MTQ News

The U.S. Air Force has deployed F-22 Raptor stealth fighters to Tsuiki Air Base in southern Japan during Exercise Keen Sword 27, expanding its operating locations beyond the major American fighter hub at Kadena. The October 19, 2026, deployment illustrates the potential value of dispersing advanced combat aircraft across allied airfields, an approach that could complicate Chinese military targeting during a potential Taiwan conflict. Read full Defense Aerospace News at this link … A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor from the 525th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, lands at Tsuiki Air Base, Japan, during Exercise Keen Sword 27 on October 19, 2026. The deployment expands U.S. stealth fighters' operating options beyond Kadena. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War/Defense) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/OfEtYXQ via IFTTT

The U.S. Air Force is seeking a new mission computer to help its F-16 Fighting Falcons remain effective alongside F-35 Lightning IIs and F-22 Raptors as air combat becomes increasingly dependent on sensor data, electronic warfare, and networked operations. The Next-Generation Mission Compute (NGMC) program would replace aging onboard computing equipment in selected F-16 variants, supporting their continued contribution to American airpower into the 2040s. Read full Defense Aerospace News at this link … A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility on September 18, 2026. The Air Force is seeking a new mission computer to help selected F-16 variants remain effective alongside F-35 and F-22 fighters. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War/Defense) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/uLqyI7U via IFTTT

US Army soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment launched a Czech-built STORK LR long-range reconnaissance drone during exercise Combined Resolve 27-01 at the Hohenfels Training Area in Germany on October 16, 2026. Operating as the exercise's dedicated opposing force, the battalion utilized the fixed-wing platform to replicate modern peer-threat aerial surveillance and electronic warfare dynamics observed on the Ukrainian front. The deployment follows a May 2026 supply contract between manufacturer U&C UAS and US Army units in Europe to integrate battlefield-tested reconnaissance technologies into coalition training regiments.  Read full defense news at this link... Developed by U&C UAS in the Czech Republic using heritage designs from Ukraine’s DeViRo Leleka series, the STORK LR features catapult launch, belly-landing recovery, a range of up to 135 kilometers, and up to 5.5 hours of flight endurance. (Picture source: U.S. Army) Read more... from Worl...

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) remotely controlled a Boeing MQ-25A Stingray unmanned tanker over a distance exceeding 2,100 miles (3,379 km) during a milestone command connectivity test. Operating in the Pacific Ocean, the carrier established a beyond-line-of-sight link with the aircraft at Boeing’s Mascoutah, Illinois facility using an MD-5C Ground Control Station and a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network. The demonstration validates long-range satellite-based command architecture required to shift aerial refueling responsibilities from strike fighters to dedicated carrier-based unmanned aircraft.  Read full defense news at this link... The MQ-25A Stingray aims to extend the combat range and endurance of U.S. Navy carrier-based fighters by providing aerial refueling farther from aircraft carriers, freeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets from tanker duties for combat missions. (Picture source: Boeing) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/rAIv...

Australian Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy announced at Anduril Australia's Sydney facility that the Royal Australian Navy's Ghost Shark Extra Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (XL-AUVs) will be equipped with naval mines, swarming aerial drones, and special forces resupply payloads. The integration expands the autonomous submarine's operational scope from intelligence gathering to multi-domain strike, offensive mine warfare, and covert logistics. This milestone forms part of Canberra's A$5.8 billion ten-year strategy to field low-cost, scalable undersea autonomous warfare capabilities alongside crewed naval assets.  Read full defense news at this link... Australia's Ghost Shark underwater drones could now lay mines to block enemy ships, launch kamikaze drones to target their sensors and communications, and resupply special forces near hostile coastlines. (Picture source: Australian MoD) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/hioGb8P via IFTTT

The U.S. Army is seeking additional manufacturers for its Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 1, a long-range ballistic missile launched from HIMARS and M270 rocket systems. The move could accelerate missile production, reduce reliance on Lockheed Martin, and help replenish U.S. ammunition stocks following recent combat operations while preparing American forces for prolonged high-intensity conflicts. Read more.  A U.S. Army M142 HIMARS launcher fires a Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 1 during a flight test at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, on February 12, 2025, as part of efforts to expand long-range precision strike capabilities. (Picture source: US DoD) Read full Defense News.  from World Defence News https://ift.tt/5UI8TFx via IFTTT

