Category -- Air -- The Defense Post

Jan- 2026 -

16 January

A digital rendering of a hypersonic missile in high-altitude flight, powered by a next-generation rotating detonation ramjet engine.

Hypersonic Missiles Could Fly Faster, Farther With GE-Lockheed Ramjet Engine

Hypersonic missiles could soon fly faster, farther, and cheaper thanks to a new ramjet engine developed by GE Aerospace and Lockheed Martin.

16 January

Ruta cruise missile displayed in flight configuration, showing a sleek airframe with fixed wings and rear-mounted propulsion, designed for long-range precision strike missions.

Ethan M. Encarnacion

Ukraine’s ‘Ruta’ Grows Beyond Loitering Role, Emerges as Cruise Missile in New Iteration

Ukraine’s Ruta missile is stepping beyond its roots as a loitering munition, with its latest version ready to show its new muscle as a cruise weapon.

16 January

Christine Casimiro

BAE Systems Wins $62M US Navy Deal for E-2D Hawkeye IFF Service Depot

The US Navy has awarded BAE Systems a $62-million contract to set up a new service depot for the E-2D Hawkeye aircraft’s Identification Friend or Foe system.

15 January

A US Air Force Airman assigned to the 1st Special Operations Support Squadron Mission Sustainment Team watches as an MQ-9 Reaper prepares to land on an unprepared dirt surface

Rojoef Manuel

Trust Automation Secures $490M US Air Force Deal for Drones, C-UAS Systems

The US Air Force has awarded Trust Automation a contract worth up to $490 million to accelerate the development of unmanned and counter-unmanned aerial system capabilities.

15 January

Inder Singh Bisht

Epirus Demos First Directed-Energy Takedown of Jam-Proof Fiber-Optic Drone

Epirus has demonstrated the first neutralization of a fiber-optic-guided drone using its Leonidas high-power microwave system, highlighting a potential non-kinetic counter to platforms immune to electronic-warfare effects.

15 January

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

MQ-9B SeaGuardian Gains Expanded Sub-Hunting Capability

Sonobuoy is a naval sensor to track submarines, which can be deployed via the MQ-9B SeaGuardian drone, and features Sonobuoy Dispensing System pods.

15 January

An aircraft crew wearing protective gear from Thales

Ethan M. Encarnacion

Flying Blind? Thales’ New Gear Addresses Low Visibility for Helicopter Crews

French military pilots could soon fly deeper into low-visibility missions with Thales’ new TopOwl DD helmet, which brings a digital display directly into combat operations.

15 January