2026 - Weeklydefencenews

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...

January 19, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

Italy’s Reaper Fleet Gets Extended US Support

General Atomics has received a $14.3-million contract update to continue maintenance and sustainment support for Italy’s MQ-9 Reaper fleet under a Foreign Military Sales framework. The cost-plus contract option...

January 19, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
New Product Launches

First Medium USVs Set to Join US Fleet

The US Navy is accelerating its shift toward autonomous maritime operations by formally inducting medium unmanned surface vessels into fleet control. After years of testing and fleet exercises, Seahawk...

January 19, 2026
Admin
Cybersecurity
New Product Launches

AI Cyber Defense Set for 187 USAF Bases

The US Air Force is expanding its cyber defenses through a new zero-trust deployment led by GDIT, covering nearly 200 bases and over a million users. Valued at $120...

New Military Surge Devices from Microchip

A new surge-protection lineup from Microchip targets the growing need to protect mission-critical electronics without adding weight or cost. The JANPTX TVS devices meet full military qualification standards despite...

January 19, 2026
Admin
Naval Platforms
R&D

Fourth Pohjanmaa-Class Corvette Takes Shape

Finland has reached a key milestone in naval modernization as construction begins on the fourth Pohjanmaa-class corvette. Under Squadron 2020, the ships will replace multiple legacy platforms with a...

January 19, 2026
Admin
Missile & Missile Defence
Mergers & JV

Spain Gets Local Rocket Launcher Bid

Spain is seeking to revive its long-range rocket artillery capability through an indigenous SILAM solution proposed by EM&E Group and Rheinmetall Expal Munitions. Designed as a fully national program,...

January 19, 2026
Admin
Land Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

Leopard 2A8 Tanks to Get EuroTrophy APS

A new multinational contract will see Trophy Active Protection Systems fitted to Leopard 2A8 tanks across four European armies, reinforcing survivability on NATO’s eastern flank. Valued at €330 million,...

January 19, 2026
Admin
Naval Platforms
R&D

US Backs Major Peru Naval Base Upgrade

Washington has cleared a major infrastructure-focused arms sale to Peru, approving up to $1.5 billion to support new naval facilities at Callao. The initiative would move Peru’s navy away...

US Army Picks HERO-90 Loitering Munition for Infantry Trials

As part of its push to modernize infantry anti‑armor capabilities, the U.S. Army has brought the HERO‑90 loitering munition into its LASSO program for accelerated evaluation. The move reflects...