2026 - defencenews.online

May 4, 2026
G.Krish
Mergers & JV
Unmanned Systems

Digital Media Professionals Leads Japan-India Project for Network-Independent AI Drones

Japan and India have partnered to develop next-generation unmanned aircraft systems capable of autonomous decision-making and operations even in communication-denied environments. The initiative will be spearheaded by Tokyo-based Digital...

Israel Missile Defense Organization Supplies Initial Tamir Interceptors for Marine Corps MRIC

Israel Missile Defense Organization and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems have delivered the first batch of Tamir interceptors for the United States Marine Corps’ Medium-Range Intercept Capability (MRIC) program. The...

May 4, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts
Air Platforms

Romanian Parliament Approves Airbus Helicopters H225M Caracal Purchase

Romanian Parliament has approved the acquisition of 12 Airbus H225M Caracal helicopters from Airbus Helicopters in a deal valued at 852 million euros ($999.57 million). The helicopters will partially...

May 4, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Air Platforms

France Expands Missile Manufacturing as Operations Expose Ammunition Gaps

France is ramping up missile production after recent operations in the Middle East revealed gaps in the country’s ammunition reserves, according to Gen. Jérôme Bellanger. The shortage became evident...

May 4, 2026
G.Krish
New Product Launches
Soldier Systems

Indian Army Plans Acquisition of 159 Protected Mobility Vehicles

New Delhi has initiated a procurement program for 159 bulletproof troop carrier vehicles to strengthen the Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles counterinsurgency operations in India’s northeastern region. Formed during the...

May 4, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts
Air Platforms

Hungary Receives Additional JAS 39 Gripen Combat Aircraft From Saab

Hungary has received two JAS 39 Gripen C supersonic fighter jets from Saab under a 2024 procurement agreement. The delivery marks the first batch of four aircraft ordered for...

May 3, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Weapons and Munition

India Developing High-Power 300 kW Laser Weapon for Future Air Defence Operations

India is continuing to advance its next-generation warfare capabilities as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) progresses with the development of a 300 kilowatt Directed Energy Weapon (DEW)...

May 3, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Unmanned Systems

Kaalbhairav MALE UAV Aims for 20,000-ft Operations with ISR and Strike Capability

India’s growing unmanned systems sector continues to gain momentum as startup Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace has announced plans to develop a 1-ton Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) version...

May 3, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Unmanned Systems

AeroForce X UAV Proposal Highlights Full Indian Software and Design Control

Dynamatic Technologies Limited, in collaboration with Germany’s Aerodata AG, is positioning its jointly developed “AeroForce X” UAV as a strong contender for the Indian Armed Forces’ requirement for 87...

May 3, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Weapons and Munition

Legacy ZU-23-2 Air Defence Guns to Become Advanced Counter-Drone Platforms

The Indian Army has launched a major modernization program for its legacy ZU-23-2 air defence guns, converting the manually operated 1960s-era system into a modern all-weather platform designed to...