U.S. Marine CorpsAH-1Z Viper attack helicopters destroyed an Iranian-affiliated surveillance vessel in the Gulf of Oman after it was identified as helping target American warships. The strike highlights the growing importance of countering maritime reconnaissance activities that could expose U.S. naval forces to Iranian missile and drone attacks near the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz. Read more .  U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters fire on an Iranian-affiliated surveillance boat accused of targeting U.S. Navy warships in the Gulf of Oman on October 6, 2026. (Picture source: U.S. Central Command) Read full Defense news .       from World Defence News https://ift.tt/I1q87Nt via IFTTT

The U.S. Army has successfully tested the Red Wolf long-range strike missile from an MH-60 helicopter for the first time, opening the way for Black Hawk helicopters to engage targets hundreds of kilometers away. The demonstration marks a step toward extending helicopter strike capabilities beyond conventional engagement ranges while reducing exposure to enemy air defenses during operations in contested environments. Read more.   The L3Harris Red Wolf long-range precision strike missile displayed at AUSA 2026, designed to engage distant targets and recently flight-tested from a U.S. Army MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. (Picture source: Army Recognition) Read full Defense news.  from World Defence News https://ift.tt/xnQbYBj via IFTTT

Taiwan-based Thunder Tiger Technology, in partnership with Farage Precision and The Rehfeldt Group, has completed the delivery and acceptance of 1,520 FPV attack drones to the U.S. Department of Defense under the Drone Dominance Program. The $7.6 million procurement represents a milestone for non-Chinese manufacturing networks supplying compliant military quadcopters to the U.S. armed forces. Utilizing Blue UAS-approved hardware and Auterion flight controllers, the 10-inch customized Overkill quadcopters fulfill strict National Defense Authorization Act supply chain verification requirements for line-of-sight strike assets.  Read full defense news at this link... FPV drones have changed combat by allowing small units to conduct engagements against individual vehicles, artillery pieces, radar equipment, ammunition positions, and infantry concentrations without requiring artillery or guided weapons. (Picture source: Army Recognition) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift...

SIG Sauer revealed new technical details about the U.S. Army’s XM8 carbine in an exclusive interview with Army Recognition at AUSA 2026 in Washington, D.C., explaining how direct soldier feedback drove the development of a lighter, more compact weapon derived from the M7. According to the company, troops' main concern was the M7's weight, leading SIG Sauer to shorten the barrel, reduce material in key components, and cut the weapon’s weight from 3.67 kg (8.1 lb) to about 3.31 kg (7.3 lb). Read full Defense News at this link … In an exclusive interview with Army Recognition, SIG Sauer reveals how soldier feedback shaped the XM8, a lighter and more compact evolution of the M7 rifle. Discover its reduced weight, shorter barrel, advanced 6.8mm ammunition, and new technical features designed for U.S. Army close-combat forces. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/vH0dimG via IFTTT

On October 17, 2026, Ukraine's 115th Separate Mechanized Brigade announced that its Prybultsi air defense unit engaged a second Russian Mi-28 attack helicopter using a modified FPV interceptor drone over Russia's Belgorod region. This midair engagement follows a similar strike against an Mi-28NM on October 14, demonstrating an evolving tactical deployment of low-cost unmanned aerial systems against Russian attack helicopters operating within border airspace. The operations reflect Ukrainian efforts to counter Russian stand-off aviation strikes by adapting long-range VB140 Blyskavka interceptors to penetrate regions affected by active electronic warfare systems.  Read full defense news at this link... The two attacks show how Ukraine is increasingly using its relatively inexpensive FPV drones to threaten Russian attack helicopters that were previously able to freely fire guided missiles against Ukrainian forces from inside Russian territory. (Picture source: ZSU_115OMBr) Read mo...

