February, 2026 - latestdefencenews.com

February 6, 2026
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R&D
Naval Platforms

Inside the Columbia-Class: Stealth and Strategic Deterrence at Sea

Far below the ocean’s surface, America’s future nuclear deterrent is quietly coming together. The Columbia-class submarine is a next-generation ballistic missile platform designed to replace the Ohio-class fleet and...

February 6, 2026
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R&D
Air Platforms

Elbit to Integrate Indigenous Systems on Israel’s CH-53K Helicopters

The Israeli government has signed a $130 million contract with Elbit Systems to equip its incoming CH-53K Pereh heavy-lift helicopters with locally developed mission and protection systems. Overseen by...

February 6, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts
Land Platforms

Czech Republic Moves Closer to 250+ Armored Vehicle Replacement Deal

Prague is advancing plans to replace its aging Pandur II 8×8 armored vehicle fleet, moving toward the procurement of more than 250 new armored personnel carriers, with Tatra Defence...

February 6, 2026
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Mergers & JV
Air Platforms

Babcock and Aselsan Eye EW Training System Collaboration for RAF

Babcock International and Turkish defence firm Aselsan have entered into an agreement to explore options for enhancing the Royal Air Force’s electronic warfare training capabilities. The collaboration will assess...

February 6, 2026
Admin
Procurement & Contracts
Air Platforms

US Coast Guard Takes Delivery of 18th Operational HC-130J Aircraft

The US Coast Guard (USCG) has received its 18th HC-130J aircraft following missionization by L3Harris Integrated Mission Systems in Waco, Texas. Identified as CGNR 2018, the aircraft was converted...

February 6, 2026
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R&D
Communication and Electronics

Teledyne FLIR Unveils Faster, Smarter Ranger Radar Family

Teledyne FLIR has rolled out major performance upgrades for its Ranger radar systems, enhancing speed, range, and precision to meet demanding operational requirements. The enhancements apply to the R8-3DX...

February 6, 2026
Admin
Procurement & Contracts
Naval Platforms

US Navy Upgrades MK 38 CIWS Caliber for First Time in Three Decades

After more than three decades without a caliber change, the US Navy is modernizing its MK 38 close-in weapon system with a major fourth-generation upgrade. The MK 38 MOD...

February 6, 2026
Admin
Procurement & Contracts
Unmanned Systems

Ohio-Based Startup Expands Drone Manufacturing for US Armed Forces

Agilis Air, a defence startup based in Ohio, has begun pre-manufacturing affordable unmanned aerial systems in an effort to close a critical supply shortfall as US military drone requirements...

February 6, 2026
Admin
Mergers & JV
Air Platforms

Hanwha and KAI Partner on Next-Generation Aircraft and UAS Programs

Hanwha Aerospace and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly pursue future defence and aerospace initiatives, marking a new step in strengthening South Korea’s...

February 6, 2026
Admin
Procurement & Contracts
Air Platforms

Patria Starts F135 Engine Assembly for Finland’s F-35 Fighters

Finnish defence company Patria has formalized an agreement with Pratt & Whitney to undertake the final assembly of F135 engines in Finland for the country’s future F-35 fighter fleet....