The U.S. Pentagon has signed agreements with several defense firms to expand production of low-cost cruise and hypersonic missiles under new procurement programs aimed at increasing strike weapon inventories between 2027 and 2029.
L3Harris Technologies announced the Wraith Shield software capability, designed to convert tactical radios into AI-enabled sensing and counter-drone systems. The company said the capability will support military forces operating against small unmanned aerial threats in contested environments.
The United States, working with Venezuela, the United Kingdom and the International Atomic Energy Agency, has completed the removal of highly enriched uranium from Venezuela’s RV-1 research reactor.
The UK Ministry of Defence has deployed the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System on RAF Typhoon fighter jets operating in the Middle East to counter drone threats. The laser-guided system completed testing and entered operational service within two months.
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.
The British Army will procure 72 RCH 155 remote controlled artillery systems under a contract worth nearly £1 billion. The programme involving Rheinmetall and KNDS will replace AS90 artillery systems transferred to Ukraine.
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.
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 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.
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.
Thales and ArianeGroup have completed the first successful firing of the FLP-t 150 ballistic munition for France’s long-range land strike programme. The guided rocket is designed for ranges beyond 150 kilometres and operation in GNSS-jammed environments.
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.
Germany and Ukraine will expand defence cooperation with joint work on drones, air defence and battlefield systems. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius described the relationship as a long-term strategic partnership.
Rheinmetall and Deutsche Telekom plan to develop systems to detect and stop hostile drones and cyber threats. The project will combine telecom networks, sensors and laser-based technologies to protect key infrastructure.
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.
India has conducted a successful test of an Advanced Agni missile equipped with a MIRV system and separately completed a long-duration scramjet combustor test linked to its hypersonic cruise missile development programme, according to the Ministry of Defence and DRDO.
The Finnish Army will conduct the Karelian Sword 26 exercise in southeastern Finland from 22 to 29 May 2026 with around 10,000 personnel, including reserve units and allied troops and has designated hashtags to follow the exercise on social media.
Sweden is conducting the Aurora 26 military exercise with NATO allies and Ukraine, focusing on the defence of Gotland and the Baltic Sea region. The drills involve 18,000 personnel and test allied reinforcement, logistics and drone warfare cooperation.
Saab has introduced the HEAT 758 anti-tank round for the Carl-Gustaf system and the Bolide 2 missile for the RBS 70 NG air defence system. The new weapons were unveiled during demonstrations in Sweden, with deliveries of Bolide 2 planned from 2027.
Germany is preparing 24 new centres to assess young volunteers for military service as Berlin expands the Bundeswehr under new conscription measures linked to NATO goals and the Ukraine war.