 Russia is transforming the Tu-160M into a substantially renewed strategic bomber without changing the iconic shape of the original aircraft, with Tupolev revealing in a Rostec interview published on October 15, 2026, that 80% of its systems and equipment have been modernized. Behind the familiar variable-geometry airframe are new NK-32-02 engines, upgraded avionics, navigation and weapons-control systems, giving Russia a rebuilt long-range strike platform designed to remain relevant for nuclear deterrence and conventional missions while restoring its ability to manufacture one of its most powerful strategic aircraft.  Read Full Defense News At This Link.  Russia’s Tu-160M preserves the iconic variable-geometry shape of the Soviet-era bomber while replacing or modernizing 80% of its systems and equipment to strengthen Russia’s long-term strategic air capability (Picture Source: UAC) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/pVFLIze via IFTTT

On October 13, 2026, the U.S. Navy awarded Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) Newport News Shipbuilding a $56 million contract for engineering and design work supporting the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program with the United Kingdom and Australia. The award includes a $35 million option that could raise its total potential value to $91 million, with 88% of execution taking place in Virginia through September 2027. This agreement provides essential Foreign Military Sales support to Australia and the United Kingdom while funding U.S. industry support engineering to accelerate technical integration across the trilateral enterprise.  Read full defense news at this link... The future SSN-AUKUS nuclear submarine, jointly developed by Britain, Australia, and the United States, is intended for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence collection, surveillance, and conventional land-attack missions. (Picture source: BAE Systems) Read more... from World Defence News ...

China has unveiled the YJ-9ER extended-range air-launched anti-ship missile, reportedly doubling the engagement distance of its existing YJ-9 weapon system to strengthen the People's Liberation Army's ability to strike small, fast-moving surface warships, including Taiwan's Tuo Chiang-class missile corvettes. The upgraded missile is reported to reach 30 km when launched from helicopters and 60 km from fixed-wing aircraft, compared with 15 km and 30 km, respectively, for the earlier version. Read full Naval Defense News at this link … Illustrative image of a Taiwan Tuo Chiang-class missile corvette at sea, with an inset showing a YJ-9 family anti-ship missile. China’s newly unveiled YJ-9ER is reported to double the engagement range of the earlier weapon, potentially increasing the threat to fast, missile-armed surface combatants operating around Taiwan. (Picture source: Army Recognition / AI-generated image) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/jteuz04 via IFT...

On October 16, 2026, the U.S. Air Force announced that an F-22 Raptor stealth fighter pilot successfully issued in-flight tactical commands to Anduril's FQ-44A Fury Collaborative Combat Aircraft during a flight demonstration over California. The test demonstrated a division of command authority where the pilot assigns mission-level objectives while the uncrewed aircraft's onboard autonomy software independently manages dynamic flight maneuvers and simulated combat tasks. This operational milestone supports the U.S. Air Force's broader strategic goal of fielding 500 combat-ready semi-autonomous aircraft by 2032 and an eventual fleet of 1,000 units.  Read full defense news at this link... The U.S. Air Force demonstrated an F-22 Raptor commanding a YFQ-44A Fury combat drone during simulated air combat, paving the way for fighter pilots to control multiple autonomous aircraft carrying additional weapons and sensors. (Picture source: US DoD) Read more... from World Defence New...

 The U.S. Air Force has completed a new flight test of the developmental Mk21A reentry vehicle for the future LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM, advancing a critical component of America’s next-generation land-based nuclear deterrent. Launched aboard a Minotaur I rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base on October 9, 2026, the unarmed Mk21A was exposed to realistic flight and reentry conditions, providing engineers with valuable data to reduce technical risk ahead of integration with Sentinel and strengthen the reliability and credibility of the U.S. strategic deterrent.  Read Full Defense News At This Link.  The U.S. Air Force tested a developmental Mk21A reentry vehicle aboard a Minotaur I rocket for the future LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM, shown here in a Lockheed Martin artist rendering of the Mk21A in flight (Picture Source: Lockheed Martin) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/3M7uUVn via IFTTT

