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Reuters • Mike Stone

Space Force awards SpaceX $2.29B to build Space Data Network Backbone for LEO military communications

The U.S. Space Force has awarded SpaceX a $2.29 billion contract to develop the Space Data Network Backbone—an LEO satellite network designed to function as a military internet and support the Space Data Network, including Transport layer satellites from the Space Development Agency.

2026-05-26T14:43:28.561315-07:00

Breaking Defense

HASC FY2027 NDAA markup backs multiyear buys for F-35 and F-15EX while funding Army lift and major munitions procurement

2026-05-26T14:04:32.733605-07:00

Breaking Defense

Raytheon and Lockheed deliver first next-gen Javelin lightweight launch units with improved infrared targeting to U.S. Army

2026-05-26T13:24:23.814917-07:00

SpaceNews.com

Raytheon and Voyager pursue “composable” solid rocket motors under DARPA Burn n’ Go

2026-05-26T09:12:06.167840-07:00

News Timeline

Reuters

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Space Force awards SpaceX $2.29B to build Space Data Network Backbone for LEO military communications The U.S. Space Force has awarded SpaceX a $2.29 billion contract to develop the Space Data Network Backbone—an LEO satellite network designed to function as a military internet and support the Space Data Network, including Transport layer satellites from the Space Development Agency.

2026-05-26T14:43:28.561315-07:00

Space Force awards SpaceX $2.29B to build Space Data Network Backbone for LEO military communications

Breaking Defense

HASC FY2027 NDAA markup backs multiyear buys for F-35 and F-15EX while funding Army lift and major munitions procurement The House Armed Services Committee released its markup of the fiscal 2027 defense policy bill, largely aligning with Pentagon plans. The draft would authorize multiyear procurement for F-35 and F-15EX, support Army procurement of additional Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters, and includes funding for munitions, the F-35, and the Arleigh Burke destroyer—while omitting an Apache account plus-up.

2026-05-26T14:04:32.733605-07:00

HASC FY2027 NDAA markup backs multiyear buys for F-35 and F-15EX while funding Army lift and major munitions procurement

Breaking Defense

Raytheon and Lockheed deliver first next-gen Javelin lightweight launch units with improved infrared targeting to U.S. Army The Javelin Joint Venture—Raytheon and Lockheed Martin—has delivered the first Lightweight Command Launch Units to the U.S. Army. The new launcher is smaller and lighter than the legacy unit and incorporates modern infrared camera technology designed to speed and simplify target detection.

2026-05-26T13:24:23.814917-07:00

Raytheon and Lockheed deliver first next-gen Javelin lightweight launch units with improved infrared targeting to U.S. Army

SpaceNews.com

Raytheon and Voyager pursue “composable” solid rocket motors under DARPA Burn n’ Go DARPA selected Raytheon to advance composable solid rocket motor technology aimed at making missile propulsion more flexible and scalable across weapon systems. Voyager Technologies also won a $16.5 million Burn n’ Go Phase 2 contract to tailor thrust post-build using thrust-control for adaptable missile propulsion.

2026-05-26T09:12:06.167840-07:00

Raytheon and Voyager pursue “composable” solid rocket motors under DARPA Burn n’ Go

Breaking Defense

Air Force pushes Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) prototyping completion to 2031, extending schedule by 3 years The USAF’s Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) programme is now expected to finish its prototyping work in 2031—about a three-year slip versus earlier forecasts. The update adds schedule risk to adaptive-cycle engine maturation that underpins potential sixth-generation and related propulsion pathways.

2026-05-26T08:49:24.377195-07:00

Air Force pushes Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) prototyping completion to 2031, extending schedule by 3 years

FlightGlobal

Australian Border Force taps Bombardier Defense for three Global 6500 maritime surveillance aircraft Bombardier Defense will provide three Global 6500s to support the Australian Border Force’s critical maritime surveillance missions. The aircraft will be operated by Metrea, which was recently selected by the Australian government to deliver an enhanced air surveillance capability.

2026-05-26T06:18:05.560238-07:00

Australian Border Force taps Bombardier Defense for three Global 6500 maritime surveillance aircraft

Payload

Satellogic lands $18M+ defense persistent-monitoring contract after shifting to continuous surveillance capabilities Satellogic has secured an $18 million-plus defense-monitoring contract, marking the company’s first large agreement since its strategic shift toward persistent-monitoring capabilities. The award signals strengthening demand for continuously available defense-ready space monitoring rather than episodic collection.

2026-05-26T06:17:56.443303-07:00

Satellogic lands $18M+ defense persistent-monitoring contract after shifting to continuous surveillance capabilities

Reuters

Applied Aerospace & Defense targets up to $3.59B valuation in US IPO backed by private equity Applied Aerospace & Defense, a private equity-backed government contractor, is pursuing a US initial public offering with an expected valuation of up to $3.59 billion. The filing reflects an investor push into defense-related aerospace as geopolitical tensions keep demand expectations elevated.

2026-05-26T04:47:20.724571-07:00

Applied Aerospace & Defense targets up to $3.59B valuation in US IPO backed by private equity

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Defense Industry & Major Contractors News

Space Force awards SpaceX $2.29B to build Space Data Network Backbone for LEO military communications

HASC FY2027 NDAA markup backs multiyear buys for F-35 and F-15EX while funding Army lift and major munitions procurement

Raytheon and Lockheed deliver first next-gen Javelin lightweight launch units with improved infrared targeting to U.S. Army

Raytheon and Voyager pursue “composable” solid rocket motors under DARPA Burn n’ Go

News Timeline