2026 - defencenews.online

April 22, 2026
G.Krish
Mergers & JV
Unmanned Systems

Anduril–Kraken Collaboration Targets Scalable US Navy USV Programs

Anduril Industries has entered into a partnership with Kraken Technology Group to deliver a new family of small unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for the US Navy, emphasizing modular payload...

April 21, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Air Platforms

Rafale F5 for India to Feature Six Meteor Missiles and Enhanced M88 T-REX Engine to Reduce Drag Impact

The upcoming Rafale F5 standard is expected to deliver a major boost to beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat capability by increasing its Meteor missile carriage from four to potentially six missiles....

April 21, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts
Naval Platforms

Brazil Teams with EDGE to Enhance Maritime Cyber Defense Systems

Brazil’s Navy has entered into an agreement with EDGE Group to enhance its cyber defense capabilities amid rising digital threats targeting military systems. The memorandum of understanding, signed in...

April 21, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts
Unmanned Systems

V-BAT Drone Enters Race for $800M US Navy ISR Programs

Shield AI has confirmed its participation in a US Navy program aimed at delivering intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) services using its V-BAT uncrewed aircraft system. The initiative, valued...

April 21, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Unmanned Systems

K3 Scout Unmanned Vessel Enters Mass Production with Rheinmetall-Kraken

Rheinmetall has commenced serial production of the Kraken K3 Scout unmanned surface vessel, marking the transition of the platform into full-scale industrial manufacturing for both military and civilian maritime...

April 21, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts
Air Platforms

Australia Inducts Next-Generation Jammer Pods for Growler Fleet

The Royal Australian Air Force has received its first Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) pods from Raytheon Technologies, with additional deliveries expected later this year. Developed jointly by the...

April 21, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Weapons and Munition

Leonardo Integrates End-to-End Anti-Drone Capability into Maritime Systems

Leonardo DRS has introduced an integrated solution that could equip naval platforms with comprehensive counter-drone capabilities, with its Maritime Mission Equipment Package (M-MEP) now being incorporated into maritime vessels....

April 21, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Air Platforms

Talon IQ Achieves In-Flight AI ‘Brain’ Switch in Breakthrough Test

Northrop Grumman has demonstrated that its Talon IQ testbed aircraft can seamlessly switch between different AI autonomy systems mid-flight without disrupting ongoing missions. In the test, the aircraft initially...

US Authorizes $11.9 Billion Aegis System Sale for German Naval Fleet

The US Department of State has approved a potential $11.9-billion Foreign Military Sale of Aegis-based integrated combat systems to support Germany’s future Type 127 frigate fleet. The proposed package...

April 21, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts
Air Platforms

Bell Launches Ukraine Unit to Drive H-1 Helicopter Sales

Bell Textron has established a Ukrainian subsidiary to support its potential sale of AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopters to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The newly formed entity, Bell...