Missile Defense & Weapons

South Korea has approved a KRW65.8 trillion ($45 billion) defense budget for 2026, a 7.5% year-on-year increase.

Gen. Michael Guetlein, Golden Dome program director, said the first batch of contracts for space-based interceptor technology were awarded in November.

The Office of Management and Budget director said the administration views reconciliation as a strategy to fund key defense needs outside of an appropriations process that requires 60 votes in the Senate.

The California hypersonic missile startup is increasing its overall capital war chest to $464.5 million since emerging from stealth mode nearly two years ago.

The Royal Thai Air Force has awarded Israel Aerospace Industries a contract for its Integrated Air Defense System program, according to a Thai government document seen by Aviation Week.

South Korea has kicked off development of its indigenous Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile-II (SRAAM-II).

Australia will begin in-country production of Lockheed Martin’s Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missiles as a new production line opens.

Norway and the UK will work together on tackling Russian underwater warfare threats through a new agreement signed by the two countries.

The integration of the MBDA Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile onto the CTOL Lockheed Martin F-35 has advanced, with ground-based testing beginning.

The Pentagon is casting a wide net for work under the Golden Dome air and missile defense program.

U.S. Central Command plans to use one-way attack drones based on a copy of the Iranian Shahed-136, and has set up a new task force to deploy them.

AeroVironment’s CEO is optimistic about the company's business, saying it could "easily double" in the next 3-5 years, he said in a investor presentation.

Germany has taken delivery of its first Arrow 3 ballistic missile defense system as the government also disclosed additional Kongsberg JSM procurement plans.

The French Air and Space Force plans to receive upgraded MBDA Mica NG air-to-air missiles in two years, without the need to modify the Rafales that carry them.

From low-cost drone interceptors to advanced cruise missiles to air-to-air missiles, the United Arab Emirates wants to do it all.

Inexpensive, mass-produced cruise missiles could ensure that the U.S. and allies have enough firepower to deter a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

The Brazilian Air Force demonstrated for the first time last week that it can fire MBDA Meteor missiles from its Saab F-39E Gripen fighters.

The UK plans to acquire the GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb II to give its Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighters a long-desired standoff capability.

Saab says it has secured an SEK1.4 billion ($150 million) contract for Lithuania to provide additional mobile, short-range air defense equipment.

Israel says the Rafael Iron Beam laser weapon should deliver a formal initial operational capability before year's end after completing system development.

Turkish industry has claimed a world first with the successful engagement of an aerial target with a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile from a UAS.

Hanwha Aerospace has been awarded a contract to produce the L-SAM system, which will form the outermost layer of South Korea's air and missile defense network.

Leonardo is proposing the development of an air defense architecture that will network air defense systems with sensors and command and control facilities.

The head of the RAF says it will invest in missile warning sensors, command and control capabilities and work more closely with Europe to bolster its air and missile defense capability.

Turkey’s Aselsan and Roketsan have jointly received $6.5 billion in contracts to develop a Steel Dome air defense system for the country.