French Navy to Become First Operator of Airbus’ Aliaca VTOL Drone

Airbus Helicopters announced on 3 February 2026 that France’s Directorate General of Armament (DGA) has formally amended its ongoing SMDM contract to include a vertical take-off and landing variant of the Aliaca unmanned aircraft system for the French Navy. Ordered through Airbus Helicopters' subsidiary Survey Copter, the updated agreement makes France the first operator of the VTOL Aliaca, with deliveries scheduled to begin in May 2026 following a DGA-led qualification campaign. Read more.

The Aliaca VTOL is positioned as a tactical mini-drone rather than a long-endurance MALE asset (Picture source: Army Recognition)

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U.S. Army Conducts Gunnery Exercise With Latest Air Defense System Sgt Stout.

U.S. Army officials confirmed that a live gunnery exercise at Fort Hood, Texas, is underway, featuring the latest-generation Sgt Stout short-range air defense system. The drills mark a significant step toward full operational integration as units across the force adapt to evolving threats from drones, rotary-wing aircraft, and low-flying munitions. It matters because Sgt. Stout enhances the Army’s ability to defend forward-deployed troops and critical infrastructure from modern aerial threats. Read full Defense News at this link ... A U.S. Army SGT Stout SHORAD air defense vehicle maneuvers into firing position during live-fire training with the 6th Battalion, 56th Air Defense Artillery Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas, on October 3, 2025. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/NYmsS1n via IFTTT

US approves $45 Million Hellfire missile sale for Denmark's MH-60R Seahawk helicopters

On January 8, 2026, the United States approved a possible $45 million Foreign Military Sale to Denmark for AGM-114R Hellfire air-to-surface missiles and related equipment, likely for use on MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters. The proposed sale includes missiles, launchers, training assets, and logistical support. No additional U.S. personnel are required for implementation, as the package maintains interoperability with U.S. and allied forces, with no impact on U.S. defense readiness. Read full defense news at this link... Within Denmark’s current force structure, the aircraft most likely to use the AGM-114R is the MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopter operated by the Royal Danish Air Force. (Picture source: US Navy) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/dJe2WNz via IFTTT

Raytheon Australia Integrates Sidewinder Missile With NASAMS Launcher to Strengthen Air Defence

On June 30, 2025, Raytheon Australia integrated Sidewinder Missile on NASAMS High-Mobility Launcher strengthening ground-based air defence capabilities. In a significant demonstration at the Woomera Test Range, the Australian Army’s 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, successfully fired the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile from a Hawkei High-Mobility Launcher, marking a world-first for this missile-platform pairing. This milestone underlines the growing relevance of adaptable, layered air and missile defence systems for Australia’s national security. Read Full Defense News at this link. The successful integration of the Sidewinder missile onto the NASAMS High-Mobility Launcher represents a tangible leap in Australia’s ground-based air defence (Picture source: Australian Army) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/XxVBQHy via IFTTT

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