11 Exhibitions, 4 Months, One Global Defence Platform. International Defence Analysis (IDA) is pleased to announce that we are the official media partner for 11 leading defence & aerospace exhibitions taking place across Africa, the Middle East, Asia & Europe over the next four months of 2026. As part of our global media partnerships, IDA will provide extensive print & digital coverage, industry updates, interviews and promotional opportunities throughout these major events. Defence & aerospace companies looking to promote their products, technologies and capabilities to an international audience are invited to contact IDA for tailored media and promotional opportunities. 📩 Contact us ([email protected]) to discuss your upcoming product promotion & exhibition campaign.

🇬🇧🇺🇸 UK'S TYPE 31 FRIGATE EYES US NAVY CONTRACT British defence firm Babcock is preparing to offer its Arrowhead 140 frigate design to the US Navy, potentially partnering with HII for American construction. Japan, South Korea and Türkiye are also in contention. #USNavy #Type31

Italy Signs Contracts for New Main Battle Tanks & Infantry Fighting Vehicles.

Airbus to discuss a potential role with BAE Systems in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as Germany considers joining the UK, Italy & Japan-led sixth-generation fighter project following the collapse of the Franco-German-Spanish FCAS programme.

France & the United Arab Emirates signed an intergovernmental agreement in Abu Dhabi on October 20, 2026, to revive bilateral cooperation on the Rafale F5 fighter programme.

ASELSAN & ROKETSAN have successfully conducted another test firing of the SIPER Block 2 long-range air defence missile, designed to engage targets at ranges exceeding 150 km. The test demonstrated a critical capability: in-flight target updating, enabling the missile to be redirected towards a different target while already in the air.

The Nigerian Air Force plans to procure six additional T129 ATAK attack helicopters, doubling its existing fleet to 12, along with 12 AKSUNGUR UCAVs.

U.S. Air Force Outlines $20.7 Billion AMRAAM Missile Contract. The U.S. Air Force has awarded Raytheon a $20.7 billion sole-source contract for AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, covering Production Lots 41–47. The deal includes missiles, telemetry sets, spares & other components, with all work in Tucson, Arizona, scheduled for completion by June 30, 2033. The total number of missiles has not been disclosed.

Splash Industries’ Typhoon drone boat demonstrated naval interception at Iwakuni, Japan, on 21 October during Keen Sword 27. The 3.4-metre vessel also supports surveillance and cargo delivery. #Japan

China-Pakistan ‘Karakoram-2026’ Joint Army Training Concludes in Xinjiang. The nine-day China-Pakistan Karakoram-2026 joint army training concluded in Korla, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on October 22, 2026. During the final live-force exercise, Chinese & Pakistani troops conducted multiple combat drills based on joint command, mixed formations, mission-oriented grouping & coordinated operations. Focused on joint counter-terrorism operations in high-altitude environments, the training covered UAV operations, target detection & engagement while moving, long-range sniping, joint command procedures & live-force exercises. The exercise marked the first joint army training between China & Pakistan, providing both sides with an opportunity to deepen military cooperation, enhance operational coordination & strengthen interoperability in counter-terrorism operations.

ASELSAN has secured a USD 442.5 million export contract with an international customer for the supply of radar, counter-UAV and command & control systems.

The Indonesian Air Force demonstrates a highway landing as part of training to operate from alternative locations when conventional runways are unavailable. #Indonesia #TNIAU

Iran has previewed an upgraded Arash drone, described in reports as Arash-3, in footage of underground Army production facilities. Arash-3 warhead has increased from 50kg to 100kg. #Iran #Arash3 #DefenceNews

General Dynamics Land Systems has unveiled PERCH 2.0 for Abrams tanks and Stryker vehicles, enabling Switchblade 300 launches with hatches closed and adding reconnaissance and precision strike beyond direct sight. #Abrams #MilitaryTechnology

Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan & Indonesia signed the Badr Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 21 October 2026 in Doha, Qatar, establishing a multilateral framework to strengthen defence industry cooperation. Key Details of the Badr Agreement: 📍 Joint Production: Promotes collaborative weapons manufacturing and the establishment of joint production facilities. 📍 Research & Development: Encourages cooperation in defence R&D, technology sharing & technical military training. 📍 National Contributions: Türkiye contributes advanced defence technologies and manufacturing expertise, Qatar provides financial investment, while Pakistan and Indonesia bring industrial capabilities and ambitions for greater domestic production. 📍 Strategic Objectives: Aims to reduce reliance on external defence suppliers, integrate industrial capabilities & develop collaborative defence programmes among the four countries.

Lockheed Martin has announced that its Extended Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (ER GMLRS) is moving toward production following two successful tests & Milestone C approval by the U.S. Army. Designed to strike targets at ranges of up to 150 kilometres, ER GMLRS is compatible with existing HIMARS and M270 MLRS launchers, offering enhanced range without requiring new launch platforms.

Türkiye successfully conducted a live-fire test of the SİPER BLOCK I missile, part of the Turkish Air Force’s long-range air defence system, in Sinop. With an engagement range exceeding 100 kilometres, SİPER is a key component of Türkiye’s indigenous air defence capabilities. The test was observed on-site by Chief of the General Staff Gen. Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, Air Force Commander Gen. Rafet Dalkıran, ASELSAN General Manager Ahmet Akyol & ROKETSAN General Manager Murat İkinci.

Artillery is getting smarter. 🎯 The U.S. Army has tested three 155mm XM1180 prototype munitions featuring seeker technology designed to identify targets & guide projectiles toward them. The next challenge? Testing the technology in GPS-denied environments & exploring its use in the XM1230 Extended Range Artillery Projectile. If successful, this approach could give commanders greater flexibility against moving targets while helping reduce collateral damage. #MilitaryTechnology #Artillery #DefenseNews

🇵🇰🇪🇹 Pakistan–Ethiopia Defence Cooperation Ethiopian Ambassador Dr. Oumer H. Oba visited GIDS headquarters and met CEO Asad Kamal to explore bilateral cooperation. The visit included a facility tour and discussions on potential collaboration, strengthening Pakistan–Ethiopia ties. #Pakistan #Ethiopia #GIDS #DefenceCooperation

Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan & Indonesia Sign BEDİR Defence Cooperation Agreement in Doha. Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan & Indonesia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Doha to strengthen multilateral cooperation in the defence industry. Named BEDİR, meaning “full moon” in Arabic, the agreement focuses on joint production, research & development (R&D), and technical military training. The initiative aims to expand existing bilateral defence projects into a multilateral industrial framework, opening new avenues for defence manufacturing, technology development, and the establishment of joint production lines serving the partner countries.

Türkiye continues to advance its indigenous defence technologies, showcasing national capabilities in support of its armed forces during BIMDTC 2026, the 1st International Best Military UAV Team Competition, in Ankara.