2026 - defencenews.online

January 18, 2026
Admin
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
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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...

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
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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
Admin
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
Admin
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...

January 16, 2026
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R&D
Land Platforms

Teledyne Selected to Provide $32M ISR Packages for Bulgaria’s Strykers

Teledyne FLIR Defense will supply and integrate advanced reconnaissance and surveillance kits for Bulgaria’s Stryker infantry carrier vehicles as part of the country’s military modernization program. Under a three-year,...

E-2D Hawkeye IFF Service Depot Deal of $62M Awarded to BAE

The US Navy has awarded BAE Systems a $62-million contract to establish a new service depot for the E-2D Hawkeye’s Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system. The facility will...

January 15, 2026
Admin
Procurement & Contracts
Unmanned Systems

$490M Contract for Drones, C-UAS Goes to Trust Automation

The US Air Force has awarded Trust Automation a contract valued at up to $490 million to fast-track the development of unmanned and counter‑unmanned aerial system (UAS/C‑UAS) technologies. The...