January, 2026 - currentdefencenews.com

January 18, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

Up to 9 MiG-29 Jets Approved for Transfer From Poland to Ukraine

Poland is set to provide Ukraine with up to nine MiG-29 fighter jets in the initial tranche, slightly below earlier expectations of ten aircraft. Government approval has been granted,...

January 17, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
New Product Launches

UK Royal Navy Flies First Autonomous Leonardo Proteus

The UK Royal Navy and Leonardo UK have achieved the first flight of the Proteus unmanned helicopter under autonomous control at Predannack Airfield in Cornwall. As the United Kingdom’s...

XM204 Anti-Tank Rounds Approved for Europe Deployment

The U.S. Army has cleared the XM204 top‑attack terrain‑shaping munition for urgent operational use, authorizing its accelerated fielding to Europe under an Urgent Materiel Release. The move highlights the...

January 17, 2026
Admin
Land Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

Electric E-ZPT APC Enters Service in Türkiye

Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense has unveiled the first E-ZPT electric armoured personnel carrier built for serial production by MKE, following successful acceptance testing in Ankara. The initiative signals...

January 16, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
New Product Launches

Raybird UAV Gets Hydrogen Power Upgrade From Skyeton

The Raybird UAV from Skyeton is getting a next-generation upgrade, incorporating a hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric motor for extended and stealthy flight operations. This new configuration allows the drone...

January 16, 2026
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Cybersecurity
Procurement & Contracts

£373M Invested in New Army Cyber Command Center

The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded a £279-million ($373-million) contract to build a purpose-built base for its army cyber regiment. Located at Duke of Gloucester Barracks in Gloucestershire,...

AI-Based Anti-Drone Systems Ordered by Leonardo DRS

Leonardo DRS has commissioned Axon Vision for $350,000 to deliver AI-driven counter-uncrewed aircraft systems for US defense and homeland security operations. The contract covers an initial batch of AI-enabled...

January 16, 2026
Admin
Land Platforms
R&D

Teledyne to Equip Bulgarian Strykers With $32M ISR Kits

Teledyne FLIR Defense is set to equip Bulgaria’s Stryker infantry carriers with reconnaissance and surveillance kits under a $32-million, three-year US Army contract. The suite combines the TacFLIR 280-HDEP...

$62M US Navy E-2D IFF Maintenance Contract Goes to BAE Systems

The US Navy has contracted BAE Systems for $62 million to establish a new depot supporting the E-2D Hawkeye’s Identification Friend or Foe system. Located at Fleet Readiness Center...

January 15, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
Procurement & Contracts

US Air Force Awards $490M Unmanned Systems Deal to Trust Automation

The US Air Force has selected Trust Automation for a contract worth as much as $490 million to advance unmanned and counter‑unmanned aerial system technologies. The award supports rapid...