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Global defence news across air, land, naval, training; programs and contracts.

May Land Forces Roundup: Counter-Drone Systems Move up the Agenda
NewsJun 2, 2026

May Land Forces Roundup: Counter-Drone Systems Move up the Agenda

European land forces are prioritizing counter‑drone capabilities after a spate of UAS incursions in May 2026. Two drones crashed in Latvia’s Balvi and Ludza districts on May 7, and a third escaped, prompting NATO Baltic Air Policing aircraft to patrol the...

By Shephard Media
Peru Partnership May Serve as a Template for South Korean Naval Exports Into South America
NewsJun 1, 2026

Peru Partnership May Serve as a Template for South Korean Naval Exports Into South America

South American navies are embarking on a large‑scale modernization drive, with unfunded programmes estimated at $18.12 billion. Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) landed a $463 million contract from Peru to build a frigate, an offshore patrol vessel and two landing‑craft utility ships, incorporating...

By Shephard Media
AUKUS Plan B? Japan’s Submarines Stopgap Gains Traction
NewsJun 1, 2026

AUKUS Plan B? Japan’s Submarines Stopgap Gains Traction

Australia has launched the Collins‑class Life‑of‑Type Extension (LOTE) programme to extend the service life of its aging diesel‑electric submarines. The move revives concerns that the AUKUS nuclear‑submarine timeline may slip, prompting Canberra to consider a stopgap solution. Japan’s recent decision...

By Shephard Media
May Drone Digest: American Loitering Munition Spending Continues to Drive Market Growth
NewsMay 29, 2026

May Drone Digest: American Loitering Munition Spending Continues to Drive Market Growth

U.S. loitering‑munition procurement surged in May 2026, reinforcing America’s dominance in a market projected to reach $18.57 billion. The Army’s LASSO program trimmed its shortlist, while DARPA explored a 500‑drone swarm constellation. Multiple contracts were awarded across the spectrum, from tactical...

By Shephard Media
How US Special Operations Forces Are Using AI to Transform Modern Warfare
NewsMay 29, 2026

How US Special Operations Forces Are Using AI to Transform Modern Warfare

U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is rapidly integrating artificial intelligence and autonomous systems into its forces. Demonstrations at SOF Week 2026 highlighted AI‑driven decision‑making tools, human‑machine teaming, and autonomous platforms that extend operational reach in contested environments. The command plans...

By Shephard Media
Seoul’s SSN Programme Launch Raises Questions on Fuel, Tech and Build Location
NewsMay 28, 2026

Seoul’s SSN Programme Launch Raises Questions on Fuel, Tech and Build Location

South Korea announced the Jangbogo‑N Project, a plan to design and build nuclear‑propelled attack submarines domestically, in close coordination with the United States. The initiative, detailed in a Basic Plan released on May 26, marks Seoul’s entry into the exclusive club...

By Shephard Media
All of NATO’s Innovation Ranges May Be Operational This Year
NewsMay 27, 2026

All of NATO’s Innovation Ranges May Be Operational This Year

NATO aims to have all five innovation ranges operational by year‑end. The Latvian, Estonian and Finland‑Sweden sites are already in use, the Dutch range will be ready within four months, and Italy’s underwater range is under construction but expected to...

By Shephard Media
Tokyo’s Naval Export Drive Gains Strategic Depth in Southeast Asia
NewsMay 27, 2026

Tokyo’s Naval Export Drive Gains Strategic Depth in Southeast Asia

Japan is extending its naval export push beyond Australia, with Indonesia now reviewing an offer for the Mogami‑class frigate. The Mogami, a 2,300‑ton, 12‑gun‑cannon surface combatant, could become the default mid‑tier warship for Southeast Asian navies. Japan’s first major surface‑combatant...

By Shephard Media
Latvian Drone Interceptor Units to Enter Service “Within Weeks”
NewsMay 26, 2026

Latvian Drone Interceptor Units to Enter Service “Within Weeks”

Latvia will field mobile counter‑drone (CUAS) units within weeks, each staffed by three to four soldiers and equipped with a locally produced interceptor UAV. The units are mounted in a single high‑mobility vehicle, enabling rapid response along the country’s 450‑km...

By Shephard Media
British Army Turns to Local Option for Small Robot Trials
NewsMay 26, 2026

British Army Turns to Local Option for Small Robot Trials

The UK Ministry of Defence has placed an order for XRC Robotics’ Rhino small unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) to enter British Army frontline experimentation. The contract follows a recent order for ARX Robotics’ Gereon tracked UGV, both to be manufactured...

By Shephard Media
Shoreline Vulnerability Drives Gulf Interest in USV Networks
NewsMay 22, 2026

Shoreline Vulnerability Drives Gulf Interest in USV Networks

Ukraine’s combat‑tested Magura V5 uncrewed surface vessel (USV) sank a Russian corvette and a 4,000‑ton landing ship in February 2025, marking the first USV kill of an enemy warship. Each target was valued at roughly $250,000‑$300,000, delivering a striking cost‑exchange ratio. The...

By Shephard Media
Optimism Remains for GCAP and FCAS Future Despite Programme Stumbling Blocks
NewsMay 22, 2026

Optimism Remains for GCAP and FCAS Future Despite Programme Stumbling Blocks

Industry and government leaders from the UK‑Japan‑Italy Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS) remain upbeat despite unresolved funding and strategic decisions. Edgewing’s April 2026 award of a £686 million ($908 million) design‑and‑development contract marks the first...

By Shephard Media
SOF Week 2026: US Army to Conduct Trials with Mountain Horse’s Containerised Drone Launcher
NewsMay 21, 2026

SOF Week 2026: US Army to Conduct Trials with Mountain Horse’s Containerised Drone Launcher

Mountain Horse Solutions showcased its Containerised Autonomous Drone Delivery System (CADDS) at SOF Week 2026, demonstrating a self‑powered, solar‑charged unit that can store, charge, launch and recover drones from any vehicle or platform. The system operates semi‑ or fully autonomously,...

By Shephard Media
SOF Week 2026: The Gear Keeping Warfighters Ready in Extreme Climates (Video)
NewsMay 21, 2026

SOF Week 2026: The Gear Keeping Warfighters Ready in Extreme Climates (Video)

At SOF Week 2026, Pro‑Shot Defense showcased its latest maintenance technologies for special‑operations forces operating in extreme climates. President John Damarin highlighted specialized lubricants, cleaning systems, and field‑maintenance kits that ensure weapon reliability under harsh conditions. The company also unveiled...

By Shephard Media
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