R&D - Weeklydefencenews

March 2, 2026
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Naval Platforms

Italy Begins Construction of U212 Sub

Construction of Italy’s next-generation U212 NFS submarine fleet has progressed with the keel-laying of the first vessel at Fincantieri’s La Spezia facility. Designed to modernize the Italian Navy’s underwater...

February 27, 2026
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Land Platforms

Babcock Starts 4th Type 31 Build

Babcock International advanced the Type 31 frigate build schedule by cutting steel for HMS Bulldog and finalizing assembly of HMS Active. The modular shipbuilding approach allows systems installation before...

February 26, 2026
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Naval Platforms

Barracuda Sub Begins French Sea Trials

France has moved a step closer to modernizing its undersea fleet as Naval Group commenced sea trials of De Grasse, the fourth submarine in the Barracuda program. The trials...

February 26, 2026
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Communication and Electronics

Israel Boosts Combat Intelligence With AI

Israel has expanded its military artificial intelligence capabilities by assigning 20 newly certified AI specialists to frontline and intelligence units. The personnel graduated from an intensive training program conducted...

February 26, 2026
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Unmanned Systems

MANDRILL UGV Targets Multi-Mission Roles

At Enforce Tac 2026, Quantum Systems revealed the MANDRILL unmanned ground vehicle, highlighting Germany’s growing focus on autonomous land warfare technologies. Designed as a multi-role robotic platform, MANDRILL performs...

February 25, 2026
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Air Platforms

Black Hawk Overhaul to Extend Service Life

Seeking to extend the service life of its UH-60M Black Hawks past mid-century, the US Army has issued a request for industry input on large-scale airframe modernization. The program...

February 24, 2026
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Naval Platforms

Norway Upgrades Fast-Attack Missile Boats

Norway’s contract with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace marks a significant step in the modernization of the Royal Norwegian Navy’s Skjold-class fast attack vessels. The comprehensive combat system upgrade introduces...

February 24, 2026
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Unmanned Systems

General Atomics Expands MQ-9B Firepower

General Atomics’ plan to integrate long-range standoff missiles onto MQ-9B unmanned aircraft significantly expands their operational role. By equipping drones with precision-guided munitions capable of striking targets hundreds of...

February 24, 2026
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Missile & Missile Defence

Taipei Boosts Air Defense Missile Fleet

Taiwan’s interest in acquiring additional NASAMS units underscores its efforts to modernize national air defenses and enhance layered protection. The advanced radar and missile architecture enables simultaneous engagement of...

February 24, 2026
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Cybersecurity

Cyber Marvel Hosts Leonardo Apprentices

Leonardo’s participation in the Defence Cyber Marvel represents a significant milestone in international cyber defense collaboration. During the exercise, Leonardo’s cyber specialists, supported by military mentors, defended complex operational...