R&D - Weeklydefencenews

March 7, 2026
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Air Platforms

Swiss Review F-35 Fleet Size Plan

Switzerland is adjusting its fighter aircraft procurement plans after rising costs prompted the government to reconsider the size of its planned fleet of F-35A jets. Instead of purchasing 36...

March 6, 2026
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Unmanned Systems

EU Eyes Advanced Hybrid Military Drone

A new hybrid unmanned aircraft concept could soon emerge in European defense aviation as the European Defence Agency commissions Survey Copter to explore the development of a versatile drone...

March 6, 2026
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Air Platforms

Embraer Boosts Super Tucano C-UAS Role

The A-29 Super Tucano is set to gain enhanced counter-drone capabilities through a collaboration between aircraft manufacturer Embraer and defense technology company Valkyrie Aero. The modernization effort introduces Valkyrie’s...

March 5, 2026
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Weapons and Munition

French F21 Chosen Over Mk48 by Dutch

The Netherlands has selected the French F21 Mk2 heavyweight torpedo to arm its future Orka-class submarines, replacing plans to continue using the US-made Mk48 currently employed by the Walrus...

March 5, 2026
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Air Platforms

New Multi-Channel Radios for HH-60W

The US Air Force is exploring a communications modernization program for its HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopters. The initiative would replace the current Link-16 TacNet Tactical Radio...

March 5, 2026
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Naval Platforms

Garibaldi Carrier Upgrade Planned

Indonesia is moving forward with plans to refurbish and upgrade the aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi after receiving the vessel from Italy as part of a defense cooperation arrangement. The...

March 5, 2026
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Communication and Electronics

Austria Plans First Defense Satellite

Austria is planning to deploy its first domestically developed military satellite, BEACONSAT, in early 2027 as part of efforts to strengthen national defense capabilities in space. The satellite will...

March 3, 2026
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Training and Simulation

XR Platform Debuts for Finnish Forces

Varjo is expanding immersive defense training capabilities with its Integrated XR Systems solution tailored for military users operating in remote or restricted locations. The all-in-one platform integrates hardware, software...

March 2, 2026
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Missile & Missile Defence

NASAMS Air Defense Set for Antwerp

Belgium is strengthening homeland air defense by introducing NASAMS missile systems to defend the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, one of Europe’s most strategically important economic hubs. Scheduled for installation in...

March 2, 2026
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Air Platforms

F130 Engine Tests Advance B-52J Program

The modernization of the US Air Force’s B-52 bomber fleet reached a new milestone after Rolls-Royce completed operational testing of its F130 propulsion system. Trials verified durability, stability, and...