Breaking Defense News: Top 5 Global Military Updates This Week 🔥 | Fighter Jets, Missiles & More!

Описание: Welcome to Breaking Defense News, your weekly source for the Top 5 Global Military Updates shaping the defense world! 🌎

In this week’s episode, we bring you the most important defense headlines — from fighter jet rollouts and missile tests to naval drills and strategic military partnerships.

Stay tuned as we break down each update in under a minute — fast, factual, and visually packed with global defense insights.

💥 This week’s highlights include:
1) Leh Airbase Evolves into a Strategic Hub for Advanced IAF Aircraft
The Indian Air Force has commissioned a second runway at the strategic Leh airbase in Ladakh, significantly boosting operational capability in the northern sector and ensuring continuity of operations during border contingencies. Built by the Military Engineering Service in just 21 months under extreme high-altitude conditions, the project enhances military readiness, supports humanitarian and disaster relief operations, and improves regional air connectivity. Approved in 2023 and completed at a cost of about ₹452 crore, the new parallel taxi track can also function as an additional runway for IAF aircraft. Located at 10,682 feet near the Indus River, Leh airbase plays a critical role in supporting transport, helicopter, and fighter operations.

2) Portugal to Take Delivery of EU’s First Drone Carrier NRP D. João II in 2026
According to Euronews Portugal on January 29, 2026, the Portuguese Navy’s NRP D. João II—the European Union’s first purpose-built drone carrier—is under construction by Damen and is scheduled for delivery in late 2026. Designated as a Multifunctional Naval Platform, the €132 million vessel is designed to operate unmanned air, surface, and underwater systems while supporting long-duration missions such as maritime surveillance, scientific research, environmental monitoring, and civil protection. The 107.6-meter ship will be powered by two Tier III engines, reach speeds of 15.5 knots, carry a core crew of 48 with space for specialists, and accommodate additional personnel during emergencies.

3) Iran receives first Mi-28NE attack helicopter from Russia.
Iran has reportedly received its first Russian-built Mi-28NE Night Hunter attack helicopter under a contract announced in 2023. Military Informant reported on January 28, 2026, that the aircraft was sighted at the Pars Aerospace Services Company facility, indicating inspection and acceptance rather than operational use.The Mi-28NE is heavily armed with a 30 mm cannon, missiles, rockets, and bombs, and features extensive armor, crashworthy fuel tanks, reinforced landing gear, and advanced avionics, including onboard radar and electro-optical targeting systems.
(Picture source: Telegram/Military Informant and Rostec)

4) Northrop Grumman wraps up Super Hornet production deliveries for the U.S. Navy.
On January 27, 2026, Northrop Grumman confirmed it had completed its final production lot of structural components for newly built F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, marking the end of its manufacturing role in the program. Boeing is expected to finish final assembly and deliver the last new Super Hornet by 2027, after which the U.S. Navy will rely on sustainment and Block III upgrades to maintain the fleet.Larger than the original Hornet, the Super Hornet features increased fuel capacity and payload, powered by twin GE F414 engines. With production of the EA-18G Growler already complete, the Super Hornet program has now entered its final industrial phase.
photo - us navy

5) U.S. Navy Conducts its First Autonomous Taxi Test of its unmanned aircraft MQ-25A Stingray
on January 30, 2026, Boeing announced that the U.S. Navy’s MQ-25A Stingray completed its first autonomous taxi test. This test paves the way for integrating uncrewed aircraft into carrier flight deck operations. Stingray is designed to enable as a force multiplication within carrier strike operations. Its main mission is aerial refueling. It is powered by Rolls0Royce AE 3007N turbofan engine. It can carry more than 6800 kg of fuel for refueling. Navy planners are envisioning this aircraft to slowly take on recon missions in the future. Induction of this aircraft will extend the carrier airwings operation reach and carrier survivability.

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