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Breaking Defense • Michael Marrow

Pentagon FY2027 budget maps $1.45T defense expansion with Air Force air base defense, major force divestments, and accelerated n

The Pentagon’s FY2027 budget documents frame a proposed $1.45 trillion defense plan, with space emerging as a key beneficiary. Within the Department of the Air Force request, USAF seeks $1.4 billion for air base defense, plans divestment of 149 aircraft (including U-2 and A-10 reductions), and targets accelerated future fighter/bomber and drone-centric modernization via F-47, B-21 and CCA programs.

2026-04-21T14:24:55.884165-07:00

The Air Current

FAA targets AI-powered air traffic management vendor by end of May, aims for September deployment as ATC modernization nears $12

2026-04-21T12:20:24.054901-07:00

Flying Magazine

FAA to roll out ‘back-end changeover’ for NOTAM system using plain-language presentation of critical flight information

2026-04-21T07:56:21.013403-07:00

Associated Press

Nashville near-midair between Southwest 737s prompts attention on ATC separation after evasive action

2026-04-20T13:51:24.220894-07:00

News Timeline

Breaking Defense

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Pentagon FY2027 budget maps $1.45T defense expansion with Air Force air base defense, major force divestments, and accelerated n The Pentagon’s FY2027 budget documents frame a proposed $1.45 trillion defense plan, with space emerging as a key beneficiary. Within the Department of the Air Force request, USAF seeks $1.4 billion for air base defense, plans divestment of 149 aircraft (including U-2 and A-10 reductions), and targets accelerated future fighter/bomber and drone-centric modernization via F-47, B-21 and CCA programs.

2026-04-21T14:24:55.884165-07:00

Pentagon FY2027 budget maps $1.45T defense expansion with Air Force air base defense, major force divestments, and accelerated n

The Air Current

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FAA targets AI-powered air traffic management vendor by end of May, aims for September deployment as ATC modernization nears $12 The FAA says it is pursuing predictive “vision” capabilities for airspace conditions and plans to select a vendor for an AI-powered air traffic management system by end of May, with software deployment as soon as September. The agency’s $12.5 billion modernization push is funded, but FAA says additional congressional money is still required for new software and AI.

2026-04-21T12:20:24.054901-07:00

FAA targets AI-powered air traffic management vendor by end of May, aims for September deployment as ATC modernization nears $12

Reuters

Lockheed Martin wins ~$200M to integrate PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement into U.S. Navy Aegis Combat System Lockheed Martin has been awarded an approximately $200 million U.S. Navy contract to develop, integrate and test the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) interceptor within the Aegis Combat System—marking the first time the advanced air-defense missile will be integrated into the Navy’s maritime combat architecture. The work supports efforts to expand interceptor inventories across the surface fleet.

2026-04-21T11:07:06.890402-07:00

Lockheed Martin wins ~$200M to integrate PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement into U.S. Navy Aegis Combat System

Flying Magazine

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FAA to roll out ‘back-end changeover’ for NOTAM system using plain-language presentation of critical flight information The FAA is modernizing its NOTAM platform via a “back-end changeover” designed to make critical flight information easier to interpret, improving clarity and communications. The shift targets safer skies by changing how NOTAM content is presented to users, particularly when time-critical operational decisions are required.

2026-04-21T07:56:21.013403-07:00

FAA to roll out ‘back-end changeover’ for NOTAM system using plain-language presentation of critical flight information

Associated Press

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Nashville near-midair between Southwest 737s prompts attention on ATC separation after evasive action Two Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft came within about 500 feet over Nashville International Airport (BNA) after controller instructions and a go-around maneuver contributed to an apparent loss of separation. The crews took emergency evasive action to avoid a collision, and the event is under investigation.

2026-04-20T13:51:24.220894-07:00

Nashville near-midair between Southwest 737s prompts attention on ATC separation after evasive action

AeroTime

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Qatar QCAA issues NOTAM as Hamad International Airport begins phased restart for foreign airlines Qatar says Hamad International Airport is resuming foreign airline operations in a carefully phased manner after sustained disruption. The QCAA has issued a NOTAM authorizing returns under global safety standards, with Qatar Airways increasing inbound and outbound activity through Doha as slots and procedures normalize.

2026-04-20T09:11:01.658238-07:00

Qatar QCAA issues NOTAM as Hamad International Airport begins phased restart for foreign airlines

Politico

Reconciliation bill may decide whether DOT secures more air traffic control funding under Sean Duffy A proposed U.S. reconciliation bill could shape the trajectory of future air traffic control funding, determining whether Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy gets an opportunity to secure additional resources. The outcome will influence how ATC modernization efforts are prioritized and financed going forward.

2026-04-20T08:07:54.888422-07:00

Reconciliation bill may decide whether DOT secures more air traffic control funding under Sean Duffy

Associated Press

Dominican Republic–Haiti deal to reopen airspace in May, restoring cross-border flights after 2+ years The Dominican Republic and Haiti have agreed to reopen their airspace starting in May, allowing flights between the two countries for the first time in more than two years. The accord follows months of strained ties, setting the stage for a resumption of scheduled connectivity once implementation begins.

2026-04-18T07:57:21.058702-07:00

Dominican Republic–Haiti deal to reopen airspace in May, restoring cross-border flights after 2+ years

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ATC News

Pentagon FY2027 budget maps $1.45T defense expansion with Air Force air base defense, major force divestments, and accelerated n

FAA targets AI-powered air traffic management vendor by end of May, aims for September deployment as ATC modernization nears $12

FAA to roll out ‘back-end changeover’ for NOTAM system using plain-language presentation of critical flight information

Nashville near-midair between Southwest 737s prompts attention on ATC separation after evasive action

News Timeline