Defense industry news covering military contractors, weapons systems, defense spending, arms deals, and defense technology developments.
Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited successfully manufactured and test-fired India's first fully indigenous AK-203 assault rifle, named 'Sher', at its Amethi facility. CEO Maj Gen S K Sharma confirmed that every component was sourced from Indian industry, marking complete end-to-end indigenisation under the Make in India initiative.
The Batista brothers, via J&F and Globe Investimentos, announced the acquisition of 100% of Nova AVB S.A., controlling Avibras Aeroco. The deal requires antitrust approval from CADE before finalization. Avibras is a major Brazilian defense manufacturer producing missiles and armored vehicles.
India's BrahMos supersonic missile is attracting increased international interest following its effective combat performance in Operation Sindoor. The weapon successfully struck well-defended Pakistani air bases, validating its capabilities against advanced defenses and strengthening New Delhi's position in global defense diplomacy.
Columbus Circle Capital Corp II announced Elroy Air secured a firm-fixed-price U.S. Army contract worth up to $46.1 million. The deal funds development of an autonomous hybrid-electric VTOL uncrewed aircraft system for modular payload delivery, with completion expected by 2029.
The U.S. Marine Corps has awarded a sole-source contract to Accrete for its Argus for Cognitive Advantage platform. The system uses Expert AI Agents to track and visualize adversarial narratives across open-source intelligence, social media, and broadcast platforms to support decision-making.
Blackwater founder Erik Prince launched Vectus Air Defense Systems, offering a subscription-based model for overhead defenses like jammers and interceptors. Backed by Swarmer with a 20% equity stake, the company will provide design and operation of customized air-defense systems for companies, militaries, and governments to protect critical infrastructure from drone threats.
Defense tech startup Allen Control Systems is opening new manufacturing plants in Texas and Alabama to mass-produce its Bullfrog drone defense system. The company recently secured $200 million in funding to scale operations, aiming to produce thousands of units monthly as an affordable alternative to costly missile-based interception methods.
Brunswick CEO David Foulkes highlighted Auto Captain, an AI-driven autonomous docking system, as a primary growth strategy amid a sluggish recreational boat market. The company also reported selling roughly 20 unmanned naval vessels developed in partnership with Textron, signaling a strategic pivot toward defense and automation technologies.
Unusual Machines is ramping up domestic manufacturing of drone parts to meet rising defense demand. The expansion supports the Department of War's Drone Dominance initiative and complies with new regulations requiring critical components be made in the United States.
Mildef Group AB shares have risen more than 80% in 2026, making it Europe's best-performing defense stock. CEO attributes the rally to a shift in military spending toward computer systems and drones rather than traditional hardware like tanks.