2026 - currentdefencenews.com

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
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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
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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
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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...

February 6, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
Mergers & JV

Hanwha, KAI Team on Future Aircraft Programs

Hanwha Aerospace and Korea Aerospace Industries have formalized collaboration on future aerospace and defense initiatives through a memorandum of understanding signed in Seoul. The partnership focuses on unmanned aircraft...

February 6, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

Patria Starts F135 Engine Assembly for Finland

Patria has signed an agreement with Pratt & Whitney to perform final assembly of F135 engines in Finland for the Finnish Air Force’s incoming F-35 fleet. Production has begun...

EU Enables Ukraine Loan for UK Arms

EU ambassadors have reached a compromise framework enabling Ukraine to utilize a 90-billion-euro loan facility to finance defense procurement, including purchases from key non-EU allies under defined cost-sharing arrangements....