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DefenseNews.com • Rudy Ruitenberg

ArianeGroup weighs Germany-based production of conventional ballistic missiles for Europe’s deep-strike needs

ArianeGroup is studying options for producing conventional ballistic missiles in Germany, as European policymakers push for more deep-strike capabilities amid conflict-driven demand for “conventional ballistic missile” options. Bruneau said the rationale is tied to the expansion of active conflicts and the need for flexible deep-strike choices.

2026-04-24T11:21:04.606889-07:00

FlightGlobal

Aura Aero targets first flight this year for Enbata MALE drone under France DGA timeline

2026-04-24T13:41:21.237147-07:00

Payload

Astra aims to cut small-rocket costs via “clay-pigeon” target practice tied to Pentagon Golden Dome

2026-04-24T08:10:03.259417-07:00

DefenseNews.com

NATO builds momentum for Saab GlobalEye AWACS replacement amid shift away from Boeing E-3

2026-04-24T09:49:25.898469-07:00

News Timeline

FlightGlobal

Aura Aero targets first flight this year for Enbata MALE drone under France DGA timeline French manufacturer Aura Aero says it remains on track to deliver a first flight later this year for its Enbata medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) uncrewed aircraft. The milestone is aligned with the schedule set by France’s DGA, signaling progress toward the programme’s next flight-test phase.

2026-04-24T13:41:21.237147-07:00

Aura Aero targets first flight this year for Enbata MALE drone under France DGA timeline

DefenseNews.com

ArianeGroup weighs Germany-based production of conventional ballistic missiles for Europe’s deep-strike needs ArianeGroup is studying options for producing conventional ballistic missiles in Germany, as European policymakers push for more deep-strike capabilities amid conflict-driven demand for “conventional ballistic missile” options. Bruneau said the rationale is tied to the expansion of active conflicts and the need for flexible deep-strike choices.

2026-04-24T11:21:04.606889-07:00

ArianeGroup weighs Germany-based production of conventional ballistic missiles for Europe’s deep-strike needs

DefenseNews.com

NATO builds momentum for Saab GlobalEye AWACS replacement amid shift away from Boeing E-3 Political momentum is reportedly building for NATO to pursue the Swedish-Canadian Saab GlobalEye as an AWACS-type solution, reflecting a shift away from Boeing’s E-3 Sentry fleet. The reported push comes as NATO reconsideres its broader airborne early warning posture.

2026-04-24T09:49:25.898469-07:00

NATO builds momentum for Saab GlobalEye AWACS replacement amid shift away from Boeing E-3

Via Satellite

Lockheed Martin Ventures to add funding to imagery startup Arlula Australian imagery startup Arlula is set to receive additional investment from Lockheed Martin Ventures, the defense prime’s venture subsidiary. The follow-on funding signals Lockheed’s continued push to back commercial geospatial/imagery capabilities that can feed defense and intelligence missions.

2026-04-24T09:49:04.241071-07:00

Lockheed Martin Ventures to add funding to imagery startup Arlula

Payload

Astra aims to cut small-rocket costs via “clay-pigeon” target practice tied to Pentagon Golden Dome Astra’s CEO Chris Kemp says the company will use “clay-pigeon” rocket target launches to drive scale and lower unit costs for both commercial and government customers. The approach aligns with the Pentagon’s Golden Dome space-based air and missile-defense concept, where realistic target practice is critical for validating intercept and tracking architectures.

2026-04-24T08:10:03.259417-07:00

Astra aims to cut small-rocket costs via “clay-pigeon” target practice tied to Pentagon Golden Dome

DefenseNews.com

Congress faces oversight challenge on the B-21 Raider stealth bomber program A congressional oversight gap is emerging around the B-21 Raider, a stealthy Air Force bomber program. With lawmakers balancing classified complexity against delivery and industrial-base expectations, the oversight environment is becoming a key factor in how the program is evaluated and steered.

2026-04-23T17:49:33.527366-07:00

Congress faces oversight challenge on the B-21 Raider stealth bomber program

DefenseNews.com

Pentagon and Pratt & Whitney agree on $1.4B F-35 F135 LRIP lot 9 engine deal The Pentagon reached agreement with Pratt & Whitney on the ninth low-rate initial production (LRIP) lot of F135 engines for the F-35 joint strike fighter. The pact is valued at $1.4 billion, sustaining the cadence of engine procurement during early production ramp.

2026-04-23T17:49:33.003284-07:00

Pentagon and Pratt & Whitney agree on $1.4B F-35 F135 LRIP lot 9 engine deal

DefenseNews.com

Goldfein seen as frontrunner for next US Air Force chief of staff Gen. David Goldfein—currently the Air Force vice chief—has emerged as the likely pick to become the next US Air Force chief of staff. The outcome would elevate the service’s current No. 2 into the top uniformed leadership role, shaping near-term priorities for force planning and modernization.

2026-04-23T17:49:32.733095-07:00

Goldfein seen as frontrunner for next US Air Force chief of staff

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ArianeGroup weighs Germany-based production of conventional ballistic missiles for Europe’s deep-strike needs

Aura Aero targets first flight this year for Enbata MALE drone under France DGA timeline

Astra aims to cut small-rocket costs via “clay-pigeon” target practice tied to Pentagon Golden Dome

NATO builds momentum for Saab GlobalEye AWACS replacement amid shift away from Boeing E-3

News Timeline