2026 - globaldefencemagazine.com

February 16, 2026
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Unmanned Systems
Mergers & JV

German-Ukrainian JV to Scale AI Drone Output

US-German autonomy software firm Auterion and Ukraine’s Airlogix have formed Auterion Airlogix Joint Venture GmbH to produce AI-guided unmanned aerial systems. Announced at the Munich Security Conference with senior...

Estonia Orders 12 More Caesar Howitzers

Estonia has contracted France and KNDS for 12 additional Caesar self-propelled 155mm howitzers, supplementing a prior order of 12 units. Deliveries are scheduled within the year, equipping the new...

February 16, 2026
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Land Platforms
R&D

Akeron Missile: Europe’s Tactical Strike Guide

Developed by MBDA from the MMP and MHT programs, the Akeron missile family represents a fifth-generation, network-enabled precision strike system. Consolidated under the Akeron brand in 2022, it includes...

February 16, 2026
Admin
Land Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

NATO Signs $237M Rheinmetall Ammo Deal

The NATO Support and Procurement Agency has initiated procurement of 120mm tank ammunition from Rheinmetall under a 2025 framework agreement valued at approximately €200 million. The rounds will replenish...

February 16, 2026
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Air Platforms
R&D

US Army Tests Apache With Anti-Drone Round

The US Army has conducted live-fire testing of an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter equipped with the new 30×113mm XM1225 Aviation Proximity Explosive round, developed to counter unmanned aircraft systems...

February 16, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
Procurement & Contracts

Greek Navy Picks S-100 for FDI Frigates

The Hellenic Navy has acquired Schiebel’s Camcopter S-100 unmanned air systems for deployment aboard its new FDI frigates, beginning with HS Kimon. Additional systems will equip HS Nearchos and...

February 16, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
Procurement & Contracts

Europe Launches 500km+ One-Way Drone Project

Defense ministers from Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Poland, and Sweden have signed a letter of intent under the European Long-range Strike Approach (ELSA) to develop a low-cost loitering...

February 16, 2026
Admin
Unmanned Systems
Procurement & Contracts

Ukraine Expands Digital Market for Ground Robots

Ukraine has expanded its DOT Chain Defence digital marketplace to allow frontline units to directly procure ground robotic systems. Previously limited to specific programs, unmanned ground vehicles for evacuation,...

February 16, 2026
Admin
Air Platforms
Procurement & Contracts

USAF Selects Shield AI Hivemind for YFQ-44A

The US Air Force has selected Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software for integration into Anduril’s YFQ-44A “Fury” drone under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) Increment 1 program. Hivemind will...

February 16, 2026
Admin
Naval Platforms
R&D

General Dynamics Lays Keel for 8th USN Tanker

General Dynamics NASSCO has laid the keel for the US Navy’s eighth John Lewis-class replenishment oiler, USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg (T-AO 212), at its San Diego shipyard. Named after...