September, 2026 - latestdefencenews.com

September 20, 2026
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R&D
Land Platforms

Zorawar Light Tank May Face Two-Year Delay Over Enhanced Armour Needs

India’s Zorawar light tank program, jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), could face a delay of up to two years...

September 19, 2026
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R&D
Air Platforms

HAL Completes TEJAS MK-2 Airframe, Eyes March 2027 Ground Tests

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has completed the full structural assembly of the TEJAS MK-2 prototype airframe, marking a major milestone in India’s medium-weight fighter program. The aircraft is scheduled...

India Explores Pantsir-S1M for S-400 Protection Against Drone Threats

India’s S-400 air defence regiments could face challenges from drone swarms, loitering munitions and saturation attacks, prompting reports that Russia has offered the Pantsir S1M short-range air defence system...

September 19, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts
Air Platforms

Philippines Receives Two Additional Bell 412EPX Helicopters From US

The United States has delivered two additional Bell 412EPX utility helicopters to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) during a handover ceremony at Villamor Air Base in Pasay. The delivery...

September 19, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts
Naval Platforms

Mitsubishi Hands Over Seventh Miyako-Class Patrol Vessel to Japan Coast Guard

The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) has received its seventh Miyako-class large patrol vessel, JCG Hiroshima (PL-207), from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). The handover ceremony took place at MHI’s facility...

Lithuania Plans $13.7M CAESAR Artillery Repair Facility

Lithuania is investing €12 million ($13.7 million) to establish a new domestic facility for repairing critical components of its CAESAR artillery systems, strengthening the country’s ability to maintain the...

September 18, 2026
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R&D
Missile & Missile Defence

Italy’s TESEO MK2/E Missile Advances Toward Production

MBDA’s TESEO MK2/E anti-ship missile has successfully completed a validation firing for the Italian Navy, marking a significant milestone toward the completion of its development and qualification program. The...

September 18, 2026
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R&D
Air Platforms

US, Lockheed Martin Sign Deal to Expand AIM-260 Production

The US Department of Defense has signed a framework agreement with Lockheed Martin aimed at expanding production capacity for the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), a next-generation air-to-air...

US Approves Potential $24.3B F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia

The US State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Saudi Arabia covering 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft and associated equipment, with an estimated value...

September 18, 2026
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R&D
Air Platforms

Bell Textron Begins AH-1Z Viper Production for Nigeria

Bell Textron has started manufacturing the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter under a US Foreign Military Sale (FMS) program for Nigeria, following the agreement reached in 2024. The program officially...