Defense News

Viasat Satellite Space Force Defense Industry & Major Contractors

Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

Viasat wins initial $42 million task order for Marine Corps managed SATCOM

Viasat has secured an initial $42 million task order under the U.S. Space Force’s MECS2 contract to provide global managed satellite communications services for the U.S. Marine Corps. The award expands Viasat’s role in delivering commercial SATCOM capabilities to the U.S. military.

Also: Seeking Alpha and satnews.com

3 Sources

2026-09-23T12:37:22.190245-07:00

F-16 AI Military Aircraft Procurement

Breaking Defense • Jana Vislocky

The still-formidable F-16 will be even more capable with better electronic warfare

By Breaking Defense: The F-16 remains a formidable frontline fighter. Learn how electronic warfare, radar, EO/IR and navigation upgrades can improve its capability and survivability.

1 Source

2026-09-23T12:20:42.446103-07:00

Commercial Space Space Defense & Militarization Space Debris & Traffic Management

Breaking Defense • Theresa Hitchens

EXCLUSIVE: SpaceX given unique access to classified DoD space tracking data, sources say

By Breaking Defense: Commercial space monitoring firms are concerned SpaceX's ability to use the best DoD data could threaten the market, sources tell Breaking Defense.

1 Source

2026-09-23T11:38:56.229040-07:00

Dassault Aviation AI Europe Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Industry & Major Contractors

FlightGlobal • Joseph Dainty

Dassault Aviation tests sovereign AI algorithms on Rafale fighter

By FlightGlobal: The flight tests pave the way for future cockpit upgrades and enhanced crew assistance. Dassault Aviation has flight-tested two new sovereign artificial intelligence algorithms on the Rafale combat aircraft, marking a step forward in its broader initiative to integrate supervised AI into military cockpits.

flightlineweekly.com

Dassault Flight-Tests Sovereign AI Algorithms on Rafale Fighter

The Aviationist

Dassault Tests Rafale with New AI Technologies for Crew Support

Also: dassault-aviation.com, India Defense News and 7 more

17 Sources

2026-09-23T08:50:05.402535-07:00

Satellite Defense Industry & Major Contractors Space Defense & Militarization

AirForceTimes

Leonardo DRS Showcases JTT-X Hybrid SATCOM for Tactical Aircraft

By AirForceTimes: Learn how JTT-X uses multiple satellite networks to strengthen secure communications and connectivity for military aircraft in contested environments.

Also: DefenseNews.com

2 Sources

2026-09-23T10:35:33.362168-07:00

Europe Military Aircraft Procurement Accident Aviation Safety & Regulation BAE Systems

AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

RAF Hawk T2 crashes near RAF Valley in Wales, both pilots eject

By AeroTime: An RAF Hawk T2 crashed near RAF Valley on Anglesey, North Wales. Both pilots ejected and were treated for suspected minor injuries.

Aviation Week

RAF Hawk T2 Crashes Amid Scrutiny of Fleet Technical Issues

aviationnews.eu

Two Crew Eject After RAF Hawk Jet Crashes During Takeoff at RAF Valley in Anglesey

Also: The War Zone, The Aviationist, FlightGlobal, adsadvance.co.uk, Aviation Safety Network, AeroTime and ukaviation.aero

11 Sources

2026-09-23T07:51:04.156614-07:00

Leadership Europe Defense Industry & Major Contractors

FlightGlobal • Dominic Perry

Anduril Appoints Interim UK Chief as Rich Drake Departs

By FlightGlobal: Defence firm has appointed David Arthurton to lead the business on an interim basis. Anduril Industries is looking for a new UK leader after the departure of its current general manager Rich Drake to pursue an opportunity outside the firm.

1 Source

2026-09-23T10:50:32.858936-07:00

Satellite Europe Space Policy & International Cooperation Space Defense & Militarization Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact

DefenseNews.com • Rudy Ruitenberg

Europe’s push to reduce US reliance is reshaping the defense space market

By DefenseNews.com: Spooked by U.S. restrictions on satellite data access during recent crises, European countries are scrambling to catch up on sovereign capabilities.

Also: c4isrnet.com

2 Sources

2026-09-23T06:20:47.157310-07:00

Viasat wins initial $42 million task order for Marine Corps managed SATCOM

The still-formidable F-16 will be even more capable with better electronic warfare

EXCLUSIVE: SpaceX given unique access to classified DoD space tracking data, sources say

Dassault Aviation tests sovereign AI algorithms on Rafale fighter

Dassault Flight-Tests Sovereign AI Algorithms on Rafale Fighter

Dassault Tests Rafale with New AI Technologies for Crew Support

Leonardo DRS Showcases JTT-X Hybrid SATCOM for Tactical Aircraft

RAF Hawk T2 crashes near RAF Valley in Wales, both pilots eject

RAF Hawk T2 Crashes Amid Scrutiny of Fleet Technical Issues

Two Crew Eject After RAF Hawk Jet Crashes During Takeoff at RAF Valley in Anglesey

Anduril Appoints Interim UK Chief as Rich Drake Departs

Europe’s push to reduce US reliance is reshaping the defense space market

Viasat Wins $42 Million U.S. Marine Corps Managed SATCOM Task Order

The still-formidable F-16 will be even more capable with better electronic warfare

EXCLUSIVE: SpaceX given unique access to classified DoD space tracking data, sources say

Anduril Appoints Interim UK Chief as Rich Drake Departs

Leonardo DRS Showcases JTT-X Hybrid SATCOM for Tactical Aircraft

Dassault Aviation tests sovereign AI algorithms on Rafale fighter

US approves potential $425m MH-60R Seahawk sale to Denmark

Russian military helicopter entered Polish airspace briefly, Polish army says

Japan and India conduct ‘advanced’ bilateral air exercises, signalling growing alignment

UK Royal Air Force Forms First Dedicated Space Effects Squadron

USAF F-16 crashes during landing near Spangdahlem Air Base; pilot ejects safely

General Atomics delivers FQ-42A Vengeance to Creech for test and evaluation

South Korea receives first production KF-21 Boramae fighter

F-35A components diverted from Australia to Hong Kong, prompting U.S. congressional probe

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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