2026 - internationaldefencenews.com

February 26, 2026
Admin
Soldier Systems
Procurement & Contracts

$93M Contract Boosts US Bio-Threat Readiness

Battelle’s award under the STEP 2.0 framework highlights its expanding role in global threat reduction initiatives. The contract emphasizes strengthening biodefense readiness through advanced technical research, system development, and...

February 25, 2026
Admin
Missile & Missile Defence
Mergers & JV

EDGE and Safran Team on Precision Arms

EDGE Group’s partnership with Safran Electronics & Defense strengthens its position in the global smart weapons market. By combining industrial manufacturing capabilities with advanced navigation, guidance, and sensor technologies,...

February 25, 2026
Admin
Land Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

BAE Expands C-UAS With New Partnership

To further address evolving drone threats, BAE Systems is pursuing partnerships aimed at producing affordable, high-volume interceptor systems. These efforts seek to balance cost, scalability, and operational effectiveness, enabling...

February 25, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

APKWS Production Hits 100K Milestone

BAE Systems’ production of 100,000 APKWS units highlights the growing importance of precision-guided, cost-efficient munitions. The versatile system supports air-to-surface, surface-to-air, and counter-drone engagements across multiple platforms, offering militaries...

February 25, 2026
Admin
Land Platforms
New Product Launches

New German Vehicle Shield Counters UAVs

Mehler Protection’s SCILT counter-drone system represents a new approach to vehicle defense, combining integrated sensors, effectors, and fire-control software into a compact solution. By enabling rapid detection and neutralization...

February 25, 2026
Admin
Naval Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

Freire to Build 4 Swedish Support Vessels

Sweden’s decision to contract Spain’s Freire Shipyard for four advanced naval support vessels reflects a strategic focus on maritime resilience in harsh environments. The ships will offer extended endurance,...

February 25, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
R&D

Black Hawk Midlife Overhaul Extends Service

The US Army is seeking to modernize its UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter fleet through an ambitious midlife upgrade initiative aimed at extending service life beyond 2050. The program envisions...

February 24, 2026
Admin
Soldier Systems
New Product Launches

New Modular Combat Protection System Unveiled

Rheinmetall has unveiled next-generation personal protective equipment that includes a lightweight combat helmet and a modular body armor solution. Designed for adaptability and improved comfort, the equipment enables soldiers...

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

Taipei Eyes Expanded Air Defense Shield

Taiwan’s proposed acquisition of additional NASAMS air defense systems reflects a strategic commitment to strengthening layered air defense coverage across the island. The deployment of these systems near key...

February 24, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
R&D

MQ-9B Gains Long-Range Maritime Capability

General Atomics is expanding the capabilities of its MQ-9B unmanned aircraft by enabling integration of long-range strike missiles, transforming the platform into a highly versatile asset for air and...