2026 - Weeklydefencenews

US Navy Introduces SM-2 Block IIIC/CU Upgrade for Air Defense

At the Surface Navy Association 2026 symposium, the U.S. Navy presented the SM‑2 Block IIIC/CU, offering insight into the next phase of medium‑range naval air defense. Designated RIM‑66P, the...

January 18, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

Poland to Transfer Up to 9 MiG-29s to Ukraine After Certification

Poland is preparing to deliver an initial batch of up to nine MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine, pending resolution of technical and logistical details. Government approval has already been secured,...

January 17, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
New Product Launches

Leonardo Proteus Achieves First Autonomous Flight With UK Navy

The British Royal Navy and Leonardo UK have completed the maiden autonomous flight of the Proteus full-size unmanned helicopter at Predannack Airfield, Cornwall. The flight demonstrates the helicopter’s ability...

US Army Greenlights XM204 Top-Attack Ammo to Counter Russian Armor

The U.S. Army has authorized an Urgent Materiel Release for the XM204 top‑attack terrain‑shaping munition, fast‑tracking its deployment to Europe to counter emerging mechanized threats. The approval enables the...

January 17, 2026
Admin
Land Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

Türkiye Deploys E-ZPT Electric APC for Stealth Ops

Following acceptance tests in Ankara, Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense has delivered the first serial-production E-ZPT electric armoured personnel carrier, developed by state-backed MKE. The program represents a practical...

January 16, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
New Product Launches

Skyeton Develops Hydrogen-Powered Raybird UAV

Skyeton is enhancing the Raybird UAV with a hydrogen-electric propulsion system, offering longer flight times and reduced acoustic and thermal signatures. The drone can currently remain airborne for roughly...

January 16, 2026
Admin
Cybersecurity
Procurement & Contracts

UK Allocates $373M for Army Cyber Headquarters

The UK has committed £279 million ($373 million) to build a dedicated base for the army’s cyber regiment at Duke of Gloucester Barracks in Gloucestershire. The new installation will...

Leonardo DRS Procures AI Counter-UAS From Axon Vision

Leonardo DRS has placed a $350,000 order with Axon Vision for AI-based counter-UAS systems to support US defense and homeland security programs. The initial delivery includes AI-enabled solutions capable...

January 16, 2026
Admin
Land Platforms
R&D

Bulgaria Orders $32M Recon Kits From Teledyne for Stryker Vehicles

Bulgaria’s Stryker fleet will receive upgraded reconnaissance and surveillance kits from Teledyne FLIR Defense as part of a three-year, $32-million US Army contract, supporting the country’s military modernization objectives....

BAE Secures $62M Navy E-2D Hawkeye IFF Support Contract

BAE Systems has received a $62-million award from the US Navy to create a dedicated service depot for the E-2D Hawkeye’s AN/APX-122A IFF system. The new center will expand...