2026 - currentdefencenews.com

February 24, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
R&D

MQ-9B Gains Long-Range Naval Strike Role

General Atomics is adapting its MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian drones to carry long-range precision strike weapons such as JASSM and LRASM missiles. This capability will enable extended-range strike, maritime...

Rolls-Royce Wins Merkava Power-Pack Deal

Rolls-Royce Solutions America has secured a $73.5-million contract to deliver power-pack kits for Israel’s Merkava main battle tanks. The agreement supports sustainment and lifecycle maintenance of Israel’s armored fleet,...

February 24, 2026
Admin
Naval Platforms
R&D

Kongsberg to Modernize Skjold-Class Fleet

Norway has awarded Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace a contract worth approximately 400 million Norwegian krone to modernize the combat systems aboard the Royal Norwegian Navy’s Skjold-class fast attack vessels....

February 24, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

GE, Kratos Win USAF Wingman Engine Deal

The US Air Force has awarded a contract to GE Aerospace and Kratos Defense to design the GEK1500 expendable engine, tailored for small unmanned combat aircraft and missile platforms....

February 24, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
Mergers & JV

YFQ-42A Loyal Wingman Named ‘Dark Merlin’

General Atomics has selected the name Dark Merlin for its YFQ-42A unmanned aircraft developed under the US Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. Designed to operate alongside manned fighter...

February 24, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
R&D

Russia Adds Shahed Modems to Molniya UAVs

Russia has reportedly begun installing mesh networking modems on its tactical drones to improve communication resilience and operational coordination. These systems link multiple unmanned platforms into a unified data-sharing...

Anduril Lands $43M Rocket Motor Contract

The US Department of Defense has awarded Anduril Industries an additional $43.7 million to expand domestic production of solid rocket motors, a key component in modern munitions. This funding,...

February 24, 2026
Admin
Cybersecurity
R&D

Leonardo Trainees Join UK Cyber Exercise

Leonardo has successfully completed its first international deployment at the Defence Cyber Marvel, a major multinational cybersecurity exercise led by the UK Ministry of Defence. The company’s team of...

February 24, 2026
Admin
Weapons and Munition
New Product Launches

Rheinmetall Launches Smart Anti-Drone Gun

Rheinmetall is showcasing its advanced counter-drone capabilities at Enforce Tac 2026 through the RCWS320C-UAS, a remotely operated weapon station designed to protect military vehicles, forward bases, and fixed installations...

February 23, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

Berlin Weighs F-35 Option as FCAS Stalls

Facing persistent challenges in the FCAS project, Germany is evaluating the purchase of more F-35 fighters to bridge capability gaps. Industrial conflicts and political differences have slowed development, prompting...