2026 - currentdefencenews.com

February 25, 2026
Admin
Land Platforms
New Product Launches

Germany Unveils Anti-Drone Vehicle Shield

Germany’s Mehler Protection has introduced SCILT, a vehicle-integrated counter-drone system built to defeat close-range unmanned threats. Designed to counter FPV drones, loitering munitions, and kamikaze systems, the platform embeds...

February 25, 2026
Admin
Naval Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

Sweden Selects Freire for 4 Naval Ships

Sweden has contracted Spain’s Freire Shipyard to build four naval support vessels designed for icy and harsh-weather operations. The 47-meter ships will carry 16 crew, operate for up to...

February 25, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
R&D

US Army to Upgrade Black Hawks for 2050+

The US Army is exploring a commercially driven midlife overhaul for its UH-60M Black Hawk fleet to keep the helicopters operational beyond 2050. Under a proposed plan, industry would...

February 24, 2026
Admin
Soldier Systems
New Product Launches

Rheinmetall Reveals Lighter Combat Gear

Rheinmetall has unveiled a new lightweight combat helmet and modular body armor system, designed to improve soldier protection while reducing fatigue. The equipment offers configurable protection levels, improved comfort,...

February 24, 2026
Admin
Missile & Missile Defence
R&D

Taiwan Plans 9 More Advanced SAM Systems

Taiwan’s planned acquisition of nine additional NASAMS air defense systems represents a major expansion of its layered air defense network. The systems will provide enhanced coverage of key radar...

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...