2026 - Weeklydefencenews

May 1, 2026
Admin
Land Platforms
R&D

Redback IFV future warfare overview

Hanwha Aerospace has developed the AS21 Redback IFV as part of Australia’s LAND 400 Phase 3 program to replace aging armored vehicles. Designed for high-intensity warfare, the Redback integrates...

US Army buys Thor multi-mission drones

The US Army has awarded a $20-million contract to Mistral Inc. for the delivery of Thor mini unmanned aerial systems. Developed in collaboration with Elbit Systems subsidiary Fuse, the...

April 30, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
Mergers & JV

Bell, KAI team for high-speed helicopter

Bell Textron has partnered with Korea Aerospace Industries to explore solutions for South Korea’s High Speed Medium Utility Helicopter program. The collaboration focuses on evaluating configurations based on Bell’s...

Leidos secures $456M support deal

Leidos has secured a $456-million contract to continue managing Military OneSource, a critical platform serving US military personnel and their families. Awarded via the General Services Administration, the four-year...

April 30, 2026
Admin
Naval Platforms
R&D

Albania naval plan includes 10 new ships

Fincantieri and KAYO have formed a joint venture to develop Albania’s naval shipbuilding capabilities. The partnership aims to construct up to 10 naval vessels by 2030 while revitalizing domestic...

Lockheed lands $1B HIMARS production deal

Lockheed Martin has secured a $1.13 billion contract to produce M142 HIMARS for the US and allied nations, including Australia, Canada, Estonia, Sweden, and Taiwan. Known for its precision...

Raytheon secures $833M ESSM Block 2 deal

The US Navy has awarded Raytheon an $833 million contract to produce additional Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) Block 2 systems for 12 allied nations under the NATO SEASPARROW consortium....

April 30, 2026
Admin
Missile & Missile Defence
R&D

THUNDART rocket reaches live fire stage

MBDA and Safran Electronics & Defense have successfully demonstrated the THUNDART rocket system, achieving rapid development from concept to testing within 18 months. Trials conducted at Île du Levant...

10 European allies form joint naval force

Ten European nations have agreed to strengthen cooperation under the Joint Expeditionary Force to address rising security threats in northern maritime regions. Led by the United Kingdom, the JEF...

April 30, 2026
Admin
Communication and Electronics
R&D

Northrop adds Green Hills to GPS system

Northrop Grumman has integrated Green Hills Software’s INTEGRITY-178 tuMP real-time operating system into its LN-351 Embedded GPS/Inertial Navigation System–Modernization (EGI-M). This advanced system combines inertial navigation with an M-Code-enabled...