2026 - defencenews.online

April 12, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Air Platforms

AI Enhancements Planned for HAL CATS Warrior Loyal Wingman

India’s Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior loyal wingman program is set for major upgrades in artificial intelligence and autonomy, as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) enhances its Manned-Unmanned Teaming...

‘IG JWALA’ Missile System Introduced to Strengthen India’s Indigenous Strike Power

India’s defence technology landscape is witnessing continued growth driven by private sector innovation, with defencetech startup IG Defence announcing plans to develop the IG JWALA Short-Range Missile System. Designed...

April 11, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Missile & Missile Defence

Tejas Mk2 to Feature Meteor Integration Amid Uttam AESA and Astra Enhancements

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively working to integrate the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) onto the upcoming Tejas Mk2, as part of its broader objective to standardize...

April 10, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts
Unmanned Systems

Fast-Track Deal Delivers Hundreds of Kamikaze Drones to India

Indian company InsideFPV has fulfilled a ₹100 million ($1.2 million) contract for the Ministry of Defence, delivering hundreds of kamikaze drone systems within a rapid 60-day timeline. The order...

April 10, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Unmanned Systems

Ultra-Long-Endurance Drone Boosts USAFCENT Operational Range

US Air Forces Central (AFCENT) is expanding its unmanned operational reach following a $270 million contract awarded to Kraus Hamdani Aerospace for the K1000ULE long-endurance aerial system. The K1000ULE...

April 10, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Unmanned Systems

France Deploys MQ-9 Reaper for Drone Interception Missions

The French Air and Space Force is expanding the MQ-9 Reaper’s mission profile by testing its use as an airborne counter-drone “hunter” platform. During a recent live-fire exercise at...

April 10, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Missile & Missile Defence

US Army Awards $4.76B PAC-3 MSE Missile Deal to Lockheed

Lockheed Martin has secured a $4.76 billion contract from the US Army to produce PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors, along with associated equipment and support services. The firm-fixed-price...

Baltic Nations Select Saab’s Giraffe 1X Radars for Air Defense

The US Army has issued a contract modification worth approximately $24 million to Saab Inc., the US subsidiary of Saab, for the delivery of 10 Giraffe 1X radar systems...

April 10, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts
Unmanned Systems

French Navy Expands S-100 Drone Helicopter Fleet for FREMM Frigates

The French Navy has placed an order for five additional Camcopter S-100 helicopter drones from Austrian manufacturer Schiebel, increasing its total inventory to eight systems. Each system includes two...

General Dynamics Secures $55M Deal for US Navy Submarine Combat Systems

The US Navy has awarded General Dynamics Mission Systems a $55 million contract to upgrade the AN/BYG-1 submarine combat control system, with the goal of enhancing tactical performance across...