January, 2026 - latestdefencenews.com

January 6, 2026
Admin
New Product Launches
Unmanned Systems

New Uncrewed Surface Vessel Expands Autonomous Littoral Missions

Shift Coastal Technologies’ OceanSled Explorer unmanned surface vehicle is designed to push autonomous maritime operations into high-risk littoral zones. At 3.6 meters long and weighing 280 kilograms, the USV...

January 6, 2026
Admin
R&D
Unmanned Systems

Lantronix Launches AI Platform to Accelerate Drone Development

Lantronix has launched its AI-driven Drone Reference Platform, designed to streamline the development of next-generation unmanned aerial systems for defense and commercial use. Compliant with U.S. security requirements, the...

January 6, 2026
Admin
R&D
Missile & Missile Defence

Morocco Begins Fielding Israeli-Made Barak MX Air Defense

Morocco has officially activated its Barak MX air and missile defense system, acquired from Israel in a 2022 defense agreement, Israeli media outlets have reported. The system’s operational status...

January 6, 2026
Admin
Procurement & Contracts
Unmanned Systems

Exail Wins Contract to Deliver K-Ster Mine Countermeasure Drones

Exail has been awarded a €40 million ($46.8 million) contract to deliver hundreds of K-Ster unmanned underwater mine disposal vehicles to several navies. The deal marks the company’s second-largest...

January 6, 2026
Admin
New Product Launches
Unmanned Systems

High-Speed Drone Interceptor Reaching 236 Km/h Deployed in Ukraine

General Cherry has introduced AIR SPEED, a high-velocity interceptor designed to enhance Ukraine’s counter-drone capabilities through speed, agility, and precision targeting. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 236...

January 6, 2026
Admin
Procurement & Contracts
Unmanned Systems

US Army Procures Tactical Mapping Drones From EagleNXT

The US Army has acquired advanced tactical mapping drones from EagleNXT through German partner Dronivo GmbH as part of efforts to strengthen battlefield mapping and reconnaissance capabilities. The contract,...

January 6, 2026
Admin
Mergers & JV
Weapons and Munition

Rheinmetall and MBDA to Establish Laser Weapons JV in Early 2026

Rheinmetall and MBDA Deutschland are targeting the formation of a joint venture in early 2026 to advance the development of laser-based weapon systems. The planned entity, to be registered...

January 6, 2026
Admin
Procurement & Contracts
Land Platforms

Lithuania Clears Purchase of 100 CV90 IFVs

Lithuania has approved plans to acquire 100 CV90 MkIV infantry fighting vehicles as part of a coordinated European procurement initiative. The acquisition will be executed through a joint program...

January 6, 2026
Admin
R&D
Land Platforms

Spain Launches R&D Drive to Replace Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank

Spain has selected Indra Sistemas to lead a major research and development effort supporting the creation of a future main battle tank for the Spanish Army. The €45 million...

Turkey’s Defense and Aerospace Exports Surpass $10B in 2025

Turkey recorded a sharp rise in defense and aviation exports in 2025, with overseas sales climbing to $10 billion, up 48 percent year-on-year from $7.1 billion in 2024, officials...