R&D - Weeklydefencenews

May 25, 2026
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Air Platforms

MQ-9 Reapers gain long-range strike power

The US Air Force Special Operations Command has integrated GBU-39B Small Diameter Bombs onto MQ-9 Reaper drones, expanding the aircraft’s precision strike capability in contested environments. The low-yield guided...

May 25, 2026
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Naval Platforms

US Coast Guard plans microwave weapon

The US Coast Guard is working with Lockheed Martin to develop a craft-mounted high-power microwave weapon designed to disable small, fast-moving smuggling vessels. The system uses electromagnetic bursts to...

May 25, 2026
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Missile & Missile Defence

Astra Mk3 Gandiva trials planned by 2027

India’s Astra Mk3 long-range air-to-air missile program is moving toward critical airborne integration and live-fire testing phases as DRDO advances development of the SFDR-powered BVRAAM system. The missile is...

May 25, 2026
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Unmanned Systems

UK tests helicopter-drone combat tactics

The Royal Navy has conducted joint operations between Wildcat helicopters and Puma unmanned aerial systems during the Tamber Shield exercise in Norway. The drills focused on countering fast-moving littoral...

May 24, 2026
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Air Platforms

MiG-35: Russia’s Modern Fighter

Russia’s MiG-35 fighter represents an advanced evolution of the MiG-29 family, combining upgraded avionics, enhanced sensors, and multirole combat capability into a relatively affordable fourth-generation-plus platform. Developed by Mikoyan...

May 23, 2026
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Naval Platforms

MK 48: Heavyweight Strike Torpedo

The MK 48 heavyweight torpedo continues to serve as one of the most advanced and strategically important underwater weapons in modern naval warfare, providing submarines with the capability to...

May 23, 2026
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Weapons and Munition

India Develops 105mm Gun for Zorawar

India has reportedly initiated development work on an indigenous 105mm cannon intended for the Zorawar Light Battle Tank programme, marking another significant step in the country’s long-term effort to...

May 23, 2026
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Weapons and Munition

Army Develops Indigenous LVCCS

A year after Operation Sindoor highlighted the growing role of precision long-range strike capabilities in modern warfare, the Indian Army has accelerated efforts to digitally integrate and automate its...

May 23, 2026
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Weapons and Munition

BEL Enters Loitering Munition Race

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has entered the rapidly expanding loitering munition segment, signaling a major diversification of its defense portfolio into autonomous strike systems and network-enabled battlefield technologies. Traditionally...

May 18, 2026
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Air Platforms

Modified Global Hawks Aid Testing

Northrop Grumman has secured a major US Army contract to advance the RangeHawk hypersonic test drone program, transforming retired RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft into airborne telemetry and tracking platforms....