Defense News

AI M&A Defense Industry & Major Contractors

Breaking Defense • Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.

Pentagon partners with CIA-backed In-Q-Tel for critical-technology scouting

The Pentagon is formally coordinating with In-Q-Tel, the CIA-funded investment firm that has backed startups including Anduril and Palantir, to identify and support emerging technologies. The partnership expands the defense establishment’s connection to a venture-investment network focused on technology with national-security applications.

1 Source

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

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

NEW

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

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

UAV Development & Drone Programs AI Europe

DefenseNews.com • Rudy Ruitenberg

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

By DefenseNews.com: The French Air Force plans to fly crewed fighter jets in collaboration with AI-powered combat drones in 2028, under project Hypairion.

Also: c4isrnet.com and news.ssbcrack.com

3 Sources

2026-10-02T07:05:15.081042-07:00

F-16 Military Aircraft Procurement Orders Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Defense Deals

AeroTime • Jean Carmela Lim

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

By AeroTime: The first two of Taiwan's 66 F-16V Block 70 fighters have arrived in Taitung, bolstering an air force that scrambles regularly to counter Chinese incursions.

1 Source

2026-10-02T05:51:45.269981-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Accident Asia-Pacific (APAC)

Associated Press • Mari Yamaguchi

Japan air force starts recovery of crashed Global Hawk drone

By Associated Press: Japan's air force has begun recovery operations for a U.S.-made surveillance drone that crashed into the sea last month.

Also: The Independent and suasnews.com

3 Sources

2026-10-02T07:19:55.665245-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Defense Industry & Major Contractors

Bloomberg • Edward Ludlow

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

By Bloomberg: Outside Washington DC in mid-September, Lockheed Martin Corp. lifted the tarp on a futuristic stealth drone: all sleek edges, mysterious vents and not a single pane of glass.

1 Source

2026-10-02T06:04:57.896027-07:00

Europe Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Defense Policy

AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

USAF B-1B joins NATO air defense drill over Baltic states

By AeroTime: A US Air Force B-1B joined fighters from four NATO allies over Lithuania and Latvia as the alliance rehearsed its new air defense framework.

1 Source

2026-10-02T05:36:23.861033-07:00