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Breaking Defense

JIATF-401 broadens counter-UAS arsenal with directed energy, AI and hardened defenses

The Joint Interagency Task Force 401 is expanding its options against evolving unmanned-aircraft threats, including directed-energy weapons, AI-enabled systems, kinetic and non-kinetic tools, and measures to harden defenses. The mix points to a layered approach rather than reliance on a single counter-drone capability.

FlightGlobal

High activity

Drone-warfare investments span German SAR satellites, Lithuania’s Switchblade 600s and new counter-UAS systems

Germany is beginning production of dedicated SPOCK 1 synthetic-aperture radar satellites, while Lithuania has received its first Switchblade 600 loitering munitions. Separate efforts include US investment in mobile-troop counter-drone systems and a partnership to develop counter-UAS capabilities for the L-39 Skyfox, amid reports of large-scale drone attacks in Ukraine.

AeroTime

High activity

Aerospace forums and trade shows spotlight testing, Middle East growth, African space and defense systems

Coverage from 2026 aerospace events spans hybrid testing, AI and data at the Aerospace Test & Development Show; Boeing’s view that Middle East traffic will rebound, with widebody demand remaining strong; South Africa’s record company presence at IAC; and Elbit Systems’ planned showcase of unmanned, ISR, precision-fire and electronic-warfare capabilities in Marrakech.

CNBC

High activity

SpaceX seeks $40 billion financing led by Apollo to buy Nvidia AI chips, FT reports

SpaceX is seeking to raise $40 billion in a financing led by Apollo Global Management to purchase Nvidia chips, according to the Financial Times, citing people familiar with the matter. The reported fundraise underscores the scale of computing demand among AI developers.

FlightGlobal

Northrop’s YFQ-48A makes first fully autonomous flight as military autonomy efforts expand

Northrop Grumman says its YFQ-48A Talon Blue collaborative combat aircraft has completed its first fully autonomous flight, as the U.S. Air Force targets 500 autonomous aircraft in service by 2032. Separate milestones include a Navy–GA-ASI mission-planning demonstration and delivery of a digital autonomy test-range framework to Australia.

AINonline

Jeppesen begins deploying AI agents in ForeFlight Airflow Operations System, with airlines first

Jeppesen has deployed initial AI agents for its ForeFlight Airflow Operations System, with airlines the first intended users. The company plans to extend use cases to business aviation and defense, though the available announcement does not detail the agents’ capabilities or deployment scale.

Breaking Defense

Counter-drone push spans Phantom Defense system, South Korea point-defense RFI and Pentagon pilot

At DroneX 2026, Ukraine’s Phantom Defense presented a counter-UAV system combining detection, electronic warfare and fixed-wing interception. Separately, the U.S. 7th Air Force sought new capabilities to modernize point defense in South Korea, while the Pentagon selected AeroVironment, Epirus, Kord and Boeing for a directed-energy counter-drone pilot.

Bloomberg

Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works integrates AI in defense modernization push

Lockheed Martin is incorporating artificial intelligence into Skunk Works, its advanced development unit, as it seeks to modernize defense programs. The unit is described as central to the contractor’s future success, but the available report provides no details on specific AI applications, programs or timelines.