February, 2026 - currentdefencenews.com

February 7, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
R&D

US Marine Corps 3D-Printed FPV Drone (HANX)

The US Marine Corps has approved its first NDAA-compliant 3D-printed first-person-view drone, known as HANX, developed by Sgt. Henry David Volpe. Approved by Naval Air Systems Command, the low-cost...

February 7, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
Mergers & JV

UK–Turkey EW Training Cooperation

UK defence firm Babcock International and Turkey’s Aselsan have signed an agreement to explore options for supporting the Royal Air Force’s future electronic warfare training requirements. The collaboration will...

February 6, 2026
Admin
Naval Platforms
R&D

Columbia-Class: Stealth and Strategic Power

The Columbia-class submarine is set to replace the Ohio-class fleet as the cornerstone of US nuclear deterrence. The Navy plans to build 12 ballistic missile submarines at a procurement...

February 6, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
R&D

Elbit to Modernize Israel’s CH-53K Fleet

Israel has awarded Elbit Systems a $130-million contract to integrate domestically developed avionics, electronic warfare systems, and missile defense suites onto 12 CH-53K Pereh helicopters. The aircraft, acquired through...

February 6, 2026
Admin
Land Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

Czech Plans 250+ Armored Vehicle Purchase

The Czech Republic is progressing toward acquiring more than 250 new armored personnel carriers to replace its Pandur II 8×8 fleet. A feasibility study submitted in late 2025 outlines...

February 6, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
Mergers & JV

Babcock, Aselsan Eye RAF EW Training Deal

Babcock International and Turkey’s Aselsan have agreed to examine options for supporting the RAF’s future electronic warfare training needs. The collaboration centers on a potential Surface Electronic Warfare Threat...

February 6, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

USCG Takes Delivery of 18th HC-130J

The US Coast Guard has taken delivery of its 18th HC-130J long-range surveillance aircraft at L3Harris’ Waco, Texas facility. The aircraft, designated CGNR 2018, was converted from a baseline...

February 6, 2026
Admin
Communication and Electronics
R&D

Teledyne FLIR Debuts Faster Ranger Radars

Teledyne FLIR has upgraded its Ranger R8-3DX and R20SS radars with faster rotation speeds and improved detection coverage, strengthening counter-drone, border security, and force protection missions.

February 6, 2026
Admin
Naval Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

Navy’s MK 38 Sees First Caliber Upgrade in 30 Years

The US Navy has introduced the MK 38 MOD 4, replacing the legacy 25mm cannon with a 30mm Bushmaster II and integrating air-burst ammunition along with upgraded EO/IR targeting...

February 6, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
Procurement & Contracts

Ohio Firm Scales Drone Output for US Military

Agilis Air has started pre-building 55 Remora drones to address anticipated Pentagon demand ahead of a 2026 procurement push. Using 3D-printed structures and domestic components, the startup aims to...