2026 - Weeklydefencenews

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...

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...