February, 2026 - Weeklydefencenews

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

AI-Powered Cruise Missile in Romania

Romania is advancing indigenous strike capabilities with the AI-powered Sahara cruise missile. Designed for precision engagement of high-value targets, the lightweight system leverages onboard artificial intelligence to refine targeting...

February 20, 2026
Admin
Soldier Systems
R&D

UK Boosts Drone Tech Base in Wales

Wales is set to become a hub for uncrewed and autonomous defense systems under a new £50-million agreement with London. The program aims to strengthen small business participation, expand...

February 20, 2026
Admin
Weapons and Munition
New Product Launches

FV-014 Destroys Vehicle in Live Demo

Germany’s Rheinmetall is expanding its presence in the loitering munition market with the FV-014, a system capable of precision strikes at distances up to 100 kilometers. The demonstration highlighted...

February 20, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
Procurement & Contracts

V2X Wins Spot on $25B DoD Contract

The Pentagon’s ATSP5 program positions contractors such as V2X to compete for modernization projects spanning AI, microelectronics assurance, and advanced system integration. The contract vehicle is expected to play...

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

Navy Eyes Missile for Air, Ground Threats

Seeking to modernize its suppression-of-enemy-air-defenses capabilities, the US Navy is exploring a next-generation anti-radiation missile to complement or potentially replace the AGM-88 HARM series. The effort reflects evolving air...

$7B Plan to Expand Italy Armed Forces

Rome is weighing a long-term expansion of its military workforce as NATO members commit to higher defense spending targets. The proposed 60-percent increase in troop numbers would align with...

February 20, 2026
Admin
Land Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

Lithuania Largest JLTV User Outside US

Lithuania’s acquisition of 500 JLTVs marks a significant milestone in its NATO-aligned modernization drive. The expanded fleet strengthens mobility and protection as Vilnius increases defense spending and develops a...

February 20, 2026
Admin
Naval Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

Navy Hunts Lead for Medium Landing Ship

The Pentagon is shifting toward a commercial contracting model for the Marine Corps’ Medium Landing Ship program, aiming to accelerate production and control costs. By appointing a Vessel Construction...

$9M Defense SATCOM Contract for Gilat

Gilat Satellite Networks has secured a $9-million contract from Israel’s Ministry of Defense to provide and integrate military satellite communications systems. The award, granted to the company’s defense division,...

February 19, 2026
Admin
Naval Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

Submarine Comms Deal for US Fleets

L3Harris Technologies has been awarded a major production contract from General Dynamics Electric Boat to supply 26 communications shipsets for US Navy Virginia- and Columbia-class submarines. The systems are...