Defense Deals News

FlightGlobal

China advances WZ-X flying-wing UAV testing as Wing Loong 10B targets export markets

China is continuing flight testing of the mysterious WZ-X flying-wing uncrewed aircraft, which could perform missions comparable to the RQ-180. Separately, the Wing Loong 10B is being marketed internationally with air-to-air weapons, signaling expanding ambitions for China’s advanced UAV portfolio.

euro-sd.com

European allies advance long-range strike capabilities through divergent rocket and missile programs

France has ordered the MBDA-Safran Thundart guided rocket system, designed to replace the Army’s LRU and reach 150 km, while Sweden and Croatia pursue different rocket-artillery solutions. Australia has also declared initial operational capability for the AGM-158C LRASM and AGM-158B JASSM-ER.

Runway Girl

High activity

France approves long-range strike capability as U.S. awards multibillion-dollar missile, satellite and propulsion contracts

MBDA and Safran won approval to supply France’s new long-range land-strike capability, while the U.S. expanded military connectivity with 21 PWSA Tranche-1 satellites. Separate awards include up to $4.84 billion for Northrop Grumman’s CIRCM system, $4.7 billion to L3Harris for PAC-3 MSE propulsion and $343.2 million for T56 sustainment.

Reuters

Russia markets Su-57E, drone-like missiles and air-defense systems at Egypt’s El Alamein Airshow

Russia is using the 2026 El Alamein International Airshow in Egypt to promote the export Su-57E, S-71 drones, drone-like missiles, upgraded Ka-52 helicopters and air-defense systems, including the ZAK-30 Citadel. The showcase comes as the Su-57’s operational effectiveness remains difficult to establish publicly.

Breaking Defense

Turkey’s MKE launches Egypt-based company under Egyptian law

Turkey’s state-owned defense manufacturer MKE has established Zafer in Egypt, with all shares owned by MKE, General Manager Ilhami Keles said at the Al-Alamein airshow. The venture marks MKE’s first company in Egypt and expands its local corporate presence in a strategically important defense market.

Breaking Defense

U.S. finalizes $4 billion military financing loan for Poland, potentially supporting 32 more F-35s

The United States has finalized a $4 billion military financing loan for Poland. Warsaw has not disclosed how the funds will be allocated, but the financing could support the acquisition of 32 additional F-35s tied to Poland’s air-superiority requirements.

DefenseNews.com

Boeing-Anduril Advance in U.S. Army Interceptor Competition as Anduril Adds Autonomy to Hypersonic Aircraft

The U.S. Army has selected Boeing and Anduril to advance to the next phase of its competition for a midrange interceptor under the Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 program. Separately, Anduril is providing autonomy software for a hypersonic aircraft startup targeting a 2027 flight test.

Aviation Week

Italy orders two more MQ-9A Block 5 Reapers from General Atomics

The Italian Air Force has ordered two additional MQ-9A Block 5 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. Deliveries are expected from the end of 2027, expanding Italy’s fleet for Mediterranean intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and support of NATO operations.