Defense Industry
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Ukraine Expands Ground Robot Production for Logistics and Combat Roles
Ukraine is scaling up domestic manufacturing of ground drones to meet rising demand for logistics, rescue, and combat missions. Multiple programs are underway to field new robotic systems on the front lines.
Turkey Hosts Record Efes 2026 Exercise With Nine New Nations
The largest edition of Turkey's Efes military exercise concluded May 22 after six weeks of day and night drills. Nine countries participated for the first time, including Syria with a 20-person unit.
ForbesMilitary Tech Firms Seek Larger Role in U.S. Defense Contracts
Newer companies are competing with established contractors for Pentagon work. The shift involves different business models and technology applications.
Germany and KNDS Family Owners Negotiate Price for 40% Stake Ahead of IPO
Germany and the family owners of KNDS are negotiating the price of a 40% stake in the armaments company before its planned initial public offering. The discussions center on the valuation of the stake.
Ukraine Allows Private Companies to Form Air Defense Units
Ukraine has launched a program that permits private companies to participate in air defense operations against Russian drones. Twenty-seven companies have joined, and two units are already conducting combat missions in the Kharkiv and Odesa regions.
Ukrainian Arms Makers Cite Battlefield Use as Selling Point for Western Partners
Ukrainian defense companies report growing interest from Western firms and militaries seeking to learn from weapons tested in combat. Industry representatives say daily battlefield feedback allows faster adaptation than test flights or simulations.
New York PostUkraine Unveils First Homegrown Guided Aerial Bomb for Combat Use
Ukraine announced its first domestically developed guided aerial bomb capable of striking targets dozens of kilometers inside Russia. The weapon carries a 250-kilogram warhead and costs roughly one-third as much as comparable U.S. systems.
middleeasteye.netFord Discusses Supplying Military-Adapted F-Series Trucks to Forces in Europe and North America
Ford is in discussions to provide military-adapted versions of its F-Series Super Duty pickup trucks to armed forces in Europe and North America. Talks are described as productive, though no contract has been signed.
The War ZoneUkraine Unveils First Homegrown Glide Bomb Ready for Combat
Ukraine has unveiled its first domestically developed glide bomb, which completed trials after 17 months and carries a 250-kilogram warhead. The weapon is designed to strike targets dozens of kilometers behind enemy lines and is now entering pilot training.
benzinga.comMartin-Baker Maintains Position as Defense Manufacturer
Martin-Baker continues operations as a defense manufacturer. The company has been described in recent commentary as maintaining its standing in the sector.
ForbesU.S. Air Force Launches Game of Drones Program for Industry Testing
The U.S. Air Force is hosting recurring drone and counter-drone war games at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Private companies can test systems of various sizes with military experts during week-long exercises.
thehindubusinessline.comIsrael Aerospace Industries to Merge Subsidiary Elta Systems
Israel Aerospace Industries announced its board of directors recommended merging its subsidiary Elta Systems into the parent company. Elta, based in Ashdod, develops the Green Pine radar system and various interception systems. The company is the country's largest defense contrac…
Pentagon Announces Agreements With Defense Startups for Low-Cost Missile Production
The Department of Defense has signed agreements with four companies to develop and produce large numbers of low-cost cruise missiles under a new program. A fifth company will support low-cost hypersonic weapon efforts. The initiative seeks to expand the military industrial base b…
interestingengineering.comSustainment Strategies Support Marine Corps Vehicle Readiness
The Marine Corps maintains readiness through sustainment of its existing vehicle fleet including the MTVR Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement. Service-life upgrades and safety enhancements are part of the approach. Officials discussed these strategies at the Modern Day Marine eve…
Financial TimesCzech Arms Company Offers to Buy Stake in Tank Maker KNDS
A Czech arms group has proposed acquiring a stake in the Franco-German tank manufacturer KNDS. The offer represents an effort to consolidate the European defence industry. Financial Times reported the proposal on Wednesday.
benzinga.comLockheed Martin Shareholders Vote on Executive Compensation and Auditor Ratification
Lockheed Martin disclosed the results of its annual shareholder meeting held May 13 2026 under Item 5.07 of Form 8-K. The vote outcomes set the company's compensation policies and independent auditor engagement for the next fiscal cycle.
