The U.S. Space Force has awarded SpaceX a $1.6 billion contract covering two military launch efforts using Falcon 9 rockets. The award underscores Falcon 9’s role in national-security space access, as SpaceX also prepares to launch three AST SpaceMobile BlueBird satellites from Cape Canaveral.
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The U.S. Space Force has awarded SpaceX a $1.6 billion contract covering two military launch efforts using Falcon 9 rockets. The award underscores Falcon 9’s role in national-security space access, as SpaceX also prepares to launch three AST SpaceMobile BlueBird satellites from Cape Canaveral.
The Army is converting its canceled long-range supergun into a test platform for hypersonic development, potentially enabling more frequent and lower-cost ground testing while reducing reliance on expensive flight tests. The effort gives the program a new role after the weapon itself was abandoned.
RTX CEO Chris Calio said defense executives remain confident in Pentagon spending prospects despite uncertainty over the mechanics and topline of the fiscal 2027 budget. In a July earnings call, Calio cited bipartisan congressional support for increased munitions funding as lawmakers consider future allocations.
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Colombia has signed a $366 million contract for two Embraer KC-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft, becoming the 13th country worldwide and the first Latin American customer outside Brazil to select the type. The aircraft will replace part of Colombia’s aging C-130 fleet and support in-flight refueling of its Gripen E/F fighters.
Lockheed Martin is negotiating potential supplies of scandium and germanium from North American producers, including NioCorp, Teck Resources and 5N Plus, as pressure builds to strengthen U.S. defense-material supply chains. NioCorp’s preliminary agreement could cover up to 15 metric tons of scandium oxide annually for 10 years.
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Telesat secured its largest-ever Canadian defense contract, valued at roughly $1.63 billion to $1.9 billion, requiring 69 additional Lightspeed satellites for Arctic communications. Separately, the U.S. Space Force awarded $615 million for space-based airborne-target tracking, while Bombardier evaluates a Canadian GlobalEye modification facility.
Final observations from the Farnborough International Airshow examine how the Iran war is influencing arms sales and shaping aerospace and defense industry discussions. The review highlights the conflict’s relevance to procurement priorities and the broader defense-market outlook.
Tekever expects to begin delivering its AR5 tactical uncrewed aerial system to the British Army before year-end under Project Corvus, a contract the company values at up to £400 million over 10 years. The system is intended to replace the Army’s Watchkeeper capability, though fleet size and runway dependence remain concerns.
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