Trump’s 28 January “armada” claim
mainly reflects the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group sustaining pressure
on Iran without confirming imminent strikes.
(Picture source: US DoD)
Speaking at a rally in Clive, Iowa, President Trump framed the movement of U.S. naval forces toward Iran as a fresh show of strength amid renewed friction over Tehran’s nuclear activities.
Defense officials and recent reporting, however, indicate the most visible element of that posture is the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) carrier strike group, a force package previously operating in the Indo-Pacific and now repositioned toward the Middle East, underscoring continuity rather than an abrupt surge.
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Jan
31
Israel Expands AW119Kx Light Utility Helicopter Fleet Under $150M U.S.-Cleared Sale Package
According to information released by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency on January 30, 2026, the State Department has authorized a possible Foreign Military Sale to Israel covering additional Leonardo AW119Kx light utility helicopters, along with a broad package of training, logistics, and sustainment services. The formal certification was transmitted to Congress, clearing the way for an expansion of a previously approved case that had remained below the statutory congressional notification threshold, a process commonly used to scale mature defense programs.
Jan
31
U.S. Approves $9B Patriot PAC-3 MSE Missile Segment Enhancement Sale to Saudi Arabia
The U.S. Department of War, acting through the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, announced on January 30, 2026, that it has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia valued at an estimated $9.0 billion. The notification, formally transmitted to the U.S.
Jan
31
U.S. Navy Conducts First Autonomous Taxi Test of Operational MQ-25A Stingray
According to information released by Boeing, the first operational MQ-25A Stingray for the U.S. Navy has completed its initial autonomous taxi test, executing a controlled sequence of ground manoeuvres in response to commands from Air Vehicle Pilots. While the test was conducted ashore, Navy officials view it as a critical precursor to carrier integration, where aircraft movement on crowded flight decks is widely regarded as one of the most complex and hazardous phases of naval aviation.
Jan
31
FN 303 less lethal launcher by FN Herstal features safety oriented design for law enforcement use
According to Army Recognition’s expert assessment, the FN 303, developed by the Belgian Company FN Herstal, plays a distinct role in modern law enforcement and security operations, positioned not as a conventional weapon but as a dedicated force-management platform.
Jan
31
Iran Conducts Live-Fire Naval Drills in Strait of Hormuz Amid U.S. Carrier Deployment
Iranian state television reported on January 29, 2025, that naval units of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps will conduct live-ammunition exercises in the Strait of Hormuz over two days, issuing navigational warnings to commercial shipping transiting the area.
Jan
31
France Develops Fury 120 Interceptor to Counter Shahed-Type Drones Used by Russia
According to reporting by Challenges on 27 January 2026, the Fury 120 interceptor was designed to shoot down one-way attack drones such as Iran’s Shahed series and their Russian Geran derivatives, which have been used extensively in Ukraine.
Jan
31
UK Royal Navy Tests Wildcat Helicopter Drone Teaming for Martlet Missile Strikes
The British Royal Navy confirmed on 30 January 2026 that it has carried out a series of integration trials at the National Drone Hub at Predannack Airfield on Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsula, testing how crewed aircraft can work more closely with uncrewed systems.
Jan
31
First Slovak-Configured CV90 MkIV Infantry Fighting Vehicles Enter Testing in Sweden
The Slovak Armed Forces’ acquisition of the CV90 MkIV infantry fighting vehicle has reached a critical phase, with the first Slovak-configured vehicles now undergoing trials at BAE Systems Hägglunds’ facility in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden.
Jan
31
Türkiye Deploys Autonomous POYRAZ Drone Swarm as Havelsan Demonstrates Live Kamikaze Attacks
Türkiye’s defense software firm HAVELSAN has taken a significant step toward operationalizing autonomous warfare, unveiling a live field demonstration of its Digital Troops concept using a coordinated swarm of POYRAZ quadcopter drones.
Jan
30
How the US-made Patriot has become Ukraine’s last line of defense against Russia’s fastest missiles
On January 28, 2026, Ukraine’s Air Force announced that the 6th Anti-aircraft Missile Brigade Kyivska, a Patriot air defense unit credited with the first interception of a Russian Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missile in May 2023, had intercepted more than 140 ballistic missiles and nearly 250 aerial targets. US-made Patriot air defense systems have now become central to countering Russia’s fastest ballistic and aeroballistic missiles during large-scale attacks on major cities and critical infrastructure.
