January, 2026 - Weeklydefencenews

January 20, 2026
Admin
Combat Service and Support Equipment
R&D

Barzan, General Atomics Join on C2 Software

GA-ASI’s agreement with Barzan Holdings signals a strategic move beyond unmanned aircraft production into higher-level battle management and intelligence systems. Under the memorandum of understanding, the companies will jointly...

January 20, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
Procurement & Contracts

VSR700 Naval Drone Enters Full-Rate Production

France has taken a key step toward operationalizing shipborne uncrewed aviation with a production order for six VSR700 drones for the French Navy. Awarded to Airbus Helicopters and Naval...

January 20, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

Sri Lanka Gets 10 US Helicopters for Relief Ops

The delivery of ten TH-57 helicopters to Sri Lanka marks another step in expanding US-Sri Lankan defense cooperation, with a focus on humanitarian response and capacity building rather than...

STM Lands NATO-Linked Autonomous Systems Order

STM has secured its first European contract for the export of KARGU and ALPAGU loitering munitions, establishing a foothold for Turkish autonomous weapons within a NATO and EU member-state....

Top German Aces Chosen for Advanced Air Drills

Germany has awarded Top Aces a long-term contract valued at up to €420 million to deliver comprehensive adversary and joint-force training over the next decade. The program will employ...

January 20, 2026
Admin
Weapons and Munition
R&D

New 7.62mm Anti-Drone Ammo Studied by India

India is working to enhance its frontline counter-drone capabilities through the development of a novel 7.62mm anti-UAS bullet that can be fired from standard infantry rifles. The ammunition is...

January 20, 2026
Admin
Missile & Missile Defence
R&D

Hyunmoo-5 Missile Enters ROK Frontline

South Korea has started operational deployment of the Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile, reinforcing its posture against North Korea’s growing emphasis on hardened and underground military installations. Known colloquially as the...

January 19, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
R&D

Shearwater AI Wins DARPA Drone Endurance Deal

Shearwater Aerospace has been chosen to contribute advanced AI mission-planning software to DARPA’s Albatross initiative, a program designed to help drones harness wind currents to boost endurance. The approach...

January 19, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
R&D

Danish Air Force Completes F-35 Transition

The Royal Danish Air Force has concluded operations of the F-16 after 46 years, shifting entirely toward the F-35A as its frontline combat aircraft. The transition reflects Denmark’s response...

January 19, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
R&D

ULTRA Drone Upgrade Targets Heavy Lift

Windracers has announced an upcoming upgrade to its ULTRA unmanned aircraft that will double its heavy-lift capacity to 200 kilograms while preserving its long-range performance. The dual-use drone, already...