2026 - latestdefencenews.com

January 20, 2026
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R&D
Weapons and Munition

India Starts R&D on Anti-Drone 7.62mm Ammo

India is advancing development of a new 7.62mm anti-drone bullet aimed at providing frontline troops with a compact and cost-effective counter-UAS capability. The concept centers on a projectile that...

January 20, 2026
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R&D
Missile & Missile Defence

South Korea Deploys Hyunmoo-5 Missile

South Korea has begun frontline deployment of its Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile, a major step in reinforcing deterrence against North Korean military threats. Nicknamed the “monster missile,” the system reportedly...

January 19, 2026
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R&D
Unmanned Systems

DARPA Selects Shearwater AI to Boost UAV Endurance

DARPA has tapped Shearwater Aerospace to support its Albatross program with AI software designed to help drones harness wind energy and significantly increase endurance. As a subcontractor, Shearwater will...

January 19, 2026
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R&D
Air Platforms

Denmark Phases Out F-16 Fleet After 46 Years, Completes Shift to F-35

After 46 years of continuous service, Denmark has formally phased out the F-16 Fighting Falcon and is transitioning entirely to the F-35A Lightning II as its frontline combat aircraft....

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...