2026 - latestdefencenews.com

January 19, 2026
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R&D
Unmanned Systems

Windracers ULTRA UAV Achieves 2× Range With Increased Payload Capacity

Windracers has announced plans to upgrade its ULTRA drone to deliver 200 kilograms of payload across distances of more than 2,000 kilometers, with availability expected within months. The capability...

January 19, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts
Air Platforms

US Renews MQ-9 Maintenance and Support Package for Italy’s Reaper UAVs

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has been awarded a $14.3 million contract modification by the US to provide sustainment and maintenance support for the Italian Air Force’s MQ-9 Reaper fleet....

January 19, 2026
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New Product Launches
Unmanned Systems

US Navy Set to Field Its First Medium Uncrewed Surface Vessels

The US Navy is set to operationalize its first medium unmanned surface vessels as Seahawk and Sea Hunter enter fleet service and three new USV divisions are formed to...

January 19, 2026
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New Product Launches
Cybersecurity

General Dynamics to Roll Out AI-Driven Cybersecurity at 187 USAF Installations

GDIT has been awarded a $120 million task order to field an AI-driven zero trust cybersecurity solution at 187 US Air Force installations around the world as part of...

Microchip Introduces Military-Grade Plastic-Packaged Surge Protection Components

Microchip Technology has launched a new family of military-certified transient voltage suppressor devices aimed at safeguarding aerospace and defense electronics against power surges, lightning, and electromagnetic disturbances. Branded as...

January 19, 2026
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R&D
Naval Platforms

Finland Begins Construction of Fourth Pohjanmaa-Class Corvette

Rauma Marine Constructions has begun building the fourth Pohjanmaa-class corvette for the Finnish Navy, marking a key milestone as all four vessels under the Squadron 2020 program are now...

January 19, 2026
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Mergers & JV
Missile & Missile Defence

Rheinmetall, EM&E Propose Indigenous Option for Spain’s Mobile Rocket Launcher

Rheinmetall Expal Munitions and EM&E Group have jointly proposed an indigenous solution to Spain’s Ministry of Defence for the SILAM high-mobility rocket launcher program, positioning it as a national...

January 19, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts
Land Platforms

EuroTrophy Selected to Provide APS for Leopard 2A8 Main Battle Tanks

EuroTrophy has signed a €330 million contract with KNDS Deutschland to deliver Trophy Active Protection Systems for the Leopard 2A8 programs of Lithuania, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and...

January 19, 2026
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R&D
Naval Platforms

US Clears $1.5B Modernization of Peru Naval Facility Near Chinese-Operated Port

Washington has approved a proposed $1.5 billion Foreign Military Sale aimed at supporting the relocation and redevelopment of Peru’s Callao Naval Base, located near a Chinese-run port facility. The...

US Army Chooses Israeli HERO-90 for Accelerated Anti-Tank Trials

Under its LASSO program, the U.S. Army has placed the HERO‑90 loitering munition into an accelerated evaluation track aimed at strengthening infantry anti‑armor firepower. The move underscores the service’s...