January, 2026 - currentdefencenews.com

January 20, 2026
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Combat Service and Support Equipment
R&D

GA, Qatar’s Barzan Team on Battle Management

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is expanding its footprint in command-and-control and intelligence software through a new partnership with Qatar’s Barzan Holdings. The two companies have signed a memorandum of...

January 20, 2026
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Unmanned Systems
Procurement & Contracts

France Starts Serial Production of VSR700 Drone

France’s defense procurement agency has awarded Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group a production contract for six VSR700 shipborne uncrewed aerial systems, formally transitioning the platform from testing into serial...

January 20, 2026
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Air Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

US Hands Over 10 Helicopters to Sri Lanka

The United States has transferred ten TH-57 Bell 206 helicopters to the Sri Lankan Air Force under the Excess Defense Articles program, a move aimed at strengthening the country’s...

Turkey’s STM Secures First European Defense Deal

Turkey’s defense firm STM has signed its first European export contract for the KARGU and ALPAGU loitering munition systems, marking a significant entry into NATO and EU markets. The...

Germany Picks Elite Pilots for Air Combat Training

Top Aces has secured a major 10-year contract worth up to €420 million to provide advanced operational training services for Germany’s armed forces. Under the agreement, the company will...

January 20, 2026
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Weapons and Munition
R&D

India Starts R&D on Anti-Drone Bullets

India is developing a new type of 7.62mm rifle ammunition aimed at countering the growing threat posed by small unmanned aerial systems on the battlefield. The concept involves a...

January 20, 2026
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Missile & Missile Defence
R&D

South Korea Deploys Hyunmoo-5 Missile

South Korea has begun deploying its Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile to frontline units, marking a significant step in strengthening deterrence against North Korea’s expanding missile and underground military infrastructure. The...

January 19, 2026
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Unmanned Systems
R&D

DARPA Selects Shearwater AI for Longer Flights

DARPA has selected Shearwater Aerospace to provide AI-driven software for its Albatross program, which aims to extend drone endurance by exploiting atmospheric energy rather than adding new hardware. As...

January 19, 2026
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Air Platforms
R&D

Denmark Ends F-16 Era, Moves to F-35

Denmark has officially retired its F-16 Fighting Falcon fleet after more than four decades of service, completing a transition toward full reliance on the F-35A Lightning II. The final...

January 19, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
R&D

Windracers ULTRA Drone Boosts Range, Payload

British drone manufacturer Windracers is preparing to significantly enhance the payload and range of its ULTRA unmanned aircraft, increasing lift capacity to 200 kilograms while maintaining a range of...