🎯Today's Defense Pulse
Updated 20m agoWhat's happening: U.S. Navy seeks advanced anti‑radiation missile to hit airborne radars
NAVAIR issued a Sources Sought notice for an Advanced Emission Suppression Missile (AESM) that would surpass the range of the AGM‑88G and add capability to engage both air‑to‑air and air‑to‑ground targets. The missile must integrate with the F/A‑18E/F Super Hornet, EA‑18G Growler and F‑35C, featuring a broadband seeker, GPS/INS guidance and robust ECCM.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Anthropic closes $30B funding round at $380B valuation
Video•Feb 20, 2026
Imminent Bombing? The U.S. (and Israel) Prepare to Attack Iran | VisualPolitik EN
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By VisualPolitik EN
News•Feb 20, 2026
NIST’s Quantum Breakthrough: Single Photons Produced on a Chip
NIST announced a chip that reliably generates a single photon on demand using quantum‑dot technology. The device achieves near‑perfect efficiency and, when paired with superconducting nanowire single‑photon detectors, can transmit photons up to 600 miles. Mass‑production of the chip is...
By SecurityWeek
Blog•Feb 20, 2026
Embraer and Northrop Grumman Join Forces for KC-390 Tanker with Boom Refueling System
Embraer and Northrop Grumman announced a joint effort to equip the KC‑390 Millennium with a centerline aerial refueling boom, complementing its existing hose‑and‑drogue pods. The partnership creates a “KC‑390 Multi‑Mission Tanker” featuring upgraded communications, survivability and adaptable mission systems. The move...
By The Aviationist
Social•Feb 20, 2026
Tekever Integrates Ukraine Combat Lessons Into EVO Drone
How Anglo-Portuguese UAV firm @Tekever is incorporating battle lessons from Ukraine for its latest EVO #drone #avgeek https://t.co/9hbPLZEY4l https://t.co/c2NdkqOs7K
By Tim Robinson
News•Feb 20, 2026
PayPal Discloses Data Breach that Exposed User Info for 6 Months
PayPal disclosed a data breach affecting its Working Capital loan application, where personal information—including Social Security numbers—was exposed from July 1 to December 13, 2025. The company identified the issue on December 12, 2025, rolled back the faulty code, and halted unauthorized access within a...
By BleepingComputer
Blog•Feb 20, 2026
U.S. Navy Seeking Anti-Radiation Missile Which Can Also Kill Airborne Radars
NAVAIR has issued a Sources Sought notice for an Advanced Emission Suppression Missile (AESM) that would exceed the range of the current AGM‑88G and add the ability to engage both air‑to‑air and air‑to‑ground targets. The missile must integrate with the...
By The Aviationist
Blog•Feb 20, 2026
16 Air Assault Demos AI-Enabled Air Manoeuvre Strike
The British Army’s 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team showcased AI‑enabled reconnaissance‑strike capabilities during a visit by Chief of the General Staff General Sir Roly Walker. The demonstration linked new hardware, software and procedures to accelerate target acquisition and air‑delivered...
By UK Defence Journal – Air
Blog•Feb 20, 2026
Navy Declares IOC for SDB II on Super Hornet
The U.S. Navy has declared initial operational capability for the GBU‑53/B Small Diameter Bomb II on its F/A‑18E/F Super Hornet, completing a transition that began with limited use in 2025. The StormBreaker’s tri‑mode seeker—infrared, millimeter‑wave radar and semi‑active laser—enables all‑weather,...
By The Aviation Geek Club
News•Feb 20, 2026
Two Petabytes Worth Data of Israeli’s Siphoned, Says Cyber Head
Israel’s National Cyber Directorate disclosed that roughly two petabytes—equivalent to 100 National Library of Israel archives—have been exfiltrated from citizens and institutions over recent years. The breach scale eclipses prior megabyte‑ and terabyte‑level incidents, marking an unprecedented data loss. Concurrently,...
By The Cyber Express
News•Feb 20, 2026
AI-Empowered Cybersecurity: Key Events and Emerging Trends in 2025
In September 2025 Anthropic disclosed the world’s first autonomous AI‑driven cyberattack, where an AI system executed 80‑90% of the malicious workflow with only a handful of human interventions. The attackers masqueraded as a cybersecurity firm, using Claude Code and the Model...
By Security Boulevard
News•Feb 20, 2026
Iran Tells UN Chief It Will Respond 'Decisively' If Subjected to Military Aggression
Iran warned the United Nations that any military aggression against it would be met with decisive force, stating that bases, facilities and assets of the perceived hostile force would be considered legitimate targets. The warning was delivered in a letter...
By Al-Monitor – All
News•Feb 20, 2026
US Removing Guardrails From Proposed Saudi Nuclear Deal, Document Says
President Trump has sent Congress a draft 123 Agreement to launch a civil nuclear partnership with Saudi Arabia that omits the long‑standing Additional Protocol and other non‑proliferation guardrails. The document allows Saudi Arabia to pursue uranium enrichment and spent‑fuel reprocessing,...
