2026 - defencenews.online

Leonardo boosts land defense portfolio with $1.8B Iveco deal

Leonardo has completed the €1.6-billion ($1.8-billion) acquisition of Iveco Group’s defense business, reinforcing its expansion into the land systems segment. The transaction brings Iveco Defence Vehicles and ASTRA into...

US Navy considers expanding Hammerhead mine deployment for anti-submarine warfare

The US Navy is planning to boost its inventory of Hammerhead underwater mine systems through an existing agreement with General Dynamics Mission Systems. GDMS previously received a $92.9-million contract...

DroneShield incorporates Robin Radar into its counter-drone systems

DroneShield has teamed up with Robin Radar Systems to integrate 3D radar technology into its counter-unmanned systems, significantly boosting detection capabilities within its sensor ecosystem. The addition of radar...

Hivemind expands to Japan as Mitsubishi showcases AI-driven UAV mission autonomy

Shield AI and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are working to enhance drone autonomy, allowing unmanned systems to operate independently with the ability to perceive, adapt, and collaborate in real time....

March 19, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Air Platforms

US Navy restructures acquisition system with five new portfolio offices

The US Navy has introduced five dedicated portfolio acquisition executive (PAE) offices aimed at improving procurement efficiency, reducing administrative complexity, and speeding up the delivery of systems to warfighters....

Nigeria obtains $200M to boost defense manufacturing

Nigus International Investment Limited has partnered with Elmirate Investment to sign a memorandum of understanding valued at up to $200 million for advancing defense manufacturing in Nigeria. The agreement...

Element and Leonardo collaborate on next-gen US Navy electromagnetic testing

Element US Space & Defense and Leonardo DRS have entered into a partnership to enhance electromagnetic testing capabilities for the US Navy. The initiative targets system validation needs tied...

March 19, 2026
G.Krish
Mergers & JV
Air Platforms

Lockheed Martin finalizes industrial partnerships for Czech F-35 program

Lockheed Martin has finalized industrial partnership agreements linked to the Czech Republic’s procurement of F-35 Lightning II jets. The agreements consist of 11 cooperation frameworks that will allow the...

March 19, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Air Platforms

NH90 overview: Europe’s advanced multirole utility helicopter

European defense forces required a next-generation helicopter capable of operating across diverse environments—from maritime missions at sea to troop deployments in austere land bases. This requirement led to the...

March 18, 2026
G.Krish
R&D
Air Platforms

BAE to upgrade electronic warfare suite of US Air Force U-2 Dragon Lady aircraft

The United States Air Force has tasked BAE Systems with modernizing the electronic warfare capabilities of the U-2 “Dragon Lady,” under a contract managed through Robins Air Force Base....