What's New
Airbus to Supply H175 Helicopters to Ghana
On Jan. 15, 2026, Airbus signed a deal with Ghana’s Ministry of Defence for two H175M helicopters for multi-mission operations, plus one ACH175 and one ACH160 for transport. The H175 is a twin-engine medium helicopter developed by EADS and China’s AVIC. Mainly aimed at civil markets like oil and gas or corporate transport, it’s also being adapted for search-and-rescue, VIP duties, and other roles such as homeland security and emergency response.
Brazil to Acquire MBDA Enhanced Modular Air Defense System
In January 2026, Brazil officially approved the procurement of MBDA’s Enhanced Modular Air Defense System (EMADS), following discussions with the company’s Italy office in July 2025. Delivery timelines have not yet been disclosed. EMADS is a rapidly deployable point- and area-defense system designed to protect both mobile and static high-value assets. It can counter a wide range of aerial threats, from low-level terrain-following to high-altitude targets, operating either standalone or as part of a broader battlespace network. The system can engage targets beyond local sensor range using third-party data, and an optional electro-optical sensor is also available.
Thai Army Raise Concerns Over VT-4 Tank Reliability
In January 2026, Defence Blog reported that Thai crews operating Chinese VT-4 tanks have raised reliability concerns, citing frequent breakdowns during training and missions. Users reported worsening issues over time, including gun barrel wear, electronics and powertrain failures, weak side armor, and a slow-turning turret. The VT-4, designed by China primarily for export, is an advanced main battle tank with a main cannon, fire-control, armor, and protective systems comparable to other modern tanks. It has a crew of three, with the driver at the front, commander and gunner in the turret, and features periscopes, panoramic sights, and electronic communication systems.
Check Out What Else is New
Updates this month include the French ASMP, Finnish CAVS, Russian MiG-31 Foxhound, Swedish JAS 39 Gripen E/F, Russian Avangard, Chinese CSS-X-20, and International H145.
Special Reports:
Directed Energy Weapons: Capabilities, Constraints, and Operational Implications
Lauren Estrada
Jan. 30, 2025
Directed energy weapons may sound futuristic, or even impractical for use on the battlefield, but they represent a growing area of modern military research and development. Although often associated with emerging technologies, these systems have been studied for decades and are expected to remain relevant well into the future. As investment and interest continue to increase, it is important to understand what directed energy weapons are, the types of equipment they include, and the current state of their development across different nations.


