Military Vehicles, Ordnance, Munitions, Ammunition & Small Arms

Portugal Launches €82.35 Million Leopard 2A6 Tank Modernization

Source: Krauss-Maffei Wegmann


PORTUGAL LAUNCHES €82.35 MILLION LEOPARD 2A6 TANK MODERNIZATION

Monday, November 9, 2026
Portugal Launches €82.35 Million Leopard 2A6 Tank Modernization

Source: Krauss-Maffei Wegmann


LISBON, PORTUGAL - Portugal has authorized €82.35 Million to modernize its fleet of Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks to reaffirm its contribution to NATO’s collective defense. The Leopard entered service with the Portuguese Army in 2008. Subsequently, Portugal joined the NATO Support and Procurement Agency’s Leopard Project in January 2026, gaining access to a multinational framework for modernization support.

The investment combines €56.85 million allocated under the Military Programming Law for 2026-2031 with the remaining €25.5 million from the Portuguese Army’s budget. The program aims to preserve the tanks’ continued service while also increasing the number of vehicles available for operational deployment.

 
Protoype MALET kit

Protoype MALET kit

Source: U.S. Army


U.S. ARMY’S MALET KIT CONVERTS MORTAR ROUNDS INTO DRONE MUNITIONS

Thursday, November 12, 2026
Protoype MALET kit

Protoype MALET kit

Source: U.S. Army


PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. - The Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Armaments Center has developed the Munitions Air-dropped Lethal Effects Tool (MALET). The kit converts existing munitions, such as 60mm and 81mm mortar rounds, so they can be dropped from unmanned aerial systems. MALET adds fuze function and aerodynamic stability. It can also be removed without damaging the round, which can then be fired as a conventional mortar.

Work on MALET began in 2024. Project lead Brad Armstrong said test drops at multiple Army facilities have matured the system’s fuze and safety elements. In a recent test, live 60mm mortars dropped from a moving UAS oriented correctly and detonated within the target area. The team plans to distribute kits to major military exercises in the fall for soldier feedback. It also intends to transition MALET to industry partners and the acquisition community for rapid scaling and fielding.

 
Rheinmetall to Supply Belgium with Skyranger 30 Air Defense Systems

Source: Rheinmetall


RHEINMETALL TO SUPPLY BELGIUM WITH SKYRANGER 30 AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS

Monday, November 9, 2026
Rheinmetall to Supply Belgium with Skyranger 30 Air Defense Systems

Source: Rheinmetall


Belgium - Rheinmetall has signed a contract worth several hundred million euros to deliver 20 Skyranger 30 systems, along with supporting logistics, to Belgium. The deal was reached within 18 months of initial discussion, and deliveries are expected to start in late 2028.

Each Skyranger 30 is armed with a 30-mm cannon and is built mainly to defend against modern aerial threats, especially unmanned aerial systems. The units will connect to "Blue Dome," Belgium’s wider air defense network, allowing them to share data and operate under a single command structure.

 

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