2026 - Weeklydefencenews

January 21, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
R&D

Challenger 3 Tank Fires First Crewed Shot

The successful crewed live-fire of the Challenger 3 tank signals a critical step in restoring the UK’s heavy armor capability. After decades without a new main battle tank firing...

January 21, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
Mergers & JV

GA, Calidus to Co-Produce MQ-9B in UAE

The GA-ASI–Calidus Aerospace agreement marks a significant step in expanding unmanned aircraft production and integration capabilities in the Middle East. By establishing a framework for co-production of MQ-9B and...

January 21, 2026
Admin
Land Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

US Orders 65 Armored Vehicles for Ukraine

The $163.4-million Textron Systems contract to supply Commando Select armored vehicles represents another tangible step in the US effort to strengthen Ukraine’s ground forces. Approved under USAI and executed...

January 21, 2026
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Unmanned Systems
Mergers & JV

Orqa, Barzan Sign Drone Production Deal

Orqa’s agreement with Qatar’s Barzan Holdings highlights the accelerating global demand for unmanned systems and the strategic value of localized defense production. Signed on the margins of the DIMDEX...

Taiwan Details Weapons for $40B Defense Plan

Taiwan has taken a significant step toward clarifying its long-term defense priorities by releasing a detailed list of weapon systems planned under a proposed 1.25-trillion NTD special defense budget....

January 21, 2026
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Air Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

QinetiQ Wins $275M RAF Typhoon Extension

The UK Ministry of Defence has extended QinetiQ’s role in supporting the RAF’s Typhoon fighter fleet through a £205-million, five-year contract focused on advanced engineering services. The deal aims...

HII Joins $25.4B US Defense Tech Program

Huntington Ingalls Industries has been named a participant in the US Defense Microelectronics Activity’s ATSP5 contract, a long-term framework designed to provide rapid access to advanced engineering and technology...

January 21, 2026
Admin
Land Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

US Army Orders More Oshkosh Airdrop Vehicles

The US Army has awarded Oshkosh Defense a contract to deliver 97 FMTV A2 Low-Velocity Airdrop cargo vehicles, enhancing airborne logistics support for Mobile Brigade Combat Teams. The procurement...

January 21, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

India Approves $1.1B Boeing 767 Tankers

The Indian government has cleared the acquisition of six Boeing 767-based aerial refuelling aircraft in a move aimed at strengthening the Indian Air Force’s long-range operational capability. Estimated at...

January 21, 2026
Admin
Naval Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

TAIS Signs $1B Frigate Deal for Indonesia

Turkey’s TAIS Shipyards has entered into a landmark $1-billion defense agreement with Qatar’s Barzan Holding to facilitate the delivery of two Istanbul-class frigates to the Indonesian Navy. Signed at...