Friday defence news round-up (1 May 2026)

Warsight summarises some of the more salient defence news emerging over the week to 1 May.

The R66 Turbinetruck, which is competing in the USMC’s MARV-EL programme, combines Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy system with Robinson’s rugged R66 airframe. (Lockheed Martin)

Warsight

1 May 2026

Sikorsky/Robinson and Bell to supply USMC with MARV-EL platforms

The US Marine Corps has awarded Increment 2 contracts to two teams – Sikorsky/Robinson and Bell/Near Earth Autonomy – in relation to its Medium Aerial Resupply Vehicle – Expeditionary Logistics (MARV-EL) programme, the contenders announced in late April 2026.

The Sikorsky/Robinson platform being bid is the R66 Turbinetruck (see photo above): an autonomous cargo helicopter commercially developed by Sikorsky in conjunction with Robinson Unmanned that combines Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy system with Robinson’s widely used R66 airframe.

The Bell/Near Earth Autonomy bid will be based on an autonomous variant of the Bell 505 helicopter.

The MARV-EL programme fills a capability gap between small tactical drones and large strategic airlifters, delivering a reliable ‘middleweight’ uncrewed logistics platform capable of operating from austere forward operating bases, ship decks or unimproved landing zones.

You can read the press releases here and here.

Bell and Near Earth Autonomy are bidding an autonomous variant of the Bell 505 for the USMC’s MARV-EL programme. (Bell)

US DoW FY27 budget proposal seeks sizeable nuclear triad investment

The FY27 budget request for the US Department of War (DoW) allocates USD 71.4 billion (EUR 60.7 billion) to modernising all three legs of the US nuclear capability, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth told the Senate Armed Services Committee on 30 April 2026.

The budget proposal includes USD 16.2 billion for the Columbia-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), USD 6.1 billion for the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, USD 4.6 billion for the LGM-35 Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile, and around USD 1.5 billion for a new long-range standoff cruise missile.

The total FY27 budget request for the US DoW is a record-setting USD 1.5 trillion.

You can read the press release here.

An artist’s rendering of the US Navy’s future Columbia-class submarine. Twelve of these SSBNs will replace the US Navy’s Ohio-class SSBN fleet, which is reaching its maximum extended service life. (USN)

Hungary receives two new Gripen C fighters

The Hungarian Air Force has received two new Gripen C fighters, manufacturer Saab announced on 30 April 2026.

The delivery of the new aircraft, the first two out of four, follows a contract signed between the Hungarian Ministry of Defence and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration in February 2024.

Hungary has operated Gripen fighters since 2006. With the February 2024 contract executed, Hungary will operate a fleet of 18 Gripen C/Ds featuring the latest upgrades.

You can read the press release here.

One of two Gripen C fighters delivered by Saab to the Hungarian Air Force in late April 2026. (Saab)

BAE Systems completes first ACV-30 variant

BAE Systems announced on 29 April 2026 that it has completed the first Amphibious Combat Vehicle 30 mm variant (ACV-30) for the US Marine Corps (USMC). The vehicle integrates a Kongsberg RT-20 remote turret housing a Mk44 Bushmaster 30 mm chain gun, enhancing Marines’ ability to engage and neutralise threats.

The standard ACV-P personnel carrier variant and ACV-C command post variant are already in full-rate production, while the ACV-R recovery variant is current in design and development.

BAE Systems has now completed the first example of an ACV-30, which is armed with a 30 mm chain gun. (BAE Systems)

Northrop Grumman and Canberra formalise Australian SRM plans

Northrop Grumman announced on 1 May 2026 that it has been selected by the Australian government to participate in formal engagement as a critical step toward establishing sovereign solid rocket motor (SRM) manufacturing capabilities in Australia.

Northrop Grumman and the Australian government will now commence a structured industry engagement process to explore, discuss and clarify potential requirements and processes relating to bringing SRM production to Australia. A core element of the program will be the integration of Australian suppliers into the production line to establish a sovereign manufacturing base.

You can read the press release here.

A Northrop Grumman-built solid rocket motor powering a Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System missile for the US Army. (Northrop Grumman)

Fincantieri and KAYO to set up joint venture to develop naval shipbuilding in Albania

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri announced on 29 April 2026 that it has signed a joint venture agreement in Tirana with KAYO: a company specialising in the development of strategic industrial infrastructure controlled by the Albanian Ministry of Defence.

The joint venture, which will be owned 51% by Fincantieri and 49% by KAYO, will primarily focus on the construction and maintenance of naval units for the Albanian Navy, while also pursuing commercial opportunities in international markets.

You can read the press release here.