On October 15, 2026, Saab presented the Swedish Air Force’s first S 106 GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft at its Linköping production facility. The rollout marks the official transition of aircraft number 061 into ground and flight testing prior to operational delivery, filling the surveillance gap left by Sweden's donation of two ASC 890 aircraft to Ukraine. Based on the Bombardier Global 6000 airframe, the platform delivers multi-domain radar coverage across the Baltic Sea and northern Scandinavia to strengthen national and NATO airspace defense.  Read full defense news at this link... Sweden ordered two S 106 GlobalEye aircraft from Saab in June 2022, added a third in June 2024 after deciding to transfer its two ASC 890 surveillance aircraft to Ukraine, and accelerated GlobalEye deliveries in October 2024. (Picture source: Saab) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/cGV02sI via IFTTT

 Russia has showcased the dual-strike potential of its Yasen-M nuclear-powered submarine Novosibirsk, which fired Oniks and Kalibr cruise missiles from a submerged position against sea and land targets during a Pacific Fleet exercise on 15 October 2026, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. By hitting a simulated warship at more than 170 kilometers and a land target over 1,200 kilometers away, the drill demonstrated how a single concealed submarine can threaten naval forces and critical targets deep ashore, strengthening Russia’s ability to project long-range firepower while forcing adversaries to defend simultaneously across the maritime and land domains.  Read Full Defense News At This Link.  Russia’s Novosibirsk nuclear-powered submarine showcased its dual-strike capability by launching Oniks and Kalibr cruise missiles from beneath the Pacific against targets at sea and more than 1,200 kilometers inland (Picture Source: Russian MoD) from World Defence News https...

 RTX’s Raytheon is pushing the Coyote into a faster counter-drone role, confirming on October 12, 2026, three successful tests of the rocket-powered Block 2C+RM. Its solid-fuel motor is designed to cut reaction time and improve performance against faster Class 3 drones. The interceptor also adds a new seeker and warhead while remaining compatible with existing Coyote launchers, radars and command systems. Building on more than 600 reported drone kills by the Block 2C, the upgrade could strengthen U.S. defenses against mass and increasingly sophisticated UAV attacks.  Read Full Defense News At This Link.  Raytheon has successfully tested its new rocket-powered Coyote Block 2C+RM interceptor, designed to give U.S. forces faster response and greater reach against increasingly advanced drone threats (Picture Source: Army Recognition Group) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/sgzGBTX via IFTTT

 The U.S. Navy has expanded its combat-ready surface force in Europe to six Rota-based destroyers with the arrival of the Arleigh Burke-class USS John Basilone (DDG 122) in Spain on October 14, 2026, according to U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs. The additional warship gives U.S. and NATO commanders greater capacity to sustain patrols, reinforce maritime security, and respond rapidly across a vast theater stretching from the High North and Baltic to the Mediterranean and waters off Africa.  Read Full Defense News At This Link.  USS John Basilone’s arrival in Rota gives the U.S. Navy six forward-deployed destroyers in Europe, strengthening its ability to sustain patrols, reinforce NATO operations and respond rapidly across multiple maritime theaters (Picture Source: U.S. Navy) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/RNtAEzG via IFTTT

 AZAK is turning its S26 unmanned ground vehicle into a versatile battlefield platform capable of carrying remote weapon stations and launching drones, a configuration showcased at AUSA 2026 in Washington on October 12–14. By combining modular payloads with a low-profile robotic mobility system, the UGV could move weapons, sensors, drones, supplies, or other mission equipment into contested areas without exposing troops at the deployment point, highlighting a broader shift toward unmanned platforms that can extend combat reach, improve survivability, and rapidly adapt to changing missions.  Read Full Defense News At This Link.  AZAK showcased its S26 UGV at AUSA 2026 as a modular robotic vehicle designed to carry remote weapons, launch drones, and support multiple battlefield missions (Picture Source: Army Recognition Group) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/MCJQqYk via IFTTT