Defense Industry Donates Nearly $5 Million to Congress This Year
A new report shows the defense sector contributed almost $5 million to members of Congress through political action committees and individual donations. The donations, which include contributions to both Republicans and Democrats on key defense committees, represent a small share…
Defense NewsAselsan Displays New Unmanned Surface and Underwater Vehicles at Saha Expo 2026
Turkish defense firm Aselsan presented new autonomous naval strike systems and electronic warfare capabilities during the Saha Expo 2026 exhibition. CEO Ahmet Akyol said the unveiled systems could reach inventory by 2027 as the company targets raising exports to 40% of revenues b…
Russia and Ukraine Target Each Other's Drone Production Facilities
Both countries have increased strikes on facilities that manufacture and assemble drones as counter-drone systems have proven only partially effective. Ukraine has struck multiple Russian plants producing navigation systems, Shahed-type drones and reconnaissance aircraft since Ap…
ukdefencejournal.org.ukGerman Tank Maker KNDS Shareholders Push Berlin for Stake Decision Before IPO
German family shareholders of KNDS are urging the German government to decide on taking a stake in the company ahead of a planned initial public offering. The Paris-backed group is seeking a valuation between €15 billion and €20 billion. The move comes as the company weighs its o…
ForbesU.S. Navy Adjusts USS Enterprise (CVN-80) Delivery to March 2031 as Construction Passes 50% Completion
The future USS Enterprise (CVN-80) delivery has slipped eight months from July 2030, while the future USS Doris Miller (CVN-81) faces at least a two-year delay. Huntington Ingalls Industries reported progress on both carriers during its May 5, 2026 quarterly call even as the USS…
Breaking DefenseRheinmetall Q1 Sales Rise 8 Percent as Naval Systems Division Launches
German defense firm Rheinmetall reported €1.9 billion in first-quarter 2026 sales, an 8 percent increase from a year earlier. The company disclosed initial results from its new naval systems unit following the acquisition of Naval Vessels Luerssen, with a €5.5 billion order backl…
Defense NewsPentagon Creates 'Deal Team Six' to Oversee Defense Contractor Negotiations
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced the creation of Deal Team Six, a unit of private-sector negotiators folded inside the Pentagon’s Economic Defense Unit. The team, which stood up in early April 2026, aims to end decades of contractor double-dipping, production delays an…
dnaindia.comTurkey Unveils Model of 6,000 km Range Yildirimhan ICBM
Turkey displayed a full-size model of a previously unknown intercontinental ballistic missile called Yildirimhan at the SAHA 2026 defense exhibition in Istanbul on May 5, 2026. The single-stage, liquid-fueled missile is designed for a range of 6,000 kilometers and a 3,000-kilogra…
insidermonkey.comActivist Investor Calls for Probe of Leonardo SpA Shareholder Meeting Vote
Wyser-Pratte Management Co. Inc. has demanded an independent investigation into the annual general meeting of Leonardo SpA held on May 7, 2026. The activist cited restrictions on shareholder participation, technical failures with remote access, and a narrow victory margin for the…
dnaindia.comTurkey Unveils First Domestically Developed Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
Turkey displayed the Yildirimhan intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time at the SAHA Expo 2026 in Istanbul. The missile has a reported range of 6,000 km and a payload capacity of up to 3,000 kg. The unveiling occurred as the country pursues greater defense industry…
automotiveworld.comRenault to Produce Military Drones at Le Mans Plant by Late 2026
Renault is setting up a workshop at its Le Mans factory to assemble Chorus defense drones developed in partnership with Turgis Gaillard. The first prototypes are scheduled to leave the workshop this summer for testing in September. The company had not planned a return to defense…
koreatimes.co.krSouth Korean Industry Minister Meets Canadian Officials on Submarine Bid
Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan met with Canadian government and industry officials this week to seek support for a South Korean consortium's bid in Canada's submarine project valued at 60 trillion won. The meetings also covered expanding industrial and resource cooperation betwe…
Breaking DefenseNorthrop Grumman Asks FTC to Vacate 2018 Solid Rocket Motor Consent Order
Northrop Grumman on April 2 asked the Federal Trade Commission to drop restrictions imposed when it acquired Orbital ATK. Lockheed Martin is preparing to oppose the move publicly, arguing it would limit affordable access to solid rocket motors. The FTC decision could affect Penta…
Leonardo Appoints Lorenzo Mariani as CEO After Government Ends Cingolani’s Mandate
Roberto Cingolani, who led the Italian defense firm since 2023, held a farewell press briefing after the government decided against a second three-year mandate. Lorenzo Mariani, previously co-general manager at Leonardo and head of MBDA’s Italian operation, takes over. Cingolani…
Rheinmetall Offers €12bn for Germany’s Frigate Manufacturing Project
Rheinmetall’s naval unit has submitted a €12 billion bid to take over manufacturing of six frigates for the German navy. The offer targets a project that has faced repeated delays and cost overruns. The proposal would shift production responsibilities from the current contractor…
upi.comUkraine Strikes Russian Military Complex in Cheboksary with FP-5 Flamingo Missiles, Footage Shows Explosions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy published videos showing FP-5 Flamingo missiles launching and hitting a target 930 miles inside Russia. The strike targeted a military-industrial complex in Cheboksary, causing explosions and fires. Russian reports confirmed casualties and…
news.google.comFour Activists Convicted of Criminal Damage After Breaking into Elbit Systems Factory in 2024
