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Russia and Lesotho Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation During Maseru Visit
Diplomats from the Russia Embassy to the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho conducted a working visit to Maseru on 5-6 May 2026 aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and expanding engagement across several sectors. During the visit the delegation met with Tebogo Rakoloi, Director of the relevant Territorial Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of Lesotho; Thapeli Tjabane, Acting Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Information,
Historic African Lion 26 Concludes in Morocco
African Lion 26 concluded on 8 May 2026 after weeks of multinational operations across land, air, sea, cyber and space domains in Morocco. Led by the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) alongside the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, the exercise involved more than 40 partner nations and demonstrated the growing scale and complexity of modern joint military operations. The exercise showcased advanced battlefield technologies including artificial intelligence-enabled command and control systems,
Morocco Produces First 20 WhAP 8×8 Armoured Vehicles Under License
Morocco has completed its first 20 hulls of the Indian-designed WhAP 8×8 Wheeled Armoured Platform at a new facility in Berrechid marking an important milestone in local defence manufacturing for the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces. The programme follows a September 2024 agreement between the Moroccan government and Tata Advanced Systems Limited to supply 150 vehicles. The WhAP was developed in partnership with India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation and is known locally as
SVI Engineering Unveils MAX Recon 6×6 Tactical Vehicle
Modern battlefields continue to evolve rapidly placing increasing emphasis on mobility adaptability and mission-specific flexibility. Responding to these operational demands SVI Engineering has introduced the new MAX Recon 6×6 tactical vehicle a rapidly deployable platform designed for a wide range of combat and support missions. Built on the proven Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series platform the MAX Recon combines rugged off-road capability with modular mission adaptability and enhanced battlefield protection. According to SVI
![[WATCH] China condemns Philippine ships at scarborough shoal](https://defencenetwork.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/22-sept-china-phillipines-dn.jpg)
Djibouti Coast Guard and EUNAVFOR ASPIDES Strengthen Maritime Cooperation During Joint Exercise
Personnel from the Djibouti Coast Guard and EUNAVFOR ASPIDES conducted a combined maritime exercise onboard the Italian frigate Italian Frigate Luigi Rizzo on 5 May further strengthening interoperability and operational readiness in the strategically important Red Sea region. The exercise brought together maritime security personnel from both forces to enhance coordination, communication and joint operational capabilities in response to evolving regional security challenges. Conducted aboard the advanced FREMM-class frigate the training focused on
SAS Amatola Returns Home After Landmark Indo-Pacific Deployment
The SAS Amatola has concluded a significant long-range deployment across the Indo-Pacific, marking a renewed demonstration of the South African Navy’s blue-water capability and strategic reach. Departing Simon’s Town on 25 January, the frigate sailed to Visakhapatnam to participate in the International Fleet Review 2026 on 18 February. The visit underscored South Africa’s continued engagement with key Indo-Pacific partners and its commitment to cooperative maritime security. This was followed by participation in Exercise
Cape Town to host strategic Oceans Economy Conference as global maritime tensions recast the importance of sea power and trade security
Cape Town, South Africa – At a time when escalating geopolitical tensions, disrupted shipping lanes and rising instability across key maritime corridors are reshaping global trade, South Africa’s maritime leaders will gather in Cape Town for the 2026 Oceans Economy Conference, hosted by the South African Navy. Under the theme “Moving from Maritime Security to Strategic Economic Security,” the conference will bring together senior government leaders, defence experts, economists, port authorities, investors and industry stakeholders to address the
US nuclear supercarrier transits Namibia’s waters
The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs of Namibia has confirmed that a United States nuclear-powered supercarrier is currently transiting off the coast of Namibia within its exclusive economic zone under international maritime law. The vessel, the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77), is operating under the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Ministry spokesperson Petrus Shilumbu confirmed that the carrier has not entered Namibia’s territorial waters
Algeria Deploys Russian-Made Kronstadt Orion UAV in Live-Fire Exercise
The Algerian Ministry of National Defence has confirmed the operational deployment of the Russian-built Kronshtadt Orion (Inokhodets), marking its first official integration into the People’s National Army’s (PNA) operational order of battle. The announcement was made following a live-fire exercise in April 2026, where General Saïd Chanegriha, Chief of Staff of the PNA, oversaw the “Ouragan 2026” tactical drill in the Guezzam sector near Algeria’s southern border. During the exercise, the Orion-E conducted
UAE Delays Mirage 2000-9 Transfer to Morocco Amid Regional Security Escalation
The United Arab Emirates has postponed the planned transfer of 30 Dassault Mirage 2000-9 aircraft to Morocco, citing heightened regional instability and the need to preserve full operational combat capability within its air force inventory. The decision, made by Emirati military leadership in February 2026, reflects a broader reassessment of force readiness as tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate. The aircraft are now expected to remain in service with the UAE
Nigeria’s M-346FA Fleet Enters Flight Test Phase
One of the 24 Leonardo M-346FA (Fighter Attack) aircraft on order for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has entered the flight testing phase, marking a significant milestone in the programme. The aircraft has been sighted for the first time bearing full Nigerian Air Force markings, underscoring the advanced stage of production and the approaching delivery timeline. The M-346FA is a multi-role light combat aircraft derived from the proven M-346 advanced jet trainer. Designed
Milkor and LIG Defence & Aerospace Partner on UAV Systems
Milkor and South Korea’s LIG Nex1 have signed a collaboration agreement to integrate advanced mission payloads into the Milkor 380 unmanned aerial vehicle strengthening cooperation in next-generation unmanned systems. The agreement was signed on 21 April at the Milkor stand during the Defence and Security Asia (DSA) 2026 exhibition in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. The partnership will focus on jointly developing unmanned reconnaissance platforms and mission systems while also pursuing global marketing efforts particularly
Airbus to build the communication network for the French air and naval force, stage 3
Lockheed Martin’s Spike NLOS Selected for U.S. Army’s Mobile-Long Range Precision Strike Missile Program
Botswana set to expand C-130H fleet with U.S. aircraft donation
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