R&D - Weeklydefencenews

January 19, 2026
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Naval Platforms

Fourth Pohjanmaa-Class Corvette Takes Shape

Finland has reached a key milestone in naval modernization as construction begins on the fourth Pohjanmaa-class corvette. Under Squadron 2020, the ships will replace multiple legacy platforms with a...

January 19, 2026
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Unmanned Systems

ULTRA Drone Upgrade Targets Heavy Lift

Windracers has announced an upcoming upgrade to its ULTRA unmanned aircraft that will double its heavy-lift capacity to 200 kilograms while preserving its long-range performance. The dual-use drone, already...

January 19, 2026
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Air Platforms

Danish Air Force Completes F-35 Transition

The Royal Danish Air Force has concluded operations of the F-16 after 46 years, shifting entirely toward the F-35A as its frontline combat aircraft. The transition reflects Denmark’s response...

January 19, 2026
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Unmanned Systems

Shearwater AI Wins DARPA Drone Endurance Deal

Shearwater Aerospace has been chosen to contribute advanced AI mission-planning software to DARPA’s Albatross initiative, a program designed to help drones harness wind currents to boost endurance. The approach...

January 16, 2026
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Land Platforms

Bulgaria Orders $32M Recon Kits From Teledyne for Stryker Vehicles

Bulgaria’s Stryker fleet will receive upgraded reconnaissance and surveillance kits from Teledyne FLIR Defense as part of a three-year, $32-million US Army contract, supporting the country’s military modernization objectives....

January 14, 2026
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Communication and Electronics

General Dynamics Awarded $988M US Navy Digital Systems Modernization

General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) will receive $988 million from the US Navy to modernize the digital networks that integrate its ships, aircraft, and shore commands. The contract, under...

January 14, 2026
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Land Platforms

US Army Tests 58-Cal K9 for Extended-Range Artillery

The US Army has awarded Hanwha Defense USA a research and development contract to integrate a 58-caliber cannon into the K9 platform, advancing the service’s self-propelled artillery modernization initiative....

January 13, 2026
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Missile & Missile Defence

UK Plans Tactical Missile Development for Ukraine

Project Nightfall marks a significant escalation in the UK’s military support for Ukraine, focusing on the rapid development of a new class of ground-launched tactical ballistic missiles. Intended to...

January 13, 2026
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Unmanned Systems

HII Doubles UK Facility for UUV Production

HII has significantly expanded its UK unmanned systems facility, underscoring growing demand for autonomous maritime platforms across Europe. The enlarged Portchester site will provide comprehensive support for REMUS underwater...

January 13, 2026
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Air Platforms

KF-21 Boramae Nears Service Entry

The successful completion of flight testing for the KF-21 Boramae marks a milestone in South Korea’s push for indigenous combat aircraft development. Over more than three years, the program...