 Lockheed Martin is developing the PAC-3 Edge, a next-generation Patriot interceptor designed to help the U.S. Army defeat advanced ballistic and hypersonic missile threats at greater distances and higher altitudes. The new missile comes as U.S. interceptor inventories face growing pressure from military operations and allied demand, raising the challenge of improving missile defense capabilities while producing enough weapons to sustain prolonged conflicts. Read more.  Lockheed Martin's PAC-3 Edge next-generation Patriot interceptor, displayed at AUSA 2026 in Washington, D.C., is designed to extend engagement range and altitude against advanced ballistic and hypersonic missile threats. (Picture source: Army Recognition) Read full Defense News.  from World Defence News https://ift.tt/owdm6IA via IFTTT

The U.S. Army has confirmed the simultaneous deployment of dozens of autonomous high-altitude balloons in the Middle East to support operational missions under U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), expanding its ability to use persistent high-altitude systems in an active military theater. The deployment marks a significant advance from earlier experiments involving only one or two balloons, demonstrating the Army's ability to operate multiple stratospheric assets concurrently in support of military operations. Read full Defense News at this link … U.S. soldiers assigned to the 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force launch a U.S. Army micro-high-altitude balloon during Exercise Orient Shield 26 in Hokkaido, Japan, on September 21, 2026. The U.S. Army has since confirmed that dozens of autonomous high-altitude balloons supported U.S. Central Command operations in the Middle East, marking a transition from limited experimentation to operational employment. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War/Defe...

The U.S. Army’s competition to replace its M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) is entering a decisive phase as General Dynamics Land Systems prepares to display a complete scale model of its Wolf XM30 at AUSA 2026, held October 12–14, 2026, in Washington, D.C. With the first prototypes of both the Wolf XM30 and American Rheinmetall’s Lynx XM30 already delivered to the U.S. Army, attention is shifting toward which vehicle offers the strongest combination of firepower, mobility, and protection for future U.S. Army mechanized infantry formations. Read full Defense News at this link … Conceptual illustration of the U.S. Army's XM30 next-generation infantry fighting vehicle, designed to replace the M2 Bradley with enhanced firepower, protection, mobility, and the ability to coordinate robotic and semi-autonomous systems. General Dynamics Wolf and Rheinmetall Lynx are competing for the program. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War/Defense) Read More from World Defence News ht...

Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics have fired a newly manufactured solid rocket motor for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets used by U.S. Army M142 HIMARS and M270 rocket launchers, marking a key step toward establishing an additional U.S. propulsion production source. The effort could expand ammunition output and strengthen the supply chain supporting U.S. Army long-range precision fires. Read full Defense News at this link … A U.S. Army M142 HIMARS rocket artillery system fires a guided rocket during a live-fire exercise. Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics have tested a new GMLRS solid rocket motor to support expanded U.S. ammunition production and strengthen the supply of long-range precision fires. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War/Defense) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/eTtHiUV via IFTTT

The U.S. Army has ordered three additional UH-60MX Black Hawk helicopters equipped with Sikorsky's MATRIX autonomy technology, expanding its ability to test aircraft that can fly with or without onboard pilots. The acquisition supports the Army's evaluation of autonomous aviation as Sikorsky advances a separate Black Hawk modernization strategy featuring more powerful engines, extended range, integrated drones, and advanced digital systems intended to keep the helicopter operationally relevant through 2070. Read full Defense News at this link … The U.S. Army received its first H-60Mx Black Hawk helicopter in March 2026, modified with Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy technology to operate with or without onboard pilots. The Army has since ordered three additional helicopters to expand its autonomous flight evaluation capabilities. (Picture source: U.S. Army) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/t4uN0Ud via IFTTT

 Ideal Aerosmith has unveiled Troublemaker, a low-cost Group 3 uncrewed aircraft designed to bring long-range strike, surveillance and decoy capabilities to forces operating without runways or heavy support infrastructure. With more than 10 hours of endurance, a claimed range exceeding 750 nautical miles and a payload of up to 30 pounds, the aircraft can operate as an expendable one-way attack platform or be recovered for reuse, giving forces a flexible way to generate affordable mass, extend combat reach and sustain operations in contested environments.  Read Full Defense News At This Link.  Ideal Aerosmith has unveiled its Troublemaker Group 3 UAS designed for long-range attritable strike ISR and mass operations with more than 10 hours of endurance and a range exceeding 750 nautical miles (Picture Source: Ideal Aerosmith) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/WHVDY0q via IFTTT

