2026 - defencenews.online

January 19, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Naval Platforms

Washington Authorizes $1.5B Enhancement of Peruvian Naval Base Adjacent to Chinese-Managed Port

The US State Department has cleared a potential $1.5 billion Foreign Military Sale to support the redesign and construction of facilities at Peru’s primary naval base in Callao, less...

January 18, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts
Weapons and Munition

HERO-90 Loitering Munition Approved for US Army Infantry Testing

The U.S. Army has chosen the HERO‑90 loitering munition for accelerated evaluation under its Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance (LASSO) program, signaling a push to rapidly field dismounted...

SM-2 Block IIIC/CU Upgrade Presented by US Navy for Improved Air Defense

The U.S. Navy showcased the SM‑2 Block IIIC/CU medium‑range surface‑to‑air missile at the Surface Navy Association (SNA) 2026 symposium, offering a closer look at the latest evolution of the...

January 18, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts
Air Platforms

Final Clearance Given for Poland’s MiG-29 Transfer to Ukraine

Poland is preparing to deliver up to nine MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, slightly fewer than the ten originally expected, pending resolution of technical and logistical issues. The transfer,...

January 17, 2026
G.Krish
New Product Launches
Unmanned Systems

Leonardo Proteus Completes Maiden Autonomous Flight for UK Navy

The British Royal Navy and Leonardo UK have completed the inaugural autonomous flight of the full-scale Proteus unmanned helicopter at Predannack Airfield in Cornwall. This milestone marks the first...

January 17, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts
Weapons and Munition

XM204 Ammunition Cleared for US Army Deployment Against Russian Armor

The U.S. Army has granted an Urgent Materiel Release for the XM204 top‑attack terrain‑shaping munition, clearing the system for accelerated deployment to Europe as concerns grow over near‑peer armored...

January 17, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts
Land Platforms

E-ZPT Electric APC Deployed for Silent Operations in Türkiye

Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense has handed over the first serial-produced E-ZPT electric armoured personnel carrier, developed by state-owned MKE, after successful acceptance testing in Ankara. This milestone marks...

January 16, 2026
G.Krish
New Product Launches
Unmanned Systems

Hydrogen-Powered Raybird UAV Introduced by Skyeton

Skyeton is unveiling an updated version of its Raybird UAV, now powered by a hydrogen fuel cell-driven electric motor for extended, stealthier flight. The new propulsion system allows the...

January 16, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts
Cybersecurity

New Cyber Unit HQ for UK Army Backed With $373M

The UK has approved a £279-million ($373-million) contract to build a dedicated facility for the army’s cyber regiment. The project, located at Duke of Gloucester Barracks in Gloucestershire, will...

Leonardo DRS Secures AI Counter-Drone Systems From Axon Vision

Leonardo DRS has placed a $350,000 order with Axon Vision for AI-powered counter-uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to support US defense and homeland security missions. The contract includes an initial...