body determined that UAS and UAS critical components produced in a foreign country pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States and should be added to the FCC’s Covered List.
The FCC has since issued “Conditional Approvals” to exempt certain foreign-produced UAS and UAS critical components from the Covered List, a blanket waiver to previously authorized covered UAS and UAS critical components to allow certain Class I permissive changes, and revocations of authorizations for certain drone manufacturers, among other developments. (Source: UAS VISION/JD Supra
24 Mar 26. US Army Opens Competition for Extended-Range Precision Strike Missile (PrSM Increment 4) , U.S. Army (Portfolio Acquisition Executive – Fires) The U.S. Army has initiated a new competitive programme for the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 4, launching industry engagement through an official Industry Day and outlining a structured rapid prototyping effort. The programme is focused on developing an extended-range missile exceeding 1,000 km, capable of engaging both land and maritime targets, including moving targets, and operating in environments where GPS is denied. The system is required to remain compatible with existing HIMARS and MLRS launch platforms while incorporating a Modular Open Systems Approach to allow future upgrades and competition between suppliers. The acquisition strategy is structured in multiple phases, beginning with concept submissions and architectural research, followed by prototype development and a competitive “fly-off” planned for late fiscal year 2028. Successful participants may proceed directly to production without further competition, creating a clear pathway from early engagement to contract award. Initial project awards are expected as early as late FY2026, with the programme forming a central part of the Army’s long[1]range precision fires modernisation effort and its broader push to develop deep-strike capabilities against advanced, contested threats. Strategic Technology Office-wide Innovation Solutions Opening Announcement (DARPA) © Hawk Information 2026, MPI ISBN 1361-0228 Page 32 Date: 25 March 2026 Source: MPI, DARPA The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) anticipates funding a limited number of proposals under this solicitation. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice. Proposed research should investigate innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems. The Strategic Technology Office (STO) at DARPA regularly publishes solicitations requesting responses to specific program topics. This announcement seeks revolutionary research ideas for topics not addressed by ongoing STO programs or other published DARPA solicitations. DARPA’s STO is a systems warfare office that seeks innovative and disruptive technologies for existing and future battlespaces. STO programs deliver solutions at speed and scale for today’s warfighters while developing the resilient “breakthrough” systems and technologies across all physical domains (Air, Space, Sea, and Land) and across the spectrum of competition. STO does not focus on one area of responsibility or phenomenology. Instead, STO programs capture the strategic, logistical, and tactical complexity of today’s national security environments. STO seeks to create new “proof-of-concept” mission systems. Topic Areas of Interest Research areas of current interest to STO include, but are not limited to, the following topics: • Acoustic communication and sensing • Adaptability • Advanced computing • Additive manufacturing • Architecture and advanced systems engineering • Artificial intelligence • Autonomy and control algorithms • Combat identification • Command and control (C2) • Communications and networking, virtual and adaptive • Complexity management • Critical infrastructure defense • Decision aids and C2 technology • DevOps and novel software development and integration • Directed energy (DE) • Distributed autonomy and teaming (machine-machine, human-machine) • Economic security • Effects chain functions (disaggregated find, fix, track, target, engage, assess) • Electro-optic/infrared sensors • Electromagnetic warfare (EW) • High-frequency (HF) communications and sensing • High voltage electric power systems and architecture © Hawk Information 2026, MPI ISBN 1361-0228 Page 33 • Human behavior modeling • Human-machine symbiosis • Industrial engineering • Integration and reliability technologies • Interoperability • Logistics • Modeling and simulation • Microwave and millimeter wave communications and sensing • Novel kinetic effects • Non-kinetic effects (EW, DE, cyber) • Optical technologies • Photonics • Radio technologies (especially software-defined and novel waveforms and processing) • Radar and adaptive arrays • Resilient systems • Robotics • Seekers and other expendable sensors and processing • Sensors and analytics • Signal processing • Space sensors, communications, autonomy, and architectures (especially supporting proliferated low earth orbit constellations) • Strategy analysis technology • Supply chain analytics • System of systems • Undersea and seabed technology • Tactics development technology • Testing and data collection • Very low earth orbit (VLEO) technology • Very low frequency (VLF) technology XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle Programme Update Date: 16 March 2026 Source: MPI, Congress.Gov The XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle program—the U.S. Army’s high-stakes effort to replace the M2 Bradley—has entered a critical phase as of March 2026. While the Army remains committed to prototype testing, recent leadership decisions have introduced a layer of strategic uncertainty to the program’s long[1]term path. March 2026 Program Status Prototypes on Track: Despite rumours of a broader shakeup, Army acquisition chief Brent Ingraham confirmed on March 12, 2026, that the XM30 remains “on path” with the first physical prototypes scheduled for delivery to a testing unit this summer 2026. © Hawk Information 2026, MPI ISBN 1361-0228 Page 34 Competing Vendors: General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) and American Rheinmetall Vehicles (ARV) are in the final stages of full system integration, which was slated to conclude this month. Each firm is expected to deliver between seven and eleven prototypes for intensive evaluation. Digital-First Engineering: Both competitors have successfully completed Critical