Week 3 of 2026 was marked by significant defence procurements and cooperation agreements across the Nordic region and within NATO. Below is a comprehensive overview of the week's news in defence and security.

Domains

Land

  • The Latvian government gave its conceptual approval on 13 January 2026 to proceed with the acquisition of the Swedish wheeled artillery system Archer for its national armed forces. Defence Minister Andris Sprūds stated that the decision strengthens the country's indirect fire capability and deepens bilateral defence cooperation with Sweden, including joint training and the exchange of experience. The procurement plan also covers the RBS 70 NG air defence system. Read more

Air

  • The NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) has awarded Thales a contract to develop new capabilities for the TopOwl Digital Display (DD) helmet system used on NH90 helicopters. The work is carried out in cooperation with NHIndustries and Safran, with links to France's DGA (Directorate General of Armaments) and Spain's defence materiel authority, and follows a Spanish order for 31 NH90 helicopters. Read more
  • Germany has decided to procure eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft systems through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). The procurement, carried out by Germany's Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, also includes four certifiable ground control stations. First deliveries are expected in 2028. Read more

Naval

  • Poland's second signals intelligence vessel, ORP Henryk Zygalski, was launched on 14 January 2026 in Gdańsk as part of the DELFIN programme. The vessel is the second and final SIGINT (signals intelligence) ship being built for Poland, and will be equipped by Saab with reconnaissance systems before entering operational service. The first vessel, ORP Jerzy Różycki, was launched on 1 July 2025. Read more

Space

  • The Swedish government decided on 12 January 2026 to invest over 5.3 billion SEK in drone systems and space capabilities for the Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten). More than 4 billion SEK is allocated for unmanned systems, including loitering munitions, reconnaissance drones, electronic warfare systems, and naval unmanned vehicles, with deliveries planned for 2026 to 2028. Read more
  • ICEYE has signed a multi-year, multi-million agreement with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the delivery of Swedish SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellites, data, software, and ground and technical systems, in order to establish a space-based surveillance and intelligence capability for the Swedish Armed Forces. Read more

Policy & Strategy

  • Finland is delivering its 31st defence materiel package to Ukraine, valued at approximately 98 million euros. The decision was taken by Finland's president on 16 January 2026 following a proposal from the Council of State. Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen stated that Finland's total contribution to Ukraine now amounts to approximately 3.1 billion euros. Read more

Industry

  • BAE Systems has been awarded a contract worth 184 million USD from the United States Marine Corps for the production of 30 additional Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) units, designated FRP 6A. The total number of ACV vehicles ordered thereby exceeds 100 units. Manufacturing takes place in Pennsylvania and South Carolina. Read more

Taken together, Week 3 of 2026 demonstrates a broad spectrum of defence activity, ranging from Nordic space and drone investments to NATO-coordinated procurements and continued support for Ukraine.