2026 - Weeklydefencenews

February 6, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

Coast Guard Expands HC-130J Fleet

L3Harris has delivered the US Coast Guard’s 18th HC-130J, missionized with the advanced Minotaur MSS+ system and tailored surveillance equipment. Assigned to Air Station Sacramento, the aircraft supports the...

February 6, 2026
Admin
Communication and Electronics
R&D

New Ranger Radar Line Unveiled by FLIR

FLIR’s enhanced Ranger radar variants now provide higher scan rates and reduced blind spots, boosting response time and tracking accuracy for critical security and counter-UAS operations.

February 6, 2026
Admin
Naval Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

MK 38 Weapon System Receives Major Upgrade

The Navy’s MK 38 weapon system has entered its fourth iteration, featuring a 30mm main gun and improved sensor suite, delivering greater lethality and precision against emerging maritime and...

February 6, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
Procurement & Contracts

Startup Boosts US Defense Drone Production

Ohio-based Agilis Air is accelerating production of its modular Remora drone with grant-backed pre-manufacturing of 55 systems. Designed for affordability and fast deployment, the platform aligns with expected DoD...

February 6, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
Mergers & JV

Korea’s Hanwha, KAI Partner on Next-Gen Air

South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace and KAI have agreed to jointly develop advanced aerospace capabilities, including unmanned platforms and domestically produced aircraft engines. The cooperation aims to enhance global competitiveness...

February 6, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

Finland’s F-35 Engines Enter Local Assembly

Finland has strengthened its F-35 program by assigning Patria responsibility for local assembly of Pratt & Whitney’s F135 engines. Work is underway at the new Nokia-based site and will...

Ukraine May Access EU Loan for UK Weapons

European Union member states have agreed on conditions governing a new 90-billion-euro loan package designed to support Ukraine’s defense and fiscal needs amid ongoing conflict with Russia. Of the...

German IFVs to Get Hensoldt Optronics

German sensor specialist Hensoldt has been awarded contracts totaling approximately 400 million euros by KNDS to supply advanced digital optronic systems for Boxer armored vehicles and Leopard 2 A8...

February 5, 2026
Admin
Soldier Systems
New Product Launches

Slovak Troops Receive New Uniforms, Weapons

Slovakia’s Ministry of Defence has introduced a new Personal Clothing System – Combat Uniform, designated M25 or “Vzor 25,” alongside a broader modernization of small arms and soldier equipment....

February 5, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
Mergers & JV

UGV Capabilities Expanded by Milrem, EOS

Estonian unmanned systems specialist Milrem Robotics and Australia’s EOS Defence Systems have formalized a strategic teaming agreement aimed at advancing next-generation unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) capabilities, with a particular...