2026 - latestdefencenews.com

AeroVironment acquires ESAero in $200M deal to strengthen unmanned aircraft capabilities

AeroVironment has completed the $200 million acquisition of Empirical Systems Aerospace, strengthening its ability to develop and manufacture next-generation unmanned aircraft systems for defense missions. Under the agreement, ESAero...

March 17, 2026
Admin
Procurement & Contracts
Air Platforms

Pilatus selects Thales’ radio management system for its European PC-7 fleet

Pilatus Aircraft has selected Thales Group to supply an advanced radio management system for its PC-7 training aircraft operating in Europe. The system was jointly developed by teams from...

March 17, 2026
Admin
R&D
Weapons and Munition

Baykar extends loitering munition range to 2,000 km with swarm-capable K2 system

Baykar has advanced unmanned aerial warfare with the debut of its AI-driven K2 kamikaze drone, capable of operating in coordinated swarm formations. The system underwent flight testing over the...

EOS secures contract for a cannon-based counter-drone solution

Electro Optic Systems has been awarded a $42 million contract by a Middle Eastern customer to deliver its Slinger remote cannon-based counter-drone system, reflecting increasing demand amid ongoing regional...

March 17, 2026
Admin
Mergers & JV
Land Platforms

Rheinmetall and Nooteboom collaborate on heavy transport systems for military use

Rheinmetall has partnered with Nooteboom Trailers BV to co-develop and market military Heavy Equipment Trailer (HET) systems, targeting the rising need for heavy transport solutions in Europe. The agreement...

March 17, 2026
Admin
Mergers & JV
Unmanned Systems

Croatia’s Orqa partners with Red River Depot to expand US Army drone manufacturing

Orqa has signed a partnership agreement with Red River Army Depot to support the expansion of small UAS manufacturing for the US Army. As part of the arrangement, Red...

March 17, 2026
Admin
R&D
Air Platforms

Indonesia and Australia consider strengthening defense cooperation with Japan and Papua New Guinea

Indonesia and Australia are looking to strengthen defense ties by establishing new trilateral frameworks with Japan and Papua New Guinea, while also increasing intelligence-sharing cooperation. The plan was disclosed...

March 17, 2026
Admin
R&D
Missile & Missile Defence

Taiwan explores cost-effective air defense solutions amid China’s growing low-cost threat capabilities

Taipei is pursuing the development of more affordable air defense munitions as China expands its use of low-cost weapons in potential large-scale strike scenarios, Taiwan News reported. According to...

March 16, 2026
Admin
R&D
Weapons and Munition

Belgium strengthens counter-drone capabilities through partnerships with Anduril, COBBS, and Nokia

Belgium is advancing its domestic counter-drone capabilities through a joint consortium composed of US company Anduril and Belgian firms COBBS BELUX and Nokia Belgium. Anduril brings expertise in autonomous...

March 16, 2026
Admin
R&D
Naval Platforms

US Navy prolongs service of USS Nimitz aircraft carrier until 2027

The US Navy has postponed the retirement of its oldest carrier, USS Nimitz (CVN-68), extending its service from May 2026 to March 2027. The 10-month delay synchronizes the ship’s...