April, 2026 - Weeklydefencenews

April 21, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
R&D

Rafale F5 Adds Meteors, New Engine

The future Rafale F5 fighter standard is expected to significantly boost beyond-visual-range combat power by increasing Meteor missile carriage from four to potentially six. The enhancement will be enabled...

Naval Cyber Defense Pact Signed

Brazil’s Navy has signed a memorandum of understanding with UAE defense group EDGE to strengthen cyber defense capabilities across naval systems and infrastructure. The agreement focuses on improving resilience...

V-BAT Competes for Navy ISR Contracts

Shield AI has joined a US Navy ISR services program worth up to $800 million using its V-BAT uncrewed aircraft system. The contractor-owned, contractor-operated initiative will see multiple firms...

April 21, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
R&D

K3 Scout Vessel Enters Serial Build

Rheinmetall has begun serial production of the Kraken K3 Scout unmanned surface vessel through its joint venture with the UK’s Kraken Technology Group. Production is taking place at the...

April 21, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

First EA-18G Jammer Pods Delivered

The Royal Australian Air Force has received its first Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band pods from Raytheon, marking a major upgrade for its EA-18G Growler electronic warfare fleet. More deliveries...

April 21, 2026
Admin
Weapons and Munition
R&D

Maritime Platforms Get Full Kill Chain

Leonardo DRS is integrating its Maritime Mission Equipment Package onto naval vessels to provide an all-in-one counter-drone capability. The system combines maritime radar with electro-optical and infrared sensors to...

April 21, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
R&D

Northrop Talon IQ Changes AI Brains

Northrop Grumman has demonstrated that its Talon IQ test aircraft can switch between different AI autonomy systems while airborne without interrupting the mission. During the trial, the aircraft initially...

German Frigates to Get Aegis Systems

The US State Department has approved an estimated $11.9 billion sale of Aegis-based combat systems for Germany’s planned Type 127 frigates. The package includes SPY-6 radars, Mk 41 vertical...

April 21, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

Ukraine Office Supports Bell H-1 Push

Bell Textron has launched Bell Textron Ukraine to support a prospective sale of AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and UH-1Y Venom utility helicopters to Ukraine. The new subsidiary will coordinate...

Radar Chosen for US Counter-Drone Program

Echodyne will provide EchoShield radar technology for Trust Automation’s Small Unmanned Air Defense System under a US Air Force contract worth up to $490 million. The system will support...