R&D - Weeklydefencenews

February 12, 2026
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Unmanned Systems

Korea Plans Persistent ISR Drone

A trilateral collaboration between US-based GuRu Wireless, South Korea’s Uniquest, and UK firm Arion aims to overcome endurance limits of battery-powered small drones. By combining wireless power transmission and...

February 12, 2026
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Missile & Missile Defence

Europe’s First Private Hypersonic Test

Hypersonica has completed a milestone test flight of a privately funded European hypersonic missile prototype, exceeding Mach 6 and validating onboard systems at extreme speeds. Developed in under nine...

February 11, 2026
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Air Platforms

USAF Awards Boeing C-17A Upgrade Contract

Boeing has secured a USAF contract to overhaul the C-17’s cockpit systems, addressing avionics obsolescence and introducing an open-architecture framework that enables plug-and-play capability upgrades. Curtiss-Wright will deliver updated...

February 11, 2026
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Air Platforms

Taipei Shifts to 10 New C-130J Aircraft

Taipei has opted to transition to the C-130J Super Hercules rather than extend the life of its 40-year-old C-130H transports. Officials cited structural reinforcement costs and limited upgrade benefits....

February 11, 2026
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Naval Platforms

Thales Tie-Up Boosts Naval Combat AI

As part of France’s AI-driven defense strategy, Naval Group has taken a minority stake in cortAIx, Thales’ military AI hub. The move deepens collaboration on next-generation naval technologies and...

February 11, 2026
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Missile & Missile Defence

Next-Gen Seeker Upgrade for EU AAM

Indra has unveiled improvements to the Meteor missile’s communications link, focusing on extended coverage and improved protection against jamming. Submitted for validation to MBDA and program authorities, the enhanced...

February 11, 2026
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Unmanned Systems

Mighty Hornet IV Attack Drone Tested

Kratos and Taiwan’s NCSIST have confirmed successful system validation of the Mighty Hornet IV unmanned aircraft, integrating Taiwanese mission payloads onto the platform. The test establishes a baseline for...

February 10, 2026
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Land Platforms

UK, Norway Sign CAV R&D Agreement

The UK and Norway have formalized their participation in the CAVS program by signing its R&D agreement, strengthening multinational collaboration on a common 6×6 armored vehicle platform. The move...

February 10, 2026
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Air Platforms

Gripen May Use APKWS Rockets vs Drones

Swedish defense firm Saab is exploring arming its Gripen fighters with APKWS laser-guided rockets to provide an economical anti-drone capability. Executives highlighted that modern air combat increasingly requires cost-efficient...

February 10, 2026
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Air Platforms

Typhoon Upgrade Adds Aero Kit

A new contract between Eurofighter and NETMA will introduce an Aerodynamic Modification Kit aimed at boosting the Typhoon’s combat adaptability. By refining aerodynamic surfaces and updating flight controls, the...