Defense News

UAV Development & Drone Programs AI Defense Policy

Breaking Defense • Breaking Defense Video

Army tech chief discusses autonomy, acquisition and the future of drones

Army CTO Alex Miller spoke with Breaking Defense’s Carley Welch about the service’s unmanned initiatives, covering autonomy, acquisition and the future of drones. The interview brings together the technology and procurement dimensions of the Army’s plans for unmanned systems.

1 Source

2026-10-21T06:50:41.362331-07:00

AI Defense Industry & Major Contractors

NEW

SpaceNews.com • Space Nuclear Power Corporation

Space Nuclear Power Corporation Awarded DARPA Agreement for Ground Test of Autonomous Nuclear Reactor Controller

By SpaceNews.com: LOS ALAMOS, N.M. — October 21, 2026 — Space Nuclear Power Corporation (SpaceNukes) announced today that the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded the company an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) under the Fast Capacitance (Fat Cat) program.

1 Source

2026-10-21T07:49:06.711126-07:00

NEW

Air Data News • Ricardo Meier

B-21 modernization already underway before bomber enters service

By Air Data News: Northrop Grumman says sustainment and upgrade work have begun while the Raider remains in Northrop Grumman has already begun modernization work on the B-21 Raider, even though the new stealth bomber remains in flight testing and has yet to enter operational service with the U.S.

1 Source

2026-10-21T07:56:18.460688-07:00

Satellite Space Force Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons Space Defense & Militarization

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Space Development Agency eyes new missile-tracking technologies for future satellites

By SpaceNews.com: WASHINGTON — The Space Development Agency is exploring new sensor technologies for its next generation of missile-tracking satellites, including capabilities to detect and follow targets throughout their flight.

1 Source

2026-10-21T06:49:01.893501-07:00

Satellite Space Defense & Militarization

Space.com • Mike Wall

Russian Satellite Makes Risky Close Approach to U.S. Commercial Spacecraft

By Space.com: A Russian satellite just conducted a startlingly close approach of