2026 - Weeklydefencenews

May 26, 2026
Admin
Land Platforms
R&D

Dutch Boxer vehicles get anti-drone systems

The Netherlands is modernizing its Boxer armored vehicle fleet with advanced counter-drone systems and upgraded digital technologies as part of a midlife enhancement program. The Royal Netherlands Army has...

May 25, 2026
Admin
Missile & Missile Defence
R&D

Astra Mk3 Gandiva trials planned by 2027

India’s Astra Mk3 long-range air-to-air missile program is moving toward critical airborne integration and live-fire testing phases as DRDO advances development of the SFDR-powered BVRAAM system. The missile is...

FRCV tanks to get advanced armor system

India’s Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) is developing advanced armour technologies for the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV), aimed at countering modern high-penetration kinetic energy threats. The new protection...

SSS Defence launches Viper Mach 2 rifle

India’s SSS Defence has unveiled the Viper Mach 2, an upgraded version of its indigenous sniper rifle platform designed for military, special forces, and law enforcement applications. The new...

Thailand orders two Airbus C295 aircraft

Thailand has ordered two additional Airbus C295 tactical transport aircraft, increasing its fleet to five platforms as part of efforts to strengthen military airlift capability. The new aircraft will...

May 25, 2026
Admin
Land Platforms
New Product Launches

South Korea unveils KAAV II assault vehicle

South Korea has unveiled the KAAV II, a next-generation amphibious assault vehicle developed by Hanwha Aerospace to replace the aging KAAV-7A1 fleet. Designed for modern expeditionary and coastal warfare...

Greece explores C-390 support capability

Embraer has partnered with Greece’s Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) to explore establishing local maintenance, repair, and overhaul support for the C-390 Millennium transport aircraft. The initiative could allow Greece...

May 25, 2026
Admin
Naval Platforms
R&D

US Coast Guard plans microwave weapon

The US Coast Guard is working with Lockheed Martin to develop a craft-mounted high-power microwave weapon designed to disable small, fast-moving smuggling vessels. The system uses electromagnetic bursts to...

May 25, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
R&D

MQ-9 Reapers gain long-range strike power

The US Air Force Special Operations Command has integrated GBU-39B Small Diameter Bombs onto MQ-9 Reaper drones, expanding the aircraft’s precision strike capability in contested environments. The low-yield guided...

May 25, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
R&D

UK tests helicopter-drone combat tactics

The Royal Navy has conducted joint operations between Wildcat helicopters and Puma unmanned aerial systems during the Tamber Shield exercise in Norway. The drills focused on countering fast-moving littoral...