 The United States is moving to arm the B-52H Stratofortress with the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile, combining the bomber’s reach and payload with a potent stand-off weapon for maritime warfare. A Naval Air Systems Command notice published on October 7, 2026, points to renewed integration work that could expand U.S. long-range anti-ship firepower and complicate naval defense planning across the Indo-Pacific.  Read Full Defense News At This Link.  A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress flies with multiple AGM-158 JASSM stand-off missiles mounted on its wing pylons. The missiles shown are JASSM weapons and not AGM-158C LRASM (Picture Source: X-account @TallGlenn85) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/h0bJOqK via IFTTT

 Sweden will deploy a Patriot air and missile defense unit to southeastern Poland in December 2026, placing one of NATO’s most capable defensive systems around the Rzeszów logistics hub that channels weapons and supplies into Ukraine. Confirmed by the Swedish Government and Armed Forces on October 6, the deployment will strengthen protection against missile and air threats while helping secure a supply corridor that is critical to both Ukraine’s war effort and NATO’s ability to sustain operations across its eastern flank.  Read Full Defense News At This Link. Sweden will deploy a Patriot air and missile defense unit to southeastern Poland in December 2026 to protect NATO’s critical Rzeszów logistics hub and the flow of military aid to Ukraine (Picture Source: Swedish MoD) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/7Eacw9f via IFTTT

 The U.S. Coast Guard is moving into long-range unmanned maritime surveillance with four General Atomics MQ-9B drones, a $247.8 million order revealed on October 9, 2026. Able to remain airborne for more than 30 hours with advanced maritime sensors, the MQ-9B will push U.S. threat detection deeper into offshore approaches while expanding coverage for counter-narcotics, search-and-rescue and security missions. Read Full Defense News At This Link.  The U.S. Coast Guard is adding four long-range MQ-9B drones to extend persistent surveillance across U.S. maritime approaches, borders and critical infrastructure (Picture Source: General Atomics) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/PuLfDeW via IFTTT

 Advanced manufacturing technologies for faster defence production and equipment repair will be presented by the Czech NCKS project at Future Forces 2026 in Prague from 21 to 23 October. The research could help defence industries increase output and sustain military equipment more efficiently. The exhibition will cover digital twins, production monitoring, and additive and hybrid manufacturing. These technologies could improve manufacturing flexibility, repair capacity, and defence industrial resilience.  Read Full Defense News At This Link. Czech NCKS researchers will showcase advanced manufacturing technologies at Future Forces 2026 in Prague designed to accelerate defence production, equipment repair, and industrial resilience (Picture Source: Future Forces Forum) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/OeGAEz2 via IFTTT

Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel confirmed in Lisbon that the government is seriously evaluating the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II alongside the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, and Saab Gripen E to replace its fleet of 28 upgraded F-16M fighters. Speaking alongside U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Rangel noted that the multibillion-euro modernization program remains open to competitive proposals. The upcoming Military Programming Law will establish the formal procurement timeline and financial framework for the acquisition.  Read full defense news at this link... On October 8, 2026, Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel confirmed that Portugal is seriously considering the F-35 to replace its F-16 fleet, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio requested a fair opportunity to submit a competitive proposal. (Picture source: US DoD) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/XZGAguW via IFTTT

The U.S. Navy awarded Raytheon Missile and Defense $160.9 million to prepare the new SM-6 Block IAU configuration for production, with initial deliveries planned from fiscal year 2030. This transition-to-production action replaces aging electronic components in the missile's guidance section and target detection device without altering its airframe, engine, or warhead. The agreement supports the Navy's objective to build an industrial base capable of producing more than 500 complete missiles per year.  Read full defense news at this link... The SM-6 Block IAU is an upgraded Block IA that replaces aging electronic components in its guidance and target detection systems, so the U.S. Navy can keep producing the missile in large numbers through the 2030s without changing its existing combat capabilities. (Picture source: US Navy) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/9zOT8Q4 via IFTTT