2026 - currentdefencenews.com

May 18, 2026
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Air Platforms
R&D

UK Shortlists Firms for Apache Wingman

The UK Ministry of Defence has selected Anduril UK, BAE Systems, Tekever, and Thales to develop autonomous drone concepts for the British Army’s Apache helicopter wingman program under Project...

May 18, 2026
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Air Platforms
R&D

Army Expands Hypersonic Tests With Hawks

The US Army has awarded Northrop Grumman a $325.5-million contract to develop the RangeHawk prototype, a modified RQ-4 Global Hawk drone designed to support hypersonic missile testing. The uncrewed...

Japan Eyes Type 88 Missile Export

Japan is considering transferring its retired Type 88 anti-ship missile systems to the Philippines following Manila’s reported interest in strengthening coastal defense capabilities. The truck-mounted missile, developed by Mitsubishi...

Tejas Mk1A engine deliveries expected soon

HAL has expressed confidence that the supply of GE F404-IN20 engines required for the Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft program will improve significantly in the coming months. According to HAL...

New TEJAS STOL drone revealed in India

Indian defence startup Aryavart Technologies has introduced a new tactical unmanned aerial vehicle called TEJAS STOL, aimed at supporting long-range battlefield and surveillance missions. The Bhopal-based company, which earlier...

May 17, 2026
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Air Platforms
Mergers & JV

Indigenous display unit planned for Hawk jet

India has taken another important step toward strengthening self-reliance in military aviation technology with CSIR-CSIO and Bharat Electronics Limited joining hands to develop a homegrown Pilot Display Unit for...

Tejas Mk1A deliveries may speed up

The induction timeline for the Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft may be pushed beyond June due to ongoing discussions regarding the operational readiness of the aircraft, according to defence sources...

Poland troop deployment plan dropped by US

Washington has reportedly canceled plans to deploy around 4,000 American soldiers to Poland as part of changes to US military positioning in Europe. The decision came shortly after the...

Gerald Ford carrier completes 326-day mission

After nearly a year at sea, the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier has returned to its home base in Norfolk, Virginia, following a 326-day deployment. The mission marked...

May 16, 2026
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Unmanned Systems
R&D

Inside the Hermes surveillance drone

The Hermes family of unmanned aerial vehicles has played a major role in transforming modern intelligence and reconnaissance operations. Developed by Israeli defence company Elbit Systems, these medium-altitude, long-endurance...