Weekly Defense News: Global Military Modernization Readiness

January 9, 2026
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Unmanned Systems

Marines Move to Field Loyal Wingman Drone

The US Marine Corps has formally entered the loyal wingman arena, selecting Northrop Grumman and Kratos to develop its first Collaborative Combat Aircraft. The program leverages the XQ-58 Valkyrie...

January 9, 2026
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Naval Platforms

Horstman Wins USMC ACV Suspension Contract

Defense contractor V2X Inc. has teamed with RENK’s Horstman Group to supply advanced suspension systems for the US Marine Corps’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle program. Horstman will deliver its Hydrostrut...

January 9, 2026
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Unmanned Systems

HII Wraps Initial Lionfish UUV Production

HII has completed base-year production of the Lionfish small unmanned underwater vehicle for the US Navy, delivering 42 hulls by the end of 2025. The program supports undersea warfare...

January 9, 2026
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Air Platforms

GE Wins $1.4B Deal for CH-53K Engines

GE Aerospace has secured a $1.4-billion contract to deliver additional T408 turboshaft engines for the US Marine Corps’ CH-53K King Stallion helicopter. Covering production lots nine through 13, the...

January 9, 2026
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Communication and Electronics

Spain Deploys Crow Counter-Drone System

Spain has deployed its Crow counter-UAS system to Lithuania in support of NATO’s eastern flank, positioning the capability at Šiauliai Air Base for continuous airspace monitoring. Operated by the...

January 9, 2026
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Missile & Missile Defence

Kosovo Adds Turkish OMTAS Anti-Tank Missiles

Kosovo has received an additional shipment of Turkish-made OMTAS anti-tank guided missiles, expanding its inventory of precision weapons as it builds layered defenses against armored threats. The mid-range, fire-and-forget...

January 9, 2026
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Missile & Missile Defence

Northrop Unveils Digital ICBM Target Vehicle

Northrop Grumman has completed the first launch of its digitally redesigned ICBM target vehicle, marking a key step in modernizing how the US tests missile defense systems against advanced...

January 8, 2026
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Missile & Missile Defence

Raytheon Secures $29.2M SM-6 Production Deal

The US Navy has issued Raytheon a $29.2 million contract modification to expand tooling and test equipment for the SM-6 All Up Round missile. Rather than procuring missiles directly,...

January 8, 2026
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Missile & Missile Defence

Northrop Wins $94M Hypersonic Motor Contract

The US Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman a $94.3 million contract to develop and qualify a second-stage solid rocket motor to extend missile range and speed. Sixty units will...

January 8, 2026
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Weapons and Munition

QinetiQ Wins $78M DragonFire Laser Contract

MBDA has awarded QinetiQ a £67 million contract to continue development of the laser source for the Royal Navy’s DragonFire directed-energy weapon. The award follows successful November 2025 trials...