Jan
30
U.S. Army Certifies Artillery and M270 MLRS Units in Europe Ahead of Live-Fire Evaluations
Photographs published on the official page of the 41st Field Artillery Brigade this week capture U.S. Army artillery units executing certification events across Europe during late January 2026, according to unit releases.
Jan
30
Portugal to receive EU’s first drone carrier NRP D. João II in 2026 for Atlantic surveillance
According to Euronews Portugal on January 29, 2026, the NRP D. João II, the European Union’s first purpose-built drone carrier, is being built by Damen for the Portuguese Navy and is scheduled for delivery in late 2026. The vessel, formally designated as the Multifunctional Naval Platform, is intended to support long-duration missions including maritime surveillance, scientific research, environmental monitoring, and civil protection across Portugal’s extensive maritime domain.
Jan
30
U.S. Marines Test Fiber-Optic FPV Drones to Defeat Jamming in Over-Water Operations
US Marine Expeditionary Force, working in partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit, carried out a fiber-optic first-person view small unmanned aircraft system over-water demonstration at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton on January 27, according to information released by the U.S. Marine Corps.
Jan
30
Belgium’s Three Leading Defence Firms Form Joint Venture to Support Belgian Army
Belgium’s land forces will soon rely on a single, integrated industrial support structure following the creation of Land Systems Logistic Support (LS), a joint venture formed by John Cockerill Defense, Thales Belgium, and FN Herstal.
Jan
30
US approves $1.7B Aegis combat system upgrade for five Spanish F-100 frigates
On January 29, 2026, the United States approved a $1.7 billion Foreign Military Sale enabling Spain to modernize its five F-100 Álvaro de Bazán-class frigates through updated Aegis combat system hardware, software, sensors, and launch systems. The upgrade is intended to maintain fleet air defense capability, ensure NATO interoperability, and extend the ships’ service life to approximately 2045. Read full defense news at this link...
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Jan
30
Russia Ships BTR-22 8×8 Armored Combat Vehicle and C2 Systems to Saudi Arabia Ahead of WDS 2026
On January 29, 2026, Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state arms export agency, shipped a set of new wheeled armored and battlefield management vehicles to Saudi Arabia ahead of the World Defense Show 2026, scheduled to take place from February 8 to 12 in Riyadh.
Jan
30
Australia Delivers Guardian-Class Patrol Boat to Marshall Islands to Boost Pacific Maritime Security
The Australian Government on 30 January 2026, confirmed the delivery of a Guardian-class Patrol Boat to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, marking the latest milestone in Australia’s Pacific Maritime Security Program. The vessel, commissioned as RMIS Jelmae, was handed over at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, with Marshall Islands Foreign Minister Kalani Kaneko accepting the ship on behalf of the government.
Jan
30
China supplies $10.3 billion in manufacturing parts for Russia’s Oreshnik ballistic missile
On January 28, 2026, The Telegraph reported that China supplied Russia with at least $10.3 billion in advanced machinery and electronics since 2022. The deliveries included CNC machine tools, microchips, and testing equipment identified at the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant, where the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile is produced. China denied providing military support, stating exports were civilian and commercial. Read full defense news at this link...
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Jan
29
ST Engineering Lays Keel for Singapore Navy’s Second Victory-Class Multi-Role Combat Vessel
ST Engineering has laid the keel for the second Victory-class Multi-Role Combat Vessel, marking another key step in Singapore’s long-term naval transformation program, according to statements from the company and the Ministry of Defence. The vessel is part of a six-ship class ordered under a 2023 MINDEF contract. It is intended to replace aging surface combatants while introducing a more flexible, digitally driven approach to maritime operations for the Republic of Singapore Navy.
Jan
29
India Enters Deep Talks to Build Russian Su-57E Fighter Jets Locally as U.S. F-35 Option Looms
Russia and India have entered what officials describe as the deep technical stage of negotiations for the supply and licensed production of the Su-57E fifth-generation stealth fighter, according to information published by the Russian state press agency TASS on January 28, 2026.
Jan
29
U.S. Approves Quadrupled THAAD Interceptor Production to Counter Rising Missile Threats
U.S. Company Lockheed Martin announced on January 29, 2026, that it has formalized a major framework agreement with the Department of War to quadruple annual production of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors, boosting output from 96 to 400 units.
