2026 - latestdefencenews.com

February 24, 2026
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New Product Launches
Soldier Systems

Rheinmetall Introduces Lightweight Helmet and Modular Armor Suite

Rheinmetall has expanded its soldier protection lineup with the launch of a lightweight combat helmet and a scalable body armor platform aimed at modern military requirements. Designed to reduce...

February 24, 2026
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R&D
Missile & Missile Defence

Taiwan Considers Acquisition of Nine Additional Advanced Air Defense Systems

Taiwan is considering the purchase of nine more NASAMS air defense systems to bolster its protective shield against aerial threats, as reported by Taiwan News. The additional batteries are...

February 24, 2026
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R&D
Unmanned Systems

General Atomics Enhances MQ-9B With Extended-Range Maritime Strike Capability

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. is modifying its MQ-9B drone family to enable strikes at extended ranges, supporting broader airpower and naval deployment concepts. As part of this effort,...

Rolls-Royce North America Wins $73.5M Contract for Merkava Tank Engines

Rolls-Royce Solutions America has secured a $73.5 million deal to deliver propulsion system kits for Merkava main battle tanks operated by Israel. Financed through FY2026 Foreign Military Sales funding,...

February 24, 2026
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R&D
Naval Platforms

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to Modernize Norway’s Skjold-Class Missile Boats

Norway has contracted Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace for about 400 million kroner ($42 million) to enhance the combat capabilities of the Royal Norwegian Navy’s Skjold-class fast attack vessels. The...

February 24, 2026
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Procurement & Contracts
Air Platforms

GE Aerospace and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Win USAF Deal for Disposable Loyal Wingman Powerplant

The United States Air Force has selected GE Aerospace and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions for a $12.4 million contract to create an advanced expendable propulsion system for small...

February 24, 2026
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Mergers & JV
Unmanned Systems

General Atomics Unveils YFQ-42A Loyal Wingman Prototype ‘Dark Merlin’

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. has officially named its YFQ-42A autonomous aircraft “Dark Merlin” as part of its bid for the United States Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft program....

February 24, 2026
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R&D
Unmanned Systems

Russia Fits Molniya Suicide Drones With Shahed Communication Modems

Russia has begun integrating Shahed mesh networking modems into its Molniya tactical drones in an effort to strengthen operational coordination against Ukraine. The update was revealed by Serhii Beskrestnov,...

Anduril Industries Wins $43 Million to Expand American Solid Rocket Motor Output

The United States Department of Defense has awarded Anduril Industries $43.7 million in fresh funding to expand US-based solid rocket motor manufacturing, a segment widely viewed as a chokepoint...

February 24, 2026
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R&D
Cybersecurity

Leonardo Trainees Join First Overseas Drill at UK-Hosted Defence Cyber Marvel

Leonardo has marked its inaugural international deployment at Defence Cyber Marvel, a large-scale cyber defense drill organized by the UK Ministry of Defence. An 11-member apprentice team from Leonardo’s...