UAV Development & Drone Programs   General Atomics   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Budgets & Spending  
Aviation Today • Frank Wolfe

DIU and U.S. Air Force partner on MQ-9A Reaper follow-on to replace $50M-class UAVs

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is collaborating with the U.S. Air Force on a project intended to replace the General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper. Depending on payload configuration, the Reaper platform can cost up to $50 million apiece, making the follow-on effort a significant procurement and modernization undertaking.

2026-07-16T07:14:56.212108-07:00
Supply Chain   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
Aviation Today • Frank Wolfe

DCMA Flags Missing Required Equipment on at Least 15 F-35s Since May 2025

By Aviation Today: At least 15 F-35s built in the last year have lacked required equipment, according to a Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) list sent to sister publication Defense Daily after a Freedom […].

Also: DefenseNews.com
2026-07-16T07:29:22.237609-07:00
SAAB   Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Budgets & Spending   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Deals   Defense Policy  
Reuters

Starmer says UK to help fund 16 Gripen fighter jets for Ukraine

By Reuters: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on ​Thursday pledged €300 million ($345 million) to help ‌equip Ukraine with a squadron of 16 Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets, making one of ​his final commitments to Kyiv before leaving ​office.

2026-07-16T05:45:44.051100-07:00
Event   Accident   Aviation Safety & Regulation  
AeroTime • Ian Molyneaux

Actions of Blue Angels pilot called into question over low pass at busy US beach

By AeroTime: A US Navy's Blue Angels aerobatic display team is under review after video footage emerged of a low altitude pass at a busy Florida beach.

Also: CBS News, CNN and 5 more
2026-07-16T04:15:47.808247-07:00