Defense News

Satellite Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons Space Defense & Militarization Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

RUSI report warns Russia could use nuclear space weapons against U.S. missile defenses

A Royal United Services Institute study says Moscow has incentives to use a nuclear weapon in space to disable proliferated satellite networks that support U.S. missile defenses. The warning highlights the exposure of space-based defense infrastructure to attacks with potentially broad effects across satellite networks.

1 Source

2026-10-09T06:40:39.238069-07:00

aviation UAV Development & Drone Programs

Breaking Defense • Breaking Defense

A leap in drone range and payloads come from a battery with different chemistry

By Breaking Defense: Licerion Strike battery technology delivers high energy density and extended flight time for unmanned aerial systems and other demanding applications.

1 Source

2026-10-09T08:04:52.127716-07:00

Space Defense & Militarization

Space.com • Micah Hanks

Did the Soviet Union really fire a cannon from a space station?

By Space.com: According to some reports, at the height of the Cold War, the Soviet Union mounted a rapid-fire cannon aboard a secretive military space station.

1 Source

2026-10-09T08:06:19.237129-07:00

Helicopter Sikorsky FlightSim Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Industry & Major Contractors Workforce & Skills Development Asia-Pacific (APAC)

FlightGlobal • Lizzie Rix

Philippines to receive first training devices for its S-70i Black Hawks

By FlightGlobal: The contract will enable the Philippines to train Black Hawk pilots locally.

Also: Vertical Mag and defence-industry.eu

4 Sources

2026-10-09T06:05:59.818295-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs AI

Breaking Defense • Breaking Defense

Bringing real autonomy to battlefield drone swarms

By Breaking Defense: Palladyne AI’s decentralized embodied collaborative AI enables autonomous drone swarms to share intelligence, reduce pilot workload and improve battlefield capabilities.

1 Source

2026-10-09T06:04:59.600971-07:00

Helicopter Europe Military Aircraft Procurement

FlightGlobal • Craig Hoyle

NH Industries chief reports strong customer interest in buying ex-Norwegian NH90s

By FlightGlobal: European consortium is discussing potential sale of "almost brand-new" assets with multiple nations. NH Industries (NHI) has reported strong interest from potential customers for a batch of 14 NH90 maritime helicopters previously operated by the Royal Norwegian Air Force.

Also: Janes and Aviation Week

3 Sources

2026-10-09T04:05:52.008263-07:00

Event UAV Development & Drone Programs Europe

DefenseNews.com • Jaroslaw Adamowski

Estonia’s KrattWorks crafting Shahed-like dummy drone for target practice

By DefenseNews.com: The Estonian company, which has announced a Shahed-like target drone, will show its products at this year's AUSA conference in Washington.

1 Source

2026-10-09T03:45:38.453094-07:00

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

Breaking Defense • Michael Marrow, Valerie Insinna

EXCLUSIVE: Pentagon, Lockheed weigh multi-year F-35 production, sustainment deal

By Breaking Defense: One source familiar with the negotiations expressed doubt that Lockheed "can successfully propose something that demonstrates long-term cost savings.".

1 Source

2026-10-09T03:45:37.654218-07:00

RUSI report warns Russia could use nuclear space weapons against U.S. missile defenses

A leap in drone range and payloads come from a battery with different chemistry

Did the Soviet Union really fire a cannon from a space station?

Philippines to receive first training devices for its S-70i Black Hawks

Bringing real autonomy to battlefield drone swarms

NH Industries chief reports strong customer interest in buying ex-Norwegian NH90s

Estonia’s KrattWorks crafting Shahed-like dummy drone for target practice

EXCLUSIVE: Pentagon, Lockheed weigh multi-year F-35 production, sustainment deal

A leap in drone range and payloads come from a battery with different chemistry

Did the Soviet Union really fire a cannon from a space station?

Russia may turn to nuclear space weapons to counter U.S. missile defenses, report says

Bringing real autonomy to battlefield drone swarms

Philippines to receive first training devices for its S-70i Black Hawks

RAF Lossiemouth gets second Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft as evaluation work continues

RAF Lossiemouth gets second Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft as evaluation work continues

#SpaceWatchGL Recap: IAC 2026 Day Four: Space Commands, Nuclear Power and the Rules of the Moon

#SpaceWatchGL Recap: Intelligence for space, not just space for intelligence

UK and Germany Commit to Deeper Space Cooperation, with SaxaVord at the Centre

Romania signs €757 million deal for 12 Airbus H225M helicopters

Raytheon wins up to $6.3 billion Pentagon contract for SM-3 Block IB production and sustainment

Army report attributes 2025 DCA midair collision that killed 67 to systemic failures

First Brazilian-built Gripen E completes maiden flight

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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