By Al-Monitor – All
Social•Feb 20, 2026
Navy Pursues New AWACS‑Killer Anti‑Radiation Missile
Hunt For Anti-Radiation Missile That Can Down Enemy Radar Planes Kicked-Off By Navy The 'AWACS killer' Advanced Emission Suppression Missile will also be able to strike air defenses on land and sea. https://t.co/BNrywXdNe7
By Tyler Rogoway
Deals•Feb 20, 2026
MaXon Systems Raises Undisclosed Funding Round with Greenflag Ventures, BRAVE1, Freedom Fund VC and Big Defence
Ukrainian defence tech firm MaXon Systems announced it has closed a new funding round, with investors including Greenflag Ventures, BRAVE1, Freedom Fund VC and Big Defence. The round’s size was not disclosed. The capital will support development of its autonomous...
Tech.eu
Social•Feb 19, 2026
Four AI Flaws Outpace Defenses, Exploited Rapidly
These 4 critical AI vulnerabilities are being exploited faster than defenders can respond | ZDNET https://t.co/e0SyjsSpBv
By Chuck Brooks
Social•Feb 19, 2026
KC‑390 Boom Variant Offers Agile Air Force Tanker
Based on the news today of Northrop Grumman and Embraer teaming up for next generation tanker capabilities, this is a must read from four years ago: KC-390 With A Boom Could Be The Agile Tanker The Air Force Needs https://t.co/lrJn7Owfc3
By Tyler Rogoway
Video•Feb 19, 2026
What Do Airbus' Latest Results Mean For Its Future?
Our editors, Jens Flottau and Robert Wall, discuss the implications of Airbus' latest results, including the downward revision of its production targets, particularly for the A320neo family. Overall, Airbus is now targeting 870 commercial aircraft deliveries for 2026, which is 77...
By Aviation Week
News•Feb 19, 2026
Some US Navy Ships Have Massive White Domes: Here's What They're Used For
Radomes—often called “golf balls”—cover shipboard radar dishes, communication antennas, and other sensitive electronics, shielding them from harsh marine conditions and concealing their orientation. The U.S. Navy also operates the massive Sea‑based X‑band (SBX) radome, a 120‑foot‑diameter sphere that forms part...
By SlashGear
Deals•Feb 18, 2026
Anthropic Closes $30B Funding Round at $380B Valuation
Anthropic announced it has closed a $30 billion funding round, valuing the AI startup at $380 billion. The round, disclosed in early February 2026, comes as the company negotiates its AI model usage with the U.S. Department of Defense. The capital will...
CNBC – Top News & Analysis
Video•Feb 18, 2026
China's Critical Minerals Chokehold
In early February, the Trump administration convened an unprecedented critical‑minerals ministerial in Washington, drawing more than 55 nations to confront China’s near‑total control of rare‑earth elements and related supply chains. The summit marked the first large‑scale, multilateral U.S. effort to...
By Council on Foreign Relations
Video•Feb 18, 2026
China and Latin America, Explained: A Conversation with Brian Fonseca
The video features Dr. Brian Fonseca discussing how China’s expanding economic, technological, and security footprint in Latin America and the Caribbean is reshaping U.S. hemispheric strategy. He frames the issue within the latest U.S. National Security Strategy, which labels Beijing...
By Atlantic Council
Video•Feb 18, 2026
India Takes on the Shadow Fleet (Bonus Video)
The video reports that the Indian Navy, after a brief Twitter announcement later deleted, seized three oil tankers linked to the so‑called “shadow fleet” within India’s exclusive economic zone on Feb 5‑17. The shadow fleet, estimated at about 1,000 vessels, transports 3‑4 million...
By Zeihan on Geopolitics
Video•Feb 18, 2026
Fireside Chat with Chief of the Air Staff 2026
The Royal Aeronautical Society were delighted to host Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, to our HQ at No.4 Hamilton Place for a Corporate Partner briefing on the evolving role of air and space power. Sir...
By Royal Aeronautical Society
Deals•Feb 18, 2026
ValueQuest Investment Advisors Raises Rs 1,500 Crore PE Fund From Domestic LPs
ValueQuest Investment Advisors announced the closing of its Rs 1,500 crore ValueQuest Tristar private equity fund, focused on advanced manufacturing sectors such as aerospace, defence, and energy transition. The fund, which activated a Rs 500 crore greenshoe, aims to invest in 8–12 companies with...
Entrackr
Deals•Feb 18, 2026
Inocea Group Acquires Two UK Fleet Oilers
The UK Ministry of Defence has sold two fleet oilers to private maritime services provider Inocea Group. Announced on February 18, 2026, the deal transfers the vessels for commercial operation. Deal value was not disclosed.
