R&D - currentdefencenews.com

January 9, 2026
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Unmanned Systems

USMC Advances Loyal Wingman Drone Program

By choosing Northrop Grumman and Kratos, the US Marine Corps has launched its initial Collaborative Combat Aircraft effort built around the XQ-58 Valkyrie. The stealthy drone will integrate Northrop’s...

January 8, 2026
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Air Platforms

J-MUSIC DIRCM Selected for European Air Fleets

European operators are expanding aircraft survivability with Elbit Systems’ J-MUSIC DIRCM, following new contracts valued at around $150 million. The system will be installed on transport aircraft and other...

January 8, 2026
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Naval Platforms

Columbia Sub Program Gains New Dry Dock

The Atlas floating dry dock has been formally accepted by General Dynamics Electric Boat to support the Columbia-class submarine program. Stationed in Groton, the mobile facility will handle key...

January 8, 2026
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Land Platforms

360° Situational Awareness Upgrade for Army

US Army combat vehicles are set to benefit from enhanced onboard computing following a $1.2 million award to One Stop Systems. The contract covers rugged processors, networking hardware, and...

January 8, 2026
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Weapons and Munition

Digital Safety Layer Added to Modern Munitions

With the ESAD-50, EDGE’s Advanced Concepts is shifting munition safety toward software-controlled systems. The electronic device eliminates mechanical safeties, instead relying on sensor-driven logic to determine when arming conditions...

January 7, 2026
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Soldier Systems

Russia Introduces Next-Gen Camouflage Materials

Russia is introducing new terrain-mimicking camouflage for frontline personnel and vehicles, enhancing concealment from UAVs and thermal reconnaissance. Ukrainian reports link the innovation to Moscow’s adoption of small, mobile...

January 7, 2026
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Naval Platforms

$8B Submarine Talks Underway Between Germany, India

Berlin and New Delhi are exploring a strategic $8-billion agreement for six conventional submarines, designed by Germany and built locally in India. The vessels, equipped with air-independent propulsion, would...

January 7, 2026
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Unmanned Systems

New AI System Enhances MQ-9B Drone Operations

The MQ-9B drone is set to receive a smart processing boost through the Knox-5 processor, provided by Ultra I&C under a Marine Corps contract for nine units. The upgrade...

January 7, 2026
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Land Platforms

Elbit Provides Iron Fist APS for European CV90s

European NATO CV90 IFVs will receive the Iron Fist APS through contracts with Elbit Systems worth $150 million. The system, compact and modular, delivers full coverage against anti-tank weapons...

January 6, 2026
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Land Platforms

Indra Leads Spain’s Futuristic Tank Program

Indra’s PAMOV assignment signals Spain’s renewed ambition to field a domestically driven next-generation main battle tank. Backed by a €45-million development contract, the effort prioritizes digital integration, maneuverability, and...