2026 - defencenews.online

March 2, 2026
G.Krish
New Product Launches
Land Platforms

Hanwha unveils first AS9 Huntsman howitzers built in Australia

Hanwha Defence has unveiled the first three Australian-built AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzers at its Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Geelong, Victoria, marking a major milestone in the LAND...

March 2, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Air Platforms

Rolls-Royce wraps up critical F130 engine tests for the US Air Force’s B-52J upgrade

Rolls-Royce has successfully concluded altitude and operability testing of its F130 engine, reaching a key milestone in preparations to supply the powerplant for the US Air Force’s Boeing B-52J...

March 2, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Missile & Missile Defence

Belgium plans NASAMS air defence deployment at the Port of Antwerp

Belgium’s Port of Antwerp is set to install its own NASAMS air defence system beginning in 2027 to safeguard a large portion of its critical industrial and logistics infrastructure...

UK naval warship destroys multiple drone threats during live-fire exercise

HMS Duncan of the UK Royal Navy successfully countered multiple aerial and surface drone threats during a demanding live and synthetic exercise designed to push the destroyer’s detection and...

Macron to Outline Role of France’s Nuclear Deterrent in Defending Europe

France is set to outline how it could leverage the European Union’s sole nuclear arsenal to help defend the continent amid rising instability, marked by a more assertive Russia...

February 28, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts
Air Platforms

UK Set to Grant $1.3 Billion Helicopter Deal to Leonardo

The Government of the United Kingdom is preparing to award Leonardo a £1 billion ($1.3 billion) contract to produce 23 medium-lift military support helicopters, according to a source cited...

February 27, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts
Unmanned Systems

US Army Places Additional Order for AeroVironment Switchblade Drones

AeroVironment has been awarded a $186 million contract to supply its Switchblade 600 and Switchblade 300 loitering munitions to the United States Army. The procurement falls under a 2024...

February 27, 2026
G.Krish
Mergers & JV
Naval Platforms

Fincantieri and Navantia Form JV for European Patrol Corvette Project

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and Spain’s Navantia have signed a memorandum of understanding to create a joint venture supporting the multinational European Patrol Corvette (EPC) program. Supported by the EU’s...

USAF Assigns ‘AGM-190A’ Designation to Leidos Small Cruise Missile

The United States Air Force has officially designated Leidos’ Small Cruise Missile as the AGM-190A, confirming its status as an operational stand-off strike weapon. Also referred to as “Black...

February 27, 2026
G.Krish
New Product Launches
Soldier Systems

Rheinmetall Introduces Integrated Concept Connecting Soldiers, Sensors, and UAVs

Rheinmetall has introduced a portfolio of networking technologies that together create a unified framework for connecting frontline soldiers, support elements, and dispersed sensors, aimed at accelerating and synchronizing battlefield...