Jan
29
U.S. Deploys More THAAD Air Defense Missiles to Middle East Amid Possible Military Action Against Iran
The United States has started redeploying additional Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) air defense missile systems to the Middle East as part of a broader effort to reinforce missile defense coverage across the region, CNN reported January 29, 2026.
Jan
29
Iran Khorramshahr-4 Is the Most Advanced Long-Range Missile Able to Counter Modern Air Defenses
Iran’s long-range missile development continues to shape the military balance across the Middle East, with the Khorramshahr-4 ballistic missile standing out as the most technically advanced system Tehran has publicly confirmed.
Jan
29
U.S. Marines Conduct UH-1Y Venom Helicopter Rooftop Insertions to Train for Urban Combat
The U.S. Marine Corps continued refining its urban aviation capabilities this week as a UH-1Y Venom helicopter from Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 executed simulated rooftop insertion operations at Deuce Village in Arizona’s Berry M. Goldwater Range.
Jan
29
U.S. Marine Corps Selects Norway’s Kongsberg RT20 Turrets for New Reconnaissance Vehicles
According to information published by the U.S. Department of War on January 27, 2026, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace of Kongsberg, Norway, has been awarded a $22,412,881 firm-fixed-price contract modification to deliver 16 Protector RT20 remote weapon stations. The turret will be integrated onto the U.S. Marine Corps’ Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle, a centerpiece of the service’s broader modernization initiative intended to replace the long-serving LAV-25 8x8 armored combat vehicle.
Jan
29
Bangladesh Signs China Deal to Locally Produce Military Aerial Drones With Full Tech Transfer
Bangladesh is taking a decisive step toward indigenous defense production after the Bangladesh Air Force finalized an agreement on January 27, 2026, with CETC International, the export arm of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation, to establish a domestic military uncrewed aerial vehicle manufacturing and assembly plant. Signed at Dhaka Cantonment, the government-to-government agreement includes complete technology transfer.
Jan
29
Qatar Orders French Thales GM200 and GM400 Alpha Radars to Modernize National Air Surveillance
French defense and aerospace company Thales confirmed on January 28, 2026, that the Qatar Emiri Air Force has officially placed an order for Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission All-in-one and Ground Master 400 Alpha air surveillance radar systems, marking one of Qatar’s most substantial airspace surveillance upgrades in recent years.
Jan
29
U.S. Air Forces Test Rapid Airpower Deployment in Middle East Readiness Exercise
U.S. Air Forces Central on 26 January initiated a multi-day readiness exercise designed to validate its capacity to rapidly project and sustain airpower across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, according to service statements released this week.
Jan
29
India Selects U.S. V-BAT VTOL Drone With Combat-Proven Hivemind Autonomy for ISR Missions.
Shield AI’s January 28, 2026 press release confirms that the Indian Army has selected the V-BAT unmanned aircraft system alongside licenses for the company’s Hivemind autonomy software, with the integration designed to push reliable ISR deeper into contested environments.
Jan
29
China’s VN22 6x6 armored vehicle appears at Uzbekistan's Military-Technical Institute
As reported by The Dead District on January 20, 2026, a Chinese-made VN22 6x6 armored fighting vehicle was spotted inside Uzbekistan’s Military-Technical Institute, possibly indicating the start of technical evaluation. The vehicle’s presence at a research facility suggests assessment of mobility, protection, internal layout, and systems integration, following previous acquisitions of Chinese air defense systems. Read full defense news at this link...
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Jan
29
U.S. Navy Tests Amphibious Assault Ship Strait Transit as Chokepoint Threats Intensify.
Released on January 27, 2026, new imagery and unit reporting show Marines and Sailors of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit running a simulated strait transit aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific.
Jan
29
U.S. Navy Funds $73.8M Radio Frequency Decoys to Protect Fighters From Advanced Missiles.
The U.S. Navy is expanding its fighter self-protection inventory with a $73,798,992 contract modification (P00006) awarded by Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) to BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc. to procure 1,248 radio frequency countermeasures for U.S. and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) fighter aircraft. The work will be carried out across multiple U.S.
