February, 2026 - latestdefencenews.com

February 25, 2026
Admin
Mergers & JV
Missile & Missile Defence

EDGE of UAE Teams Up With Safran of France to Advance Precision Weapon Systems

The UAE’s EDGE Group has partnered with France-based Safran Electronics & Defense in a move aimed at transforming the smart weapons market through a blend of industrial-scale production and...

February 25, 2026
Admin
Procurement & Contracts
Land Platforms

BAE Systems Targets Modular Anti-Drone Solutions in Strategic Collaboration

BAE Systems is adapting to the accelerating demands of drone warfare by exploring a collaboration aimed at producing low-cost, scalable interceptor missiles instead of relying solely on bespoke air...

February 25, 2026
Admin
Procurement & Contracts
Air Platforms

BAE Systems Reaches Milestone With 100,000 APKWS Laser-Guidance Units Supplied

BAE Systems has reached a key production benchmark with the delivery of its 100,000th Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guidance kit. In continuous full-rate production for more than...

February 25, 2026
Admin
New Product Launches
Land Platforms

Germany Debuts Next-Generation Close-Range Anti-Drone Defense for Military Vehicles

Mehler Protection of Germany is enhancing armored vehicle survivability with a newly developed counter-drone system engineered to eliminate aerial threats during their approach phase. The SCILT solution is tailored...

February 25, 2026
Admin
Procurement & Contracts
Naval Platforms

Spain’s Freire Wins Swedish Contract for Four Extreme-Condition Support Vessels

Spain-based Freire Shipyard has secured a deal with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration to deliver four naval support ships tailored for icy environments and extreme weather, bolstering Sweden’s maritime...

February 25, 2026
Admin
R&D
Air Platforms

US Army Moves Ahead With Black Hawk Modernization Program Extending Service Life Past 2050

The US Army is exploring options to commercially modernize its UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, seeking industry input on how best to extend the fleet’s service life beyond mid-century. According...

February 24, 2026
Admin
New Product Launches
Soldier Systems

Rheinmetall Introduces Lightweight Helmet and Modular Armor Suite

Rheinmetall has expanded its soldier protection lineup with the launch of a lightweight combat helmet and a scalable body armor platform aimed at modern military requirements. Designed to reduce...

February 24, 2026
Admin
R&D
Missile & Missile Defence

Taiwan Considers Acquisition of Nine Additional Advanced Air Defense Systems

Taiwan is considering the purchase of nine more NASAMS air defense systems to bolster its protective shield against aerial threats, as reported by Taiwan News. The additional batteries are...

February 24, 2026
Admin
R&D
Unmanned Systems

General Atomics Enhances MQ-9B With Extended-Range Maritime Strike Capability

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. is modifying its MQ-9B drone family to enable strikes at extended ranges, supporting broader airpower and naval deployment concepts. As part of this effort,...

Rolls-Royce North America Wins $73.5M Contract for Merkava Tank Engines

Rolls-Royce Solutions America has secured a $73.5 million deal to deliver propulsion system kits for Merkava main battle tanks operated by Israel. Financed through FY2026 Foreign Military Sales funding,...