Defense News

aviation UAV Development & Drone Programs Defense Policy

The War Zone • Howard Altman, Joseph Trevithick

Army develops plan to use LUCAS one-way attack drones against warships and ballistic missiles

The U.S. Army is shaping a concept for units to launch long-range LUCAS one-way attack drones against targets including enemy warships and ballistic missiles. The plan points to a role for the drones in extending Army units’ reach against high-value targets, though the article provides no deployment timeline or force size.

1 Source

2026-10-16T12:29:08.370759-07:00

Space Force Defense Industry & Major Contractors Space Defense & Militarization Space Debris & Traffic Management

NEW

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

As Space Force opens market for in-orbit surveillance, Northrop Grumman touts its experience

By SpaceNews.com: WASHINGTON — Northrop Grumman is pointing to its longstanding role in military space surveillance as newer companies compete for a share of the market.

1 Source

2026-10-16T14:50:39.743885-07:00

Supply Chain Europe Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons Defense Industry & Major Contractors Defense Deals

Reuters

US arms firm Anduril could make interceptors in Europe, executive says

By Reuters: US defence firm Anduril could eventually manufacture its newly unveiled Steelfin interceptor missiles in Europe, a company executive said this week, as governments aim to expand air-defence production after global conflicts highlighted shortages of interceptor missiles.

1 Source

2026-10-16T13:04:27.609439-07:00

North America Military Aircraft Procurement

The War Zone • Thomas Newdick

Canada’s Snowbirds Say Farewell To The CT-114 Tutor Jet

By The War Zone: After 55 years with the Tutor, the aerobatic team faces an extended hiatus before transitioning to the PC-21 turboprop in the early 2030s. After 55 years with the Tutor, the aerobatic team faces an extended hiatus before transitioning to the PC-21 in the early 2030s.

Also: FlightGlobal and Aviation24

3 Sources

2026-10-16T11:55:50.060666-07:00

Military Aircraft Procurement Orders Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Defense Industry & Major Contractors

The War Zone • Thomas Newdick

First C-130J For Navy’s New E-130J Phoenix II Ballistic Submarine Communications Fleet Delivered

By The War Zone: The E-130J will be taking over the Take Charge And Move Out mission from the jet-powered E-6B Mercury. The E-130J will be taking over the Take Charge And Move Out mission from the jet-powered E-6B Mercury.

FlightGlobal

US Navy receives first C-130J for conversion into E-130J nuclear command and control aircraft

c-130.net

Navy accepts first C-130J-30 for next-generation TACAMO fleet

Also: insidedefense.com, defence-industry.eu and Seapower Magazine

6 Sources

2026-10-16T08:55:27.398383-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Satellite Space Defense & Militarization

DefenseNews.com

How Iridium Is Helping the Army Stay Connected Beyond Line of Sight

By DefenseNews.com: Iridium discusses satellite communications that keep soldiers and unmanned systems connected, along with navigation technology for GPS-disrupted environments.

1 Source

2026-10-16T11:05:31.890558-07:00

Africa Accident Aviation Safety & Regulation

Reuters • Ben Ezeamalu

Families wait for answers after Nigerian military plane crash

By Reuters: More than a week after a Nigerian Air Force plane crash killed all 25 people on board, families say they are still waiting for answers as military teams search for wreckage and human remains in swampy terrain.

1 Source

2026-10-16T08:04:41.205177-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Europe Military Aircraft Procurement Boeing

Breaking Defense • Tim Martin

Germany changes course on plans to buy MQ-28 drone wingman: Boeing official

By Breaking Defense: Germany has set a target of 2029 to field a CCA, which would make it the first European country to reach such a milestone, but that timeline now looks to be in doubt.

1 Source

2026-10-16T09:00:38.794011-07:00

Army develops plan to use LUCAS one-way attack drones against warships and ballistic missiles

As Space Force opens market for in-orbit surveillance, Northrop Grumman touts its experience

US arms firm Anduril could make interceptors in Europe, executive says

Canada’s Snowbirds Say Farewell To The CT-114 Tutor Jet

First C-130J For Navy’s New E-130J Phoenix II Ballistic Submarine Communications Fleet Delivered

US Navy receives first C-130J for conversion into E-130J nuclear command and control aircraft

Navy accepts first C-130J-30 for next-generation TACAMO fleet

How Iridium Is Helping the Army Stay Connected Beyond Line of Sight

Families wait for answers after Nigerian military plane crash

Germany changes course on plans to buy MQ-28 drone wingman: Boeing official

As Space Force opens market for in-orbit surveillance, Northrop Grumman touts its experience

US arms firm Anduril could make interceptors in Europe, executive says

The Army's Plan For Employing LUCAS Kamikaze Drones Against Its Adversaries

Canada’s Snowbirds Say Farewell To The CT-114 Tutor Jet

How Iridium Is Helping the Army Stay Connected Beyond Line of Sight

Germany changes course on plans to buy MQ-28 drone wingman: Boeing official

‘Weaponized light’: KBR’s new base defense technology pits lasers against drones

Bulgaria seeks NATO anti-drone systems, says defence minister

Norway's $2 trillion wealth fund was frozen out of major defense companies. That may be about to change

Why US Eyes in the Sky Are So Vital to Ukraine’s Defense

Ukraine says new Starlink limits are disrupting military drones and exposing reliance on private satellite networks

Ukraine says new Starlink limits are disrupting military drones and exposing reliance on private satellite networks

Ukraine says new Starlink limits are disrupting military drones and exposing reliance on private satellite networks

U.S. Army to grow space workforce toward 1,000 and test stratospheric balloons

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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