2026 - latestdefencenews.com

January 11, 2026
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R&D
Missile & Missile Defence

Northrop Grumman selected by U.S. Navy to develop next-generation rocket motor against hypersonic threats

Northrop Grumman has secured a $94.3 million contract from the U.S. Navy to develop and qualify a new 21-inch second-stage solid rocket motor aimed at extending the reach of...

January 11, 2026
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New Product Launches
Naval Platforms

U.S. Navy names USNS Lansing, enhancing expeditionary fast transport capabilities

The U.S. Navy has formally christened the future USNS Lansing (EPF 16) at Austal USA’s Mobile, Alabama, shipyard, completing construction of the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport fleet. The ceremony...

Emergence of Russia’s Oreshnik ballistic missile heightens threats to NATO and U.S. forces

Russia has acknowledged striking the western Ukrainian city of Lviv with its newly deployed Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, marking the system’s second confirmed operational use. Analysts widely view the...

January 10, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts
Air Platforms

F-35 program exceeds 1,300 aircraft milestone with historic 2025 delivery numbers

The F-35 Lightning II program reached a major milestone in 2025, with Lockheed Martin confirming the delivery of a record 191 aircraft during the year, expanding the global fleet...

January 10, 2026
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New Product Launches
Air Platforms

First T-7A Red Hawk enters U.S. Air Force service, signaling a new era in pilot training

The U.S. Air Force has entered a new phase in pilot training with the formal induction of its first T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer at Joint Base San Antonio–Randolph,...

January 10, 2026
Admin
New Product Launches
Naval Platforms

NATO’s Standing Naval Group 1 placed under command of Spain’s Almirante Juan de Borbón

Spain is set to reinforce its leadership within NATO’s maritime forces as the frigate Almirante Juan de Borbón prepares to deploy on January 10, 2026, as the flagship of...

US Clears $45M Hellfire Missile Sale to Denmark

The US State Department has authorized a possible $45 million foreign military sale of AGM-114R Hellfire missiles and related systems to Denmark. Copenhagen’s request includes up to 100 Hellfire...

Indian Army Inducts First India-Manufactured Israeli PULS Long-Range Rocket System

The Indian Army has signed a contract valued at 29.3 billion Indian rupees ($35 million) with local manufacturer Nibe to procure a long-range multiple rocket launcher system. The launcher...

January 9, 2026
Admin
New Product Launches
Unmanned Systems

Mach Industries Unveils ‘Dart’ System to Counter Mass Group 1–3 Drone Swarms

Mach Industries, headquartered in California, is advancing counter-UAS capabilities with Dart, a scalable air-defense system built to counter Group 1–3 drones, from single platforms to dense swarm formations. The...

January 9, 2026
Admin
Mergers & JV
Naval Platforms

Hanwha and HavocAI Collaborate on 200-Foot Autonomous Warship for US Military

A leading shipbuilder is deepening its involvement in autonomous naval systems through a partnership with an AI specialist to develop a 200-foot autonomous surface vessel for US military applications....