R&D - Weeklydefencenews

January 11, 2026
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Missile & Missile Defence

Navy Taps Northrop to Counter Hypersonic Threats

Northrop Grumman’s new contract reflects a deliberate U.S. Navy strategy to extract greater capability from existing missile architectures by focusing on propulsion. The 21-inch second-stage motor represents a substantial...

January 9, 2026
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Missile & Missile Defence

Northrop Unveils Digital ICBM Target Vehicle

Northrop Grumman has completed the first launch of its digitally redesigned ICBM target vehicle, marking a key step in modernizing how the US tests missile defense systems against advanced...

January 9, 2026
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Unmanned Systems

HII Wraps Initial Lionfish UUV Production

HII has completed base-year production of the Lionfish small unmanned underwater vehicle for the US Navy, delivering 42 hulls by the end of 2025. The program supports undersea warfare...

January 9, 2026
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Unmanned Systems

Marines Move to Field Loyal Wingman Drone

The US Marine Corps has formally entered the loyal wingman arena, selecting Northrop Grumman and Kratos to develop its first Collaborative Combat Aircraft. The program leverages the XQ-58 Valkyrie...

January 8, 2026
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Air Platforms

Elbit to Fit J-MUSIC DIRCM on European Aircraft

Elbit Systems has secured approximately $150 million in contracts to equip European aircraft fleets with its J-MUSIC Directed Infrared Countermeasures system. The awards include installations on high-value airborne platforms...

January 8, 2026
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Naval Platforms

GD Gets Special Dry Dock for Columbia Subs

General Dynamics Electric Boat has accepted delivery of the floating dry dock Atlas, which will support construction of the US Navy’s Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines. The dock will operate...

January 8, 2026
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Land Platforms

Army Combat Vehicles Get 360-Degree Vision

One Stop Systems has secured a $1.2 million contract to supply the US Army with advanced ruggedized computing and visualization hardware for combat vehicles. The solution integrates high-speed computing,...

January 8, 2026
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Weapons and Munition

EDGE Develops Digital Safety Tech for Munitions

EDGE subsidiary Advanced Concepts has introduced the ESAD-50, a compact electronic safety arming device designed to replace traditional mechanical safeties in medium- and large-caliber munitions. Intended for weapons of...

January 7, 2026
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Soldier Systems

Russia Deploys Advanced Realistic Camo Tech

Russian forces are deploying an advanced camouflage system for troops and ground vehicles along frontline positions, incorporating realistic textures that mimic rocks, debris, and terrain features. Ukrainian sources indicate...

January 7, 2026
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Naval Platforms

Germany, India Advance $8B Submarine Program

Germany and India are advancing discussions on a potential $8-billion partnership to build six German-designed conventional submarines for the Indian Navy, addressing India’s aging fleet of 16 diesel-electric vessels....