R&D - Weeklydefencenews

December 1, 2025
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Unmanned Systems

Sweden Prepares Turbojet-Powered Modular UAV

GKN Aerospace and Sweden’s FMV have begun developing a next-generation UAV under an accelerated 18-month timeline. The aircraft will be built on a flexible, mission-adaptive design that supports rapid...

December 1, 2025
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Weapons and Munition

France Unveils MUTANT XL Loitering Munitions

MUTANT XL, jointly developed by MBDA and Delair, merges guided-missile performance with drone flexibility for next-generation precision strike missions. Designed for man-in-the-loop control, it adapts to various mission profiles,...

November 30, 2025
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Communication and Electronics

U.S. Army Trials Next-Gen Anti-Drone Tech in Germany

The U.S. Army conducted a multiweek evaluation of emerging counter-drone technologies at Truppenuebungsplatz Putlos in northern Germany, bringing together air defense troops, acquisition specialists, and industry engineers. Led by...

November 29, 2025
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Communication and Electronics

Tobago U.S. Radar Alters Caribbean Surveillance

The U.S. Marines are deploying an advanced radar system at ANR Robinson International Airport in Tobago, a development confirmed by Trinidad and Tobago’s prime minister after earlier denials regarding...

November 27, 2025
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Naval Platforms

France Upgrades Navigation Suite on Mistral Carriers

France’s three Mistral-class amphibious helicopter carriers will receive upgraded navigation capabilities under a partnership between CNN MCO, Thales, and CS GROUP. The modernization covers the Mistral, Tonnerre, and Dixmude,...

November 25, 2025
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Weapons and Munition

Nigeria Unveils First 1,000 DG-103 Made-in-Country Rifles

Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation–D7G (DICON-D7G) has produced nearly 1,000 upgraded DG-103 assault rifles within the first two months of operations at its Kaduna manufacturing plant, local reports confirmed. The...

November 25, 2025
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Unmanned Systems

Ukraine Turns Heavy Protector Into Armed Combat Robot

Ukraine has equipped its largest unmanned ground vehicle, the Protector UGV, with a remotely operated Tavriia-12.7 turret, transforming it from a support platform into a frontline combat system. The...

November 25, 2025
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Missile & Missile Defence

Leidos, Kongsberg Study Missile, USV Integration in Australia

Leidos Australia and Kongsberg Defence Australia have signed an MoU to explore integrating the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) with Leidos’ Sea Archer and Longbow uncrewed surface vessels. The initiative...

November 21, 2025
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Training and Simulation

Rheinmetall Wins $70M German CTC Deal

Germany is modernizing its Army Combat Training Center to prepare its forces for fully digital, next-generation land warfare. As part of this effort, the Bundeswehr has awarded Rheinmetall a...

November 21, 2025
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Land Platforms

Israel Taps Elbit for $210M Merkava Upgrade

Elbit Systems has secured a six-year, $210-million contract to modernize Israel’s Merkava main battle tanks, marking one of the fleet’s most extensive upgrade programs in recent years. The initiative...