CNBC
• Luke Fountain
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new Pentagon effort to examine the future of warfare, co-led by Elon Musk, Anduril founder Palmer Luckey and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. The initiatives were unveiled alongside new military commands and projects during a Sept. 30 “State of the Force” address.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new Pentagon effort to examine the future of warfare, co-led by Elon Musk, Anduril founder Palmer Luckey and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. The initiatives were unveiled alongside new military commands and projects during a Sept. 30 “State of the Force” address.
The FAA has certified Garmin’s Autoland system for the Epic E1000 AX, enabling passengers to activate the aircraft’s automated safety system from multiple locations in the cabin. The approval expands the availability of an emergency-response capability for this high-performance general aviation aircraft.
An FAA filing identifies Anduril’s CP-200 as a Group 3, fixed-wing remotely piloted aircraft with a twin-boom configuration, propeller-driven propulsion and a small internal-combustion reciprocating engine. The request marks a regulatory step for the company’s newest unmanned aircraft design.
A deal reached in Kyiv between UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will give the UK access to Ukraine’s battlefield database for training AI-enabled drone swarms, linking wartime operational data with future autonomous military systems.
WSBW 2026 discussions highlighted a satellite industry moving beyond capacity sales toward AI, defense and multi-domain growth. In parallel, SSC Space upgraded its Western Australia optical ground station to support Space Domain Awareness and CCSDS communications standards, underscoring investment in more capable satellite networks and infrastructure.
High activity
The Pentagon and Space Force are advancing commercial capabilities for GEO surveillance, maneuverable satellite communications and faster space-domain awareness, while DIU and DARPA launch or plan competitions for low-cost ISR and heavy-lift drones. The initiatives combine rapid procurement mechanisms with emerging operational concepts for contested environments.
The Air Force Research Laboratory is developing an autonomous shotgun designed to counter drones, while also pursuing a blood-recirculation machine intended to provide lifesaving battlefield support. The projects reflect AFRL efforts to translate AI-enabled defense concepts and medical technology into systems usable by military personnel.
Elroy Air has expanded its previously announced private investment in public equity commitments to $175 million. Existing investors, including Lockheed Martin Ventures and Inflection Point, are participating in the increased financing, providing additional capital to the aircraft developer.
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