2026 - latestdefencenews.com

March 2, 2026
Admin
R&D
Air Platforms

Rolls-Royce completes major milestone testing of F130 engines for B-52J fleet

Rolls-Royce has wrapped up altitude and operability trials of the F130 engine, advancing the modernization program for the US Air Force’s B-52J Stratofortress. The new engine will succeed the...

March 2, 2026
Admin
R&D
Missile & Missile Defence

Belgium set to station NASAMS air defence system at Antwerp port

Starting in 2027, the Port of Antwerp will deploy a dedicated NASAMS air defence system to protect much of its extensive industrial and logistics complex from airborne threats. The...

British Navy vessel counters multiple drone attacks in operational drill

The Royal Navy destroyer HMS Duncan successfully defeated multiple drone threats across air and surface domains during an advanced blended live and virtual exercise held off MOD Aberporth. Organized...

French President Macron to Detail How Nuclear Arsenal Could Shield Europe

Emmanuel Macron will set out plans for how France could extend the protection of the European Union’s only nuclear deterrent to safeguard Europe at a time of growing geopolitical...

February 28, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts
Air Platforms

Britain Prepares $1.3B Military Helicopter Contract for Leonardo

The Government of the United Kingdom is poised to grant Leonardo a £1 billion ($1.3 billion) contract for 23 medium-lift military helicopters, a source familiar with the matter told...

February 27, 2026
Admin
Procurement & Contracts
Unmanned Systems

Army Expands Purchase of Switchblade Loitering Munitions From AeroVironment

The United States Army has awarded AeroVironment a $186 million contract for additional Switchblade 600 and 300 loitering munitions. The order is part of a broader 2024 framework contract...

February 27, 2026
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Mergers & JV
Naval Platforms

New Joint Venture Created by Fincantieri, Navantia for Patrol Corvette Program

Fincantieri and Navantia have formalized plans to establish a joint venture for the European Patrol Corvette program, signing a memorandum of understanding to advance the multinational initiative. The EPC...

Leidos Small Cruise Missile Officially Named AGM-190A by US Air Force

United States Air Force has assigned the designation AGM-190A to Leidos’ Small Cruise Missile, formally acknowledging it as a fielded stand-off precision strike system. Known as “Black Arrow,” the...

February 27, 2026
Admin
New Product Launches
Soldier Systems

Rheinmetall Debuts Networked System Uniting Troops, Sensors, and Drones

Rheinmetall is showcasing a new operational concept built on interconnected networking technologies designed to link combat units, supporting forces, and distributed sensor assets for quicker, more coordinated responses in...

Washington Greenlights $280M Radar Sale to Jordan

The United States Department of State has cleared a possible $280 million foreign military sale to Jordan for Ku-band Multi-Function Radio Frequency Systems and related support equipment. Jordan is...