Design Reviews (CDR) using digital engineering flows, ensuring the final physical builds align with the Army’s Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA). The “Milestone B” Pause and RFI A significant development occurred in February 2026 that continues to impact the programme’s outlook this month. Decision Pause: Army leadership, including Chief of Staff General Randy George, opted not to sign the documentation finalizing the Milestone B decision. This move was intended to avoid “locking the service into a specific design” or a slow acquisition path. Search for Alternatives: On February 18, 2026, the Army released a Request for Information (RFI) seeking innovative solutions for rapid design and delivery of ground combat vehicles. While not explicitly replacing the XM30, analysts suggest this RFI puts pressure on current vendors to accelerate and may open the door for nontraditional partners. Looking Ahead Testing Phase: Once summer deliveries are complete, the Army will enter an intensive test and evaluation phase through mid[1]2027. Final Selection: A single winner is currently slated to be chosen in FY2027 for low-rate initial production (Milestone C) starting in FY2028. Fielding: The first units are expected to be equipped with the XM30 in FY2029. US Navy Launches New Golden Fleet-era USV Program Date: 26 March 2026 Source: Defense News The U.S. Navy announced a new chapter of unmanned surface vessel acquisition that seeks to accelerate development of autonomous capabilities and ditch its previous program. The service commenced the Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel Family of Systems program on Thursday, opening up solicitations for a specific class of boat touted as an integral part of the service’s Golden Fleet initiative. © Hawk Information 2026, MPI ISBN 1361-0228 Page 35 “Our goal is to create a regular and recurring marketplace, not just for the MUSV, but for other classes of vessels as well, over time, designed to match the growing demand for unmanned systems across a range of missions,” said Rebecca Gassler, portfolio acquisition executive for the U.S. Navy’s robotic and autonomous systems. Gassler, who spoke with reporters during a virtual Thursday media roundtable, said the marketplace was seeking production[1]ready, mission-capable vessels that were aligned with Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle’s containerized capability campaign plan. (Source: Hawk Information)
REST OF THE WORLD
18 Mar 26. Taiwan Taiwan Parliament Authorises Signing of Stalled $9 billion U.S. Arms Deals. Ministry of National Defence (Taiwan), Reuters Taiwan’s parliament has authorised the government to sign agreements with the United States for four delayed arms sales packages worth about $9 billion, clearing the way for Taipei to move ahead with a major batch of defence procurements. The packages include TOW anti-tank missiles, M109A7 self[1]propelled howitzers, Javelin missiles and HIMARS rocket systems, all of which had been held up amid political disputes over defence spending and legislative approvals. Reports suggest that the government pushed to secure authorisation before the signing deadline passed in order to avoid losing its place in the U.S. production queue. The authorisation was approved unanimously after concern that any further delay would weaken Taiwan’s deterrence posture and damage confidence in its ability to move ahead with planned acquisitions. A second prospective U.S. arms package, potentially worth a further $14 billion, could follow, making this both a concrete current procurement action and a signal of additional future business opportunities tied to Taiwan’s wider rearmament plans. (Source: Hawk Information)
27 Mar 26 . India India Approves $25 Billion Military Procurement Programme. Ministry of Defence (India) India’s Ministry of Defence has approved a major package of military procurement proposals worth approximately $25 billion, covering a broad range of capability areas as part of its ongoing force modernisation programme. The approvals include the planned acquisition of transport aircraft, additional Russian S-400 air defence systems, remotely piloted strike aircraft, artillery systems, armoured-piercing ammunition, surveillance systems, and upgrades to existing fighter aircraft fleets. The programme also includes maritime elements such as hovercraft for the coastguard, reflecting a multi-domain procurement approach across air, land, and maritime forces. The approvals form part of a wider pipeline of defence acquisitions, with the government confirming dozens of proposals under consideration and additional major purchases already progressing in parallel, including further fighter aircraft and maritime patrol platforms. The scale and breadth of the programme indicate sustained procurement activity across multiple capability areas, with future tenders, contracts, and industrial participation opportunities expected to follow as these approvals move into execution phases. India Greenlights Massive Acquisition of 60 Military Airlifters Date: 16 March 2026 Source: MPI, The Defense Post © Hawk Information 2026, MPI ISBN 1361-0228 Page 28 India’s Defence Procurement Board approved acquiring 60 tactical transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force, valued at about $10.9 billion. The proposal advances to the Defence Acquisition Council for review before a formal tender, with potential bidders including Airbus (A400M), Lockheed Martin/Tata (C-130J), and Embraer/Mahindra (C-390). The aircraft will be procured under New Delhi’s “Buy and Make” framework, which combines direct imports with domestic production. Under the current plan, 12 aircraft would be delivered in ready-to-fly condition, while the remaining 48 would be assembled in partnership with domestic industry partners in India, with most components including indigenous products. The new fleet is intended to replace the Indian Air Force’s aging Soviet-era transports such as the Antonov An-32 and Ilyushin Il[1]76, which have been in service since the 1980s and are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. Once commissioned, the modern planes are set to improve the military’s logistics capabilities, enabling rapid troop deployment, cargo transport, and supply missions. This modernization opens major opportunities for global aerospace firms partnering locally.
(Source: Hawk Information)
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