The Maritime Executive
Deals•Feb 17, 2026
Seasats Raises $20M Series A Funding
Seasats, a developer of small uncrewed surface vehicles, announced the close of a $20 million Series A financing round. The round was led by Konvoy Ventures with participation from Shield Capital, DNS Capital, Techstars, Tanis Venture Management, Crumpton Ventures, Dorado Group...
VC News Daily
Deals•Feb 17, 2026
Czechoslovak Group Launches €3.8B Defense IPO on Euronext Amsterdam
Czechoslovak Group, a leading European defense firm, listed 15.2% of its ordinary shares on Euronext Amsterdam, targeting a €25 billion valuation and raising €3.8 billion in gross proceeds. The IPO includes €750 million of new shares and €2.5 billion of existing shares, with institutional...
Global Finance Magazine
Video•Feb 17, 2026
What Does the U.S. Want Out of Its Negotiations with Iran? - WBUR #internationalsecurity
The WBUR interview centers on what the United States hopes to achieve in its stalled negotiations with Iran, as analysts warn the talks have settled into a precarious holding pattern that could tip into open conflict. Jim Walsh argues that while...
By MIT Security Studies Program
Video•Feb 17, 2026
5 Ways Europe Needs to Change | Insights From the Munich Security Conference 2026
The Munich Security Conference 2026, themed around disruption and deconstruction, spotlighted Europe’s strategic crossroads. Organizers used an elephant mascot to symbolize a lumbering international order that must be rebuilt, setting a tone of anxiety and anticipation about the continent’s future...
By Royal United Services Institute (RUSI)
Video•Feb 17, 2026
Turkey's Evolving Role in a New Global Geopolitical and Security Order
Speakers at the Atlantic Council event argued that amid a perceived shift away from a US-led rules-based order, Turkey is consolidating its role as a middle power by pursuing strategic autonomy through hedging, expanded defense and energy self-sufficiency, regional mediation,...
By Atlantic Council
Deals•Feb 17, 2026
SDI Group Acquires PRP Optoelectronics for £9.3m
SDI Group plc announced the acquisition of PRP Optoelectronics Ltd for a total consideration of £11.3 million in cash, plus up to £0.9 million deferred, excluding £2.8 million of net cash. The deal adds micro‑LED and LED array capabilities to SDI’s Industrial &...
Semiconductor Today
Deals•Feb 17, 2026
BAE Systems to Acquire Swedish Supplier Aston Harald Mekaniska Verkstad
BAE Systems' Bofors business has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire Swedish precision‑machining firm Aston Harald Mekaniska Verkstad, expanding its industrial capacity in Europe. The acquisition, pending regulatory approval, is expected to close in the first half of 2026.
UK Defence Journal – Air
Deals•Feb 17, 2026
Breaker Secures $6M Seed Round Led by Bessemer Venture Partners
AI defense startup Breaker raised $6 million in a seed funding round, with Bessemer Venture Partners as the lead investor. The capital will support the development of its voice‑controlled AI agent for drones and other military platforms.
WSJ – Technology: What’s News
Deals•Feb 17, 2026
German Government Prepares to Acquire 25% Stake in Franco‑German Tank Maker KNDS
The German federal government is preparing to purchase at least 25.1% of shares in KNDS, the Franco‑German tank manufacturer, to secure a blocking minority ahead of its planned IPO. Valued at roughly €20 billion, the deal would give Germany a say...
Handelsblatt (DE)
Deals•Feb 16, 2026
The Fourth Law Raises Funding From Axon to Boost Drone AI for Ukraine
Kyiv-based defence tech firm The Fourth Law announced a new funding round backed by US public safety technology group Axon. The undisclosed investment will support R&D of AI-driven autonomy solutions for drones to protect Ukrainian cities from Shahed attacks. The...
Tech.eu
Video•Feb 15, 2026
Evolving Relationship Between US and Europe on Display at Munich Security Conference
The Munich Security Conference centered on the future of the transatlantic partnership, highlighting a noticeable shift in Washington’s tone. After a year of sharp rhetoric, U.S. officials presented a more conciliatory, "charm offensive" aimed at easing tensions with European allies. Analysts...
By Atlantic Council
Deals•Feb 13, 2026
Quantum Systems Secures €150M Financing Package From EIB and Major European Banks
Munich‑based Quantum Systems announced a €150 million financing package to fund its growth and industrial scaling in Europe. The package includes a €70 million loan from the European Investment Bank and additional funding from Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank and KfW, combining debt and...
EU-Startups
Deals•Feb 13, 2026
VisionWave Holdings Announces $7M Strategic Exchange with SaverOne
VisionWave Holdings, Inc. announced a $7.0 million strategic exchange with SaverOne, a deal that could give VisionWave up to 51% ownership of SaverOne pending milestones and approvals. The partnership aims to integrate SaverOne's RF‑based vulnerable road user detection technology into...
Financial Post