Defense News

Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Defense Policy Boeing

The War Zone • Joseph Trevithick

Navy F/A-18F Squadron Launched Hundreds of Weapons During Operation Epic Fury

Strike Fighter Squadron 41 employed its F/A-18F Super Hornets extensively during the war with Iran, launching hundreds of air-to-surface and air-to-air weapons. The operation offers a detailed look at the strike fighter’s weapons employment in a high-intensity combat campaign.

1 Source

2026-10-02T15:56:15.706863-07:00

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

FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

What Boeing’s F/A-XX win means for the US aerospace industry

By FlightGlobal: A win in two sixth-generation programmes secures Boeing's fighter enterprise for the next 50 years, while leaving other manufacturers out in the cold.

1 Source

2026-10-02T14:35:18.336141-07:00

Satellite Europe Defense Industry & Major Contractors Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation Space Defense & Militarization

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Rheinmetall, Argotec launch first satellite for military air-defense network

By SpaceNews.com: Argotec satellite operations center WASHINGTON — German defense contractor Rheinmetall and Italian space company Argotec launched the first satellite developed under a new partnership.

4 Sources

2026-10-02T14:16:32.590441-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs M&A Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons Defense Industry & Major Contractors

AeroTime • Stephen Pope

Blackstone launches defense company focused on drone and missile technology

By AeroTime: Blackstone has launched Falcata, combining two existing defense companies to expand production of technology used to intercept drones and missiles.

1 Source

2026-10-02T13:50:50.579988-07:00

AI M&A Defense Industry & Major Contractors

Breaking Defense • Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.

Pentagon partners with CIA’s In-Q-Tel for ‘technology scouting’

By Breaking Defense: The CIA-funded investment firm, which has helped finance startups from Anduril to Palantir, is now formally coordinating with the Pentagon’s Critical Technologies office.

1 Source

2026-10-02T09:50:19.914396-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs General Atomics Defense Industry & Major Contractors

The War Zone • Howard Altman, Joseph Trevithick

Hunt For MQ-9 Reaper Successor Surprisingly Includes Exotic Aircraft Manufacturer Otto Aerospace

By The War Zone: Otto's extremely efficient airframe design philosophy, tested by the Celera 500L, could make for an attractive Reaper follow-on, but it is facing stiff competition.

1 Source

2026-10-02T11:50:35.838778-07:00

Europe Space Policy & International Cooperation Space Defense & Militarization Defense Policy

Space Intel Report • Peter B. de Selding

EU Military Chief Urges NATO Integration Into Europe’s Space Security Programs

By Space Intel Report: LA PLATA,Maryland — The chairman of the EU Military Committee, whose job is to advise top EU officials on military strategy, urged the EU to incorporate NATO into its growing military space program to assure that the 32-nation alliance and the 27-nation EU reinforce each other.

1 Source

2026-10-02T11:57:05.818583-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs AI Supply Chain Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)

FlightGlobal • Lizzie Rix

Shield AI announces new test flight and production sites for X-Bat jet

By FlightGlobal: The main production site Forge 3 is scheduled for open in Spring 2027.

1 Source

2026-10-02T09:35:14.724482-07:00

Navy F/A-18F Squadron Launched Hundreds of Weapons During Operation Epic Fury

What Boeing’s F/A-XX win means for the US aerospace industry

Rheinmetall, Argotec launch first satellite for military air-defense network

Blackstone launches defense company focused on drone and missile technology

Pentagon partners with CIA’s In-Q-Tel for ‘technology scouting’

Hunt For MQ-9 Reaper Successor Surprisingly Includes Exotic Aircraft Manufacturer Otto Aerospace

EU Military Chief Urges NATO Integration Into Europe’s Space Security Programs

Shield AI announces new test flight and production sites for X-Bat jet

All The Weapons A Single Navy Fighter Squadron Launched During Operation Epic Fury

What Boeing’s F/A-XX win means for the US aerospace industry

Rheinmetall, Argotec launch first satellite for military air-defense network

Blackstone launches defense company focused on drone and missile technology

EU Military Chief Urges NATO Integration Into Europe’s Space Security Programs

Hunt For MQ-9 Reaper Successor Surprisingly Includes Exotic Aircraft Manufacturer Otto Aerospace

French Air Force plans loyal wingman flight in 2028 in sovereign AI push

Taiwan receives first two of 66 F-16V Block 70 jets amid rising Chinese pressure

Finland presents first F-35s as transition to operational service begins

Lockheed’s ‘Big Bet’ Tests CEO Plan to Move at Skunk Works Speed

U.S. Space Force and industry advance military, sovereign satellite communications and in-space ISR capabilities

UK links Iran to suspected plot near RAF Fairford, a base used by U.S. forces

Hegseth Taps Musk, Luckey and Gingrich to Lead 120-Day Future Warfare Study

Poland to accelerate air-defense rules as Sweden commits Gripens to NATO mission

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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