2026 • Page 223 of 282 • The Defense Post

Feb- 2026 -

2 February

Americas

U.S. Marine Corps CH-53K King Stallion aircraft assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) lifts a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle during a heavy lift exercise as part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor course 1-26 at near Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Arizona, Sept. 30, 2025. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1 which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine aviation in support of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, Joint and Coalition Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Fabian Ortiz)

Jodesz Gavilan

Sikorsky Delivers Two More CH‑53K Heavy-Lift Helicopters to US Marines Corps

Lockheed Martin company Sikorsky has delivered two additional CH‑53K King Stallion helicopters to the US Marine Corps.

2 February

Americas

The latest Northrop Grumman SMART Demo static test.

Jodesz Gavilan

Northrop Completes Rapid Second Test of Solid Rocket Motor

Northrop Grumman has completed a rapid second firing of a newly developed solid rocket motor under its annual SMART Demo program.

2 February

Commentary

US Marines conduct communication checks at Cap Draa during African Lion 25 in TanTan, Morocco, May 2025

Perry Boyle

AFRICOM on the Chopping Block: What a Pentagon Rethink Means for Africa

Dissolving AFRICOM would signal a US retreat from Africa, ceding influence to China and Russia and accelerating authoritarianism at the expense of security and democracy.

2 February

Europe

Jodesz Gavilan

Belgium Launches Industry Alliance to Modernize Army Vehicles

Belgium has launched a sweeping 20‑year industrial partnership to overhaul how the Belgian Army keeps its vehicles and weapon systems mission‑ready.

2 February

Americas

Jodesz Gavilan

Lockheed Martin to Quadruple THAAD Interceptor Production for US and Allies

Lockheed Martin and the US Department of Defense have agreed to expand production of THAAD interceptors to meet growing global demand for missile defense.

2 February

Europe

Russian drone attack on a bus carrying mine workers in Ukraine

Staff Writer With AFP

Russian Drone Attack on Mine Worker Bus in Ukraine’s East Kills 12

A Russian drone attack on a bus carrying mine workers in Ukraine's central-eastern Dnipropetrovsk region killed at least 12 people, officials said.

1 February

Americas

Mevlut Hilmi Cinar

Hanwha’s American Gambit: Korean Artillery Ammunition, Made in USA

South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace is coming to the US, building a factory to produce artillery rounds the country desperately needs.

1 February

Middle East

A demonstrator holds up a placard reading "All Eyes on Rafah" during a protest for Palestine

Staff Writer With AFP

Israel to Partially Reopen Gaza’s Rafah Crossing

Israel is set to partially reopen the Rafah crossing between the war-devastated Gaza Strip and Egypt on Sunday though access will be limited to the movement of people.

1 February

Middle East

Hundreds of citizens and members of the Iranian community in Rome march in solidarity with their compatriots in Iran to protest the killings occurring in Iran and the violent repression of protests, and support Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi in Rome, Italy, on January 31, 2026.

Staff Writer With AFP

Iran Says Progress Made Towards US Talks Despite Attack Jitters

Iran's top security official said Saturday that progress had been made towards negotiations with the US.

1 February

Americas

US envoy Laura Dogu arrives in Venezuela.

Staff Writer With AFP

New Head of US Mission in Venezuela Arrives as Ties Warm

The new head of the US diplomatic mission to Venezuela arrived in the country on Saturday and was welcomed by the South American country's foreign minister.

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