2026 - Weeklydefencenews

January 8, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
Procurement & Contracts

Exail Secures Two DriX H-9 USV Orders

Exail has secured two new contracts for its DriX H-9 autonomous surface vessel, expanding its role in maritime defense and hydrographic operations. One contract involves integrating counter-drone capabilities for...

January 8, 2026
Admin
Naval Platforms
R&D

GD Gets Special Dry Dock for Columbia Subs

General Dynamics Electric Boat has accepted delivery of the floating dry dock Atlas, which will support construction of the US Navy’s Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines. The dock will operate...

January 8, 2026
Admin
Soldier Systems
Procurement & Contracts

UK Awards $3.3M Digital Health System Contract

The UK Defence Medical Services has awarded a £2.5-million contract to Avenue3 to deliver Project Mercury, a secure electronic health record system for military clinicians operating worldwide. Designed for...

January 8, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
R&D

Elbit to Fit J-MUSIC DIRCM on European Aircraft

Elbit Systems has secured approximately $150 million in contracts to equip European aircraft fleets with its J-MUSIC Directed Infrared Countermeasures system. The awards include installations on high-value airborne platforms...

Babcock Targets Low-Cost Maritime Counter-Drones

British defense firm Babcock has partnered with Latvia-based Frankenburg Technologies to explore the development of a cost-effective maritime counter-drone system aimed at addressing the growing threat posed by one-way...

Lockheed, Pentagon Plan to Triple PAC-3 MSE Output

Lockheed Martin and the Pentagon have agreed to more than triple PAC-3 MSE interceptor production over the next seven years, raising annual output from 600 to 2,000 missiles. The...

January 7, 2026
Admin
Land Platforms
R&D

NATO CV90 IFVs to Get Iron Fist APS From Elbit

BAE Systems Hägglunds has contracted Elbit Systems to equip European CV90 infantry fighting vehicles with the Iron Fist active protection system, in deals totaling $150 million. The lightweight APS...

Germany Orders Additional 30mm Rounds for Puma

Germany has placed a multi-year order with Rheinmetall for 30mm ammunition for Puma IFVs, valued at around 1 billion euros. The contract expands a 2022 framework agreement and includes...

January 7, 2026
Admin
Land Platforms
New Product Launches

First Look at US Army M1E3 Abrams Tank Demonstrator

The US Army has unveiled the M1E3 next-generation Abrams tank, showcasing early prototype photos that reveal a slightly lower turret, new sensor windows, and indications of upgraded targeting capabilities....

January 7, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
R&D

MQ-9B Drone Equipped With Advanced Data Systems

Ultra Intelligence & Communications (I&C) will deliver nine Knox-5 processors to the US Marine Corps, enhancing the MQ-9B drone’s onboard AI and edge computing capabilities. The new processor reduces...