What’s Hitting the Bench? The Must-Have 1/35 Military Models of 2026

The year 2026 is shaping up to be a legendary one for 1/35 scale armor enthusiasts. From groundbreaking new toolings of iconic WWII vehicles to ultra-modern defense tech, manufacturers like Tamiya, MiniArt, and Dragon are pushing the boundaries of detail and accuracy.

Here is your comprehensive guide to the most anticipated 1/35 military model releases for the first half of 2026.

Tamiya continues to prove why they are the industry standard for "shake-and-bake" kits that don't compromise on quality, while Dragon is leaning heavily into refined reissues of classic subjects with modern "bonus" upgrades.

MiniArt is dominating the "Coming Soon" category with a relentless release schedule. They are particularly focused on soft-skin vehicles and interior-detailed armor.

For those looking for something outside the WWII mainstream, several other manufacturers are bringing unique subjects to the table.

This specialized Israeli Engineering Vehicle is receiving a full side-skirt and rear-basket upgrade set, catering to modern IDF enthusiasts looking for high-end resin and 3D-printed detail.

A new metal-cargo body variant of this workhorse truck is slated for April, adding more variety to early-war Allied transport options.

Modern armor fans can look forward to this updated Chinese Main Battle Tank arriving in the spring, featuring revised armor packages and CAD-designed precision.