A London court convicted four activists from Palestine Action of criminal damage following a raid that caused £1 million in damage at a UK defense firm site. Two others were acquitted, while one activist was also found guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm. The incident preda…
Defense NewsUkraine May Lift Arms Export Ban in 2026 Amid Interest From Foreign Militaries
Ukrainian officials are working to lift the country's ban on exporting weapons, with potential first contracts expected in the remaining months of 2026. Interest focuses on unmanned systems, anti-drone solutions, and other technologies tested in combat. Gulf countries facing regi…
japantimes.co.jpPentagon Budget Exceeds $1 Trillion with Proposed Increases
The U.S. Pentagon budget has exceeded $1 trillion, with President Trump proposing an additional $500 billion increase. This funding supports military operations including interventions in Venezuela and a war in the Middle East. Analysts highlight rising costs and diminishing econ…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewDrone Vendors Target Southeast Asian Markets at Kuala Lumpur Defence Exhibition
Vendors from around the world gathered at the Defence Services Asia exhibition in Kuala Lumpur last week to pursue deals amid growing interest in unmanned aerial vehicles from Southeast Asia's defence ministries. A UAE-based firm showcased its high-performance helicopter drone, h…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewThree Palestine Action Activists Sentenced to 20 Months for Attack on U.S. Defense Factory
Three activists from Palestine Action have been sentenced to 20 months in custody for their role in an attack on a factory owned by a U.S. defense company. The individuals, convicted in February for the April 2025 incident, targeted the facility in Shipley, U.K. Supporters gather…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewU.S. Defense Contractors Report Record Backlogs Amid Increased Military Spending
U.S. defense companies are experiencing significant order backlogs due to record military spending and restocking needs from recent conflicts. The Defense Department has allocated $901 billion for 2026 and requested $1.5 trillion for 2027. Additional funding requests related to t…
iiot-world.comDefense Firms Debut Dedicated Section at Hanover Industrial Fair
Defense and security-related companies are featured in their own section for the first time at the Hanover industrial fair this week. This development occurs as Germany undertakes a significant rearmament effort. The fair is recognized as the world's top industrial event.
koreaherald.comHanwha Group Signs MOU with Alberta Government on Energy, Defense and Shipbuilding
South Korea's Hanwha Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with Canada's Alberta provincial government to explore investments in energy, defense and shipbuilding. The agreement, signed in Edmonton on April 21, 2026, ties into Hanwha's bid for a major Canadian submarine p…
en.globes.co.ilThales Reports 75% Rise in Defense Orders, Surpassing Sales Forecasts
French defense and technology company Thales announced stronger-than-expected sales figures. Orders in its defense division surged 75%, driven by robust defense spending. The results highlight ongoing demand in the sector.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewSouth Korea Holds Interagency Meeting on North American Defense Industry Cooperation
South Korean government officials convened an interagency meeting to evaluate defense partnerships in North America and support local companies' expansion. The discussion occurred amid a Korean consortium's bid for a Canadian submarine contract valued at approximately 60 trillion…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewHanwha Group Partners with Magnet Defense to Develop Unmanned Vessels for U.S. Military
Hanwha Group announced a partnership with U.S.-based Magnet Defense to develop medium unmanned surface vessels for the U.S. military. The agreement involves collaboration on a 38-meter vessel based on Magnet Defense's M48 platform combined with Hanwha's technologies. The partners…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewNorthrop Grumman Releases Video of F/A-XX Naval Fighter Concept
Northrop Grumman has released a new video showcasing its concept for the F/A-XX sixth-generation naval fighter. The video provides additional views of the tailless design, including features like dorsal inlets and wing configurations. This follows statements from naval officials…
Indra Agrees to Integrate Systems for Spanish Amphibious Vehicles Based on U.S. Model
Spanish defense firm Indra has signed a deal to integrate systems on amphibious vehicles for Spain, based on the model used by the U.S. Marines. The agreement involves collaboration with Italy's IDV, which holds the design authority and supplies core components. Indra will handle…
247wallst.comJim Cramer Recommends Chevron for Oil Investments and Urges Retention of Defense Sector Holdings
CNBC's 'Mad Money' host Jim Cramer advised investors to select Chevron as an oil sector play during a Lightning Round segment. He discussed stocks including Carpenter Tech, Equipment Share, SoundHound, Chevron, and Exxon Mobil. In a separate segment, Cramer stated that investors…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewDefense Industry Shifts Toward Silicon Valley Model Amid Ukraine and Iran Conflicts
Defense companies are adapting strategies influenced by Silicon Valley practices in response to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Iran. These adaptations focus on reducing lead times for rapid deployments and cost-effective solutions. The changes challenge traditional defense prod…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewUkrainian Entrepreneur Shifts from Pet Gadget to Autonomous Combat Drones
Yaroslav Azhnyuk, a Ukrainian entrepreneur, developed the Petcube device for remotely entertaining pets using a laser pointer. His team later founded companies that produce first-person-view drones with artificial intelligence for targeting in Ukraine's conflict. These drones ena…