Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Space Defense & Militarization   Policy & Regulation   Defense Policy   Boeing  
Aviation Week • Brian Everstine

USAF to proceed with two E‑7A Wedgetail prototypes; full‑fleet funding deferred amid Pentagon–Congress split

The U.S. Air Force will move forward with two Boeing E‑7A Wedgetail rapid prototypes under a congressional mandate, but has not budgeted for follow‑on fleet buys. Air Force leadership says the aircraft’s long‑term fate is unresolved and wants a discussion with Congress amid Pentagon interest in space‑based tracking.

Also: Air & Space Forces Mag and Aviation Week
2026-02-24T12:11:11.124497-08:00
Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
FlightGlobal • Dominic Perry

Leonardo CEO signals AW149 likely to be selected for UK New Medium Helicopter programme

By FlightGlobal: Leonardo chief executive Roberto Cingolani has given the clearest indication yet that the company's AW149 platform has been selected by the UK for its New Medium Helicopter (NMH) requirement.

Also: Aviation Week
2026-02-25T09:35:07.960094-08:00
China   Satellite   Defense Budgets & Spending   Space Defense & Militarization   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
Bloomberg • Anthony Capaccio, Roxana Tiron

Pentagon Spends $12.6 Billion to Upgrade Surveillance of China’s Subs, Satellites

By Bloomberg: The Pentagon plans to spend an additional $12.6 billion to improve surveillance of China’s military maneuvers, submarines and satellites as the US tries to counter the “unprecedented Chinese military buildup” in Asia, according to a budget document sent to Congress.

Also: South China Morning Post and Bloomberg Law
2026-02-25T09:13:32.750103-08:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   L3Harris   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

L3Harris expands SkyWarden role with gun pod, long‑range missiles and SIGINT capability

By FlightGlobal: US defence manufacturer L3Harris is significantly expanding the capabilities of its SkyWarden close air support turboprop, adding new weapons including a gun pod, signals intelligence sensors and long-range missiles.

2026-02-25T09:36:17.733780-08:00