2026 - latestdefencenews.com

February 26, 2026
Admin
Mergers & JV
Land Platforms

South 8 and 3ME Partner to Develop Military Battery for Arctic Missions

South 8 Technologies has partnered with Australian firm 3ME Technology under a letter of intent to create a next-generation lithium-ion battery optimized for military use in Arctic conditions. The...

February 26, 2026
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R&D
Naval Platforms

Naval Group Launches Sea Trials for Fourth Barracuda-Class Submarine

France’s Naval Group has launched sea trials for the fourth Barracuda-class nuclear attack submarine built for the French Navy. The testing campaign will evaluate the operational readiness of De...

February 26, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts
Naval Platforms

Turkey Lands First Southeast Asian Order for Armed Patrol Boats

Turkey has secured its first export of armored, weaponized multi-purpose patrol boats to Southeast Asia, agreeing to deliver two vessels to a regional customer. The program will be carried...

February 26, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts
Soldier Systems

Battelle Secures $93 Million Deal to Strengthen US Biodefense Capabilities

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency has selected Battelle for its STEP 2.0 contract, tasking the organization with advancing a major biological threat reduction initiative. Valued at $52.9 million for...

February 25, 2026
Admin
Mergers & JV
Missile & Missile Defence

EDGE of UAE Teams Up With Safran of France to Advance Precision Weapon Systems

The UAE’s EDGE Group has partnered with France-based Safran Electronics & Defense in a move aimed at transforming the smart weapons market through a blend of industrial-scale production and...

February 25, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts
Land Platforms

BAE Systems Targets Modular Anti-Drone Solutions in Strategic Collaboration

BAE Systems is adapting to the accelerating demands of drone warfare by exploring a collaboration aimed at producing low-cost, scalable interceptor missiles instead of relying solely on bespoke air...

February 25, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts
Air Platforms

BAE Systems Reaches Milestone With 100,000 APKWS Laser-Guidance Units Supplied

BAE Systems has reached a key production benchmark with the delivery of its 100,000th Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guidance kit. In continuous full-rate production for more than...

February 25, 2026
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New Product Launches
Land Platforms

Germany Debuts Next-Generation Close-Range Anti-Drone Defense for Military Vehicles

Mehler Protection of Germany is enhancing armored vehicle survivability with a newly developed counter-drone system engineered to eliminate aerial threats during their approach phase. The SCILT solution is tailored...

February 25, 2026
Admin
Procurement & Contracts
Naval Platforms

Spain’s Freire Wins Swedish Contract for Four Extreme-Condition Support Vessels

Spain-based Freire Shipyard has secured a deal with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration to deliver four naval support ships tailored for icy environments and extreme weather, bolstering Sweden’s maritime...

February 25, 2026
Admin
R&D
Air Platforms

US Army Moves Ahead With Black Hawk Modernization Program Extending Service Life Past 2050

The US Army is exploring options to commercially modernize its UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, seeking industry input on how best to extend the fleet’s service life beyond mid-century. According...