Jan
29
U.S. Army Speeds Patriot Air Defense Sustainment by Fixing Critical Power Cable
Engineers at Tobyhanna Army Depot are quietly removing a long-standing readiness constraint from the U.S. Army’s MIM-104 Patriot air defense system by redesigning and domestically producing a critical power cable assembly that had become a procurement choke point. In a January 27, 2026, report, Army Public Affairs Specialist Nicolo Manzo said the effort began after the U.S.
Jan
29
U.S. Intel Warns Belarus Has Become a Forward Russian Military Base on NATO’s Eastern Flank
Belarus should now be viewed as a functional extension of Russia’s military architecture rather than a loosely aligned partner, according to a congressional briefing published on January 28, 2026.
Jan
29
Brazil conducts first flight of Albatroz Vortex jet-powered drone to test domestic ATJR 15-5 turbine
On January 22, 2026, Stella Tecnologia announced the first confirmed flight of a Brazilian unmanned aerial vehicle powered by a domestically developed jet turbine. The Albatroz Vortex flew on December 17, 2025, from Santa Cruz Air Base in Rio de Janeiro using the ATJR 15-5 turbine produced by Aero Concepts. The flight validated in-flight integration of the propulsion system under a cooperation agreement with the Brazilian Ministry of Defense and Air Force. Read full defense news at this link...
Jan
29
Northrop Grumman delivers final F/A-18E/F Super Hornet production parts for the US Navy
On January 27, 2026, during its fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call, Northrop Grumman confirmed the completion of its final production lot of structural components for newly built F/A-18E/F Super Hornet airframes. The delivery closes Northrop Grumman’s manufacturing role in the program, with Boeing scheduled to complete final assembly and deliver the last newly built aircraft by 2027, after which the U.S.
Jan
29
Iran receives first Mi-28NE attack helicopter from Russia as U.S. military pressure intensifies
According to Military Informant on January 28, 2026, Iran received its first Russian Mil Mi-28NE attack helicopter, possibly marking the first confirmed delivery under a procurement announced in November 2023. The aircraft was geolocated to the Pars Aerospace Services Company facility, indicating inspection and acceptance activity rather than operational deployment. The delivery occurs amid increased U.S.
Jan
29
Germany Accelerates Sensor-to-Shooter Links With LUNA NG Drone in Bundeswehr Trials.
On 29 January 2026, Rheinmetall put its LUNA NG unmanned aerial vehicle system through a Bundeswehr trial designed to mimic the unforgiving logic of modern drone warfare: no crewed aircraft in the loop, no comfortable handoffs, just a fast chain from detection to target marking to counter-attack driven by connected unmanned assets.
Jan
29
India Unveils Suryastra Rocket System Based on Elbit PULS for Long-Range Precision Strikes.
Elbit Systems used the Republic Day spotlight on January 28, 2026 to underline a quiet shift underway in the Indian Army’s firepower roadmap: its PULS (Precise and Universal Launching System) lineage has now surfaced publicly in India under the name Suryastra. The message was carefully staged for both domestic and external audiences, a long-range, precision-capable rocket artillery system presented not as a prototype, but as an emerging operational tool. The timing matters.
Jan
29
North Korea Tests KN-25 Long-Range Guided Rockets in Maritime Strike Scenario.
On January 28, 2026, North Korea’s state media disclosed a new step in Pyongyang’s long-range fires modernization: the Missile General Bureau oversaw a January 27 test-fire of an upgraded large-caliber multiple rocket launcher system, with Kim Jong Un observing on site.
Jan
29
Singapore Orders Terrex S5 8x8 IFVs as Army’s Next-Generation Infantry Combat Vehicle
ST Engineering announced on 26 January 2026 that Singapore’s Ministry of Defence awarded its Land Systems business a contract in December 2025 to produce and supply the Republic’s next-generation Infantry Fighting Vehicles, with deliveries planned to begin progressively from 2028.
Jan
29
U.S. Steps Up Pressure on Iran With USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Group and Strike Threats
Speaking at a rally in Clive, Iowa, President Trump framed the movement of U.S. naval forces toward Iran as a fresh show of strength amid renewed friction over Tehran’s nuclear activities. Defense officials and recent reporting, however, indicate the most visible element of that posture is the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) carrier strike group, a force package previously operating in the Indo-Pacific and now repositioned toward the Middle East, underscoring continuity rather than an abrupt surge.
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