2026 - latestdefencenews.com

Estonia Orders 12 More Caesar Artillery Systems From France

Estonia’s armaments procurement agency has signed a contract with France and KNDS to acquire 12 more CAESAR self-propelled howitzer platforms. The deal builds on a previous agreement finalized in...

February 16, 2026
Admin
R&D
Land Platforms

Akeron Missile System: Overview of Europe’s Next-Generation Tactical Strike Platform

Forged in response to a decade of shifting combat realities, the Akeron family was conceived to meet the demands of armored warfare, urban engagements, and rapidly evolving threats. Designed...

February 16, 2026
Admin
Procurement & Contracts
Land Platforms

NATO Signs $237M Rheinmetall Deal to Rebuild Armored Ammunition Stocks

The NATO Support and Procurement Agency has placed an initial order with Rheinmetall for 120mm tank ammunition on behalf of multiple NATO member states. Estimated at around €200 million...

February 16, 2026
Admin
R&D
Air Platforms

US Army Trials Apache Helicopter With Proximity-Fused Anti-Drone Munition

The United States Army has completed a live-fire demonstration involving an AH-64 Apache helicopter firing a newly developed proximity-fused munition aimed at countering the expanding threat from unmanned aircraft...

February 16, 2026
Admin
Procurement & Contracts
Unmanned Systems

Greek Navy to Integrate Camcopter S-100 UAVs on Upcoming FDI Frigates

Greece’s Hellenic Navy has selected Schiebel’s Camcopter S-100 unmanned air system for deployment aboard its trio of French-built FDI-class frigates. While the terms of the procurement have not been...

February 16, 2026
Admin
Procurement & Contracts
Unmanned Systems

European Nations Initiate Joint 500+ Km One-Way Strike Drone Program

Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Poland, and Sweden have agreed to collaborate on the development of a cost-effective long-range loitering munition with a strike radius exceeding 500 kilometers. The...

February 16, 2026
Admin
Procurement & Contracts
Unmanned Systems

Ukraine Broadens Digital Arms Marketplace as Ground Robots Enter Commercial Sale

Ukraine has broadened its digital defense procurement system by enabling military units to order ground robotic systems directly through the DOT Chain Defence marketplace. This move enhances battlefield automation...

February 16, 2026
Admin
Procurement & Contracts
Air Platforms

USAF Selects Shield AI’s Hivemind Autonomy for CCA YFQ-44A Program

Shield AI has been selected by the US Air Force (USAF) to deliver mission autonomy software for a prototype drone in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. Its Hivemind...

February 16, 2026
Admin
R&D
Naval Platforms

General Dynamics Begins Construction of US Navy’s 8th John Lewis-Class Tanker

At its San Diego facility, General Dynamics NASSCO has begun construction of the US Navy’s eighth John Lewis-class replenishment oiler with the keel laying of the future USNS Ruth...

February 16, 2026
Admin
R&D
Air Platforms

‘CA-1 Europa’ Drone Set to Receive AI-Powered Intelligence Upgrade From HENSOLDT

Two German defense firms have joined forces to redefine Europe’s upcoming uncrewed combat aircraft as a highly autonomous, multi-domain intelligence platform. Helsing’s CA-1 Europa drone will be equipped with...