2026 - currentdefencenews.com

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
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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...

January 19, 2026
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Air Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

US Renews MQ-9 Sustainment for Italy

The United States has approved a $14.3-million contract modification awarding General Atomics Aeronautical Systems continued responsibility for sustaining the Italian Air Force’s MQ-9 unmanned aircraft fleet. The funding supports...

January 19, 2026
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Unmanned Systems
New Product Launches

US Navy Readies First Medium USVs

The US Navy is preparing to bring its first medium unmanned surface vessels into active fleet service, with the Seahawk and Sea Hunter transitioning from experimental platforms to operational...

January 19, 2026
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Cybersecurity
New Product Launches

General Dynamics Deploys AI Cyber for USAF

General Dynamics Information Technology has been awarded a $120-million task order to deploy an AI-enabled zero-trust cybersecurity system across 187 US Air Force bases worldwide. Under the Next Generation...

Microchip Unveils Mil-Grade Surge Protectors

Microchip Technology has introduced the JANPTX family of military-certified transient voltage suppressors designed to protect sensitive defense and aerospace electronics from power surges and electromagnetic interference. Unlike traditional hermetic...

January 19, 2026
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Naval Platforms
R&D

Finland Starts Work on Fourth Pohjanmaa Corvette

Rauma Marine Constructions has started production of the fourth Pohjanmaa-class corvette, placing all four ships of Finland’s Squadron 2020 program under construction simultaneously. The first vessel has already been...

January 19, 2026
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Missile & Missile Defence
Mergers & JV

Rheinmetall, EM&E Offer Spain Rocket System

EM&E Group and Rheinmetall Expal Munitions have submitted a joint proposal to Spain’s Ministry of Defence to develop a nationally controlled rocket artillery system under the SILAM program. The...