UAE signs contract with Embraer for 10 C-390 Millennium airlifters

The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE’s) Tawazun Council for Defense Enablement signed a contract with Brazil’s Embraer in Abu Dhabi on 4 May 2026 for the purchase of 10 C-390 Millennium tanker/transport aircraft for the UAE Air Force (see image above). The order includes an option for an additional 10 aircraft.

The contract represents the largest international order from one single country for the C-390 Millennium and marks the aircraft’s first export success in the Middle East.

You can read the press release here.

Navantia marks keel laying of seventh corvette for Saudi Arabia

Navantia’s San Fernando shipyard held the keel-laying event for the seventh corvette it is building for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) on 8 May 2026. The ship, Construction No 576, will be named HMS Neom.

The final ship in this three-vessel series is scheduled for delivery in 2029. Navantia will deliver the first unit, while the second and third will be completed in Saudi Arabia, including the installation, integration and testing of the combat system, in line with the previous contract.

The second series of three corvettes for Saudi Arabia will be identical to the first. The design is based on Navantia’s Avante 2200 model: a multi-purpose platform conceived for maritime surveillance and traffic control, search and rescue, and assistance to other ships, among other missions.

You can read the press release here.

Patria signs MoUs with Czech state enterprises in pursuit of new 8×8 AFV programme

Patria has signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) on future co-operation with key Czech state enterprises in its bid to re-equip the Czech armed forces with a new 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicle platform. Patria also has a long-term partnership in the Czech Republic with STV Group: a leading Czech defence supplier.

Patria is offering the Czech Republic a version of its combat-proven Armoured Modular Vehicle (AMV) platform, the Patria AMV XP 8×8 CZ, for its 8×8 AFV requirement.

You can read the press release here.

Tactica AI showcases Gulf region’s first multi-domain decision-support platform

Abu Dhabi-based start-up Tactica AI introduced its multi-domain decision-support platform to a wider market on 6 May 2026 during the Make it in the Emirates 2026 exhibition, held at Abu Dhabi’s ADNEC Centre.

The platform is designed to transform fragmented intelligence, sensor and operational data into real-time decisions and is believed to be the first publicly known platform of its type developed in the region.

The platform brings together geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) – which uses satellite imagery, radar, maps, and location-based data to understand what is happening on the ground – and open-source intelligence (OSINT) that draws on publicly available information to provide wider context.

You can read the press release here.

EagleNXT receives additional US Army order for eBee Vision UASs

US unmanned aerial system (UAS) specialist EagleNXT announced its fourth consecutive multi-unit order from the US Army on 5 May 2026.

Under the order the company will provide three of its eBee Vision UAS kits to the US Army’s 7th Army Training Command.

The US Army has now ordered 34 eBee VISION unmanned systems across six distinct organisations.

The eBee Vision is a lightweight, National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) -compliant UAS that is ‘Blue UAS Cleared’, meaning that it has been vetted and approved by the US Department of Defense for government purchase and use. The US Army’s eBee Vision platforms will be used to enhance training realism, opposing force (OPFOR) capabilities and rotational unit readiness through real-time situational awareness, providing HD video with long-range zoom, thermal imagery and rapid deployment features.

Lithuania’s first HIMARS launchers unveiled in Arkansas

Lockheed Martin and Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) have officially unveiled the country’s first High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers, Lockheed Martin announced on 5 May 2026.

The unveiling ceremony actually took place at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Camden, Arkansas, the previous week and was capped by a signed joint statement between Lockheed Martin and the MND to deepen co-operation on security, defence and industrial opportunities.

Lithuania ordered eight HIMARS systems in December 2022 under a USD 495 million (EUR 420 million) contract, but in April ordered a second HIMARS battery under a USD 280 million contract amendment.

You can read the press release here.