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StratPost News Desk

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Lithuania Orders Carl-Gustaf M4

A soldier carrying the Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon | Photo: Saab

Lithuania has signed an agreement with Saab for Carl-Gustaf M4 weapons and training equipment valued at SEK 460 million ($49 million). Deliveries are planned from 2026 to 2029, while options within the ten-year agreement could increase the total value to SEK 640 million ($69 million).

U.S. Army Adds Allies to Counter-Drone Hub

Polish, Romanian, and U.S. troops instructed on running through the start-up sequence on a Counter-Unmanned Aerial System near Lipa, Poland on November 07, 2025 | Photo: U.S. Army/Sgt. 1st Class Jacob Kohrs, 10th AAMDC

The Joint Interagency Task Force 401 has expanded access to its counter-drone marketplace through agreements with Australia, Poland and South Korea while also awarding a $500 million contract to Perennial Autonomy for AI-enabled counter-UAS systems and drone interceptors.

Rafael Launches Mini EW System for UAVs

Representative illustration of the Storm Shield miniature electronic warfare system | Image: Rafael

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has introduced the Storm Shield miniature electronic warfare system designed for unmanned aerial platforms. The company says the system is intended to provide UAVs with autonomous electronic protection in contested electromagnetic and air defense environments.

L&T, Exail Team-Up for Indian Navy MCMVs

Unmanned MCM Integrated System | Image: Exail

Larsen & Toubro and France-based Exail have partnered to provide an unmanned mine counter-measure suite for the Indian Navy’s planned fleet of 12 Mine Counter Measure Vessels. The companies will offer autonomous and remotely operated systems designed to detect and neutralise naval mines.

UK to Hold Apache Drone Contest

Operational imagery of the Tekever system | Image: Tekever

The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded £10 million in contracts to four companies developing autonomous drones designed to support Apache attack helicopters. The drones are intended for reconnaissance, strike support and electronic warfare missions under Project NYX.

Russia Reports Successful Sarmat ICBM Test

Sarmat ICBM | Image: Ministry of Defence, Russian Federation

Russia said it had successfully tested the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile during a launch overseen by the Strategic Missile Forces. President Vladimir Putin said the system would enter combat duty by the end of the year, according to a Kremlin transcript.

UK Plans Hormuz Security Deployment

The Royal Navy announced an order for 20 Kraken Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) in March 2026, for operations by the Coastal Forces Squadron and 47 Commando Royal Marines | Image: Royal Navy/Kraken

The United Kingdom will contribute autonomous mine-hunting systems, Typhoon fighter jets and HMS Dragon to a planned multinational mission aimed at securing commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The deployment package includes £115 million in new defence funding.

UK, France Plan Hormuz Mission

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) conducts U.S. blockade operations in the Arabian Sea on April 16, 2026. The warship's embarked carrier air wing includes eight F-35C stealth fighters, F/A-18 fighter jets, EA-18G electronic attack aircraft, E-2D command and control planes, MH-60 helicopters and CMV-22B Ospreys for logistics support | Photo: U.S. Navy

The United Kingdom and France will host a multinational meeting on Tuesday involving more than 40 nations to discuss a defensive mission aimed at securing the Strait of Hormuz. HMS Dragon will deploy to the Middle East to support possible future operations.

India Appoints New CDS, CNS

New Chief of Defence Staff designate, Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, and new Chief of Naval Staff designate, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan | Photo: Ministry of Defence

The Government of India has appointed Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani (Retd) as the next Chief of Defence Staff and Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan as the next Chief of the Naval Staff. Both officers will assume charge following the retirement of the current incumbents at the end of May 2026.