2026 - internationaldefencenews.com

January 19, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
R&D

Denmark Ends 46-Year F-16 Service, Transitions to F-35

The Royal Danish Air Force has formally concluded operations of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, retiring the aircraft after more than four decades of continuous service. The milestone was marked...

January 19, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

US Approves Extended MQ-9 Support for Italian Fleet

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has secured a $14.3 million US contract modification to provide sustainment support for the Italian Air Force’s MQ-9 Reaper drone fleet, reinforcing long-term operational readiness....

HERO-90 Selected for Accelerated US Army Anti-Armor Tests

Mistral Inc. and UVision Inc. revealed the HERO-90 loitering munition’s selection for the US Army’s LASSO program, accelerating tests for soldier-portable anti-armor solutions. Under Program Executive Office Soldier, this...

SM-2 Block IIIC Upgrade Enhances US Navy Air Defense

At the Surface Navy Association 2026 conference, the U.S. Navy displayed the SM-2 Block IIIC/CU (RIM-66P) surface-to-air missile, underlining its role as the most advanced configuration of the Standard...

January 18, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

Poland Clears MiG-29 Fighter Transfer to Ukraine

Poland has confirmed it is preparing to hand over up to nine MiG-29 fighter aircraft to Ukraine, with the first delivery planned once final technical clearances are completed. The...

XM204 Anti-Tank Munition Cleared for US Army Deployment

In response to escalating tensions, the US Army approved an Urgent Materiel Release for the XM204 top-attack anti-vehicle munition, accelerating its deployment to European theater units. This fast-tracks the...

January 17, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
New Product Launches

UK Royal Navy Conducts First Flight of Proteus Drone

The UK Royal Navy and Leonardo UK have achieved the first autonomous flight of the Proteus full-size helicopter, a groundbreaking milestone for the nation’s uncrewed aviation program. Conducted at...

January 17, 2026
Admin
Land Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

Türkiye Deploys E-ZPT Electric Armoured Personnel Carrier

The Turkish Ministry of National Defense has officially received the first mass-produced E-ZPT electric armoured personnel carrier, following the successful completion of acceptance testing in Ankara. Developed by state-backed...

January 16, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
New Product Launches

Raybird UAV Gets Hydrogen Upgrade From Skyeton

Skyeton has unveiled an upgraded version of its Raybird UAV, featuring a hydrogen-electric propulsion system that extends flight duration and enhances stealth capabilities. This modernization marks a departure from...

January 16, 2026
Admin
Land Platforms
R&D

Bulgaria Selects Teledyne Recon Kits for Stryker Fleet

Bulgaria’s Stryker infantry carrier fleet is set to receive enhanced reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities, as Teledyne FLIR Defense prepares to deliver advanced sensor integration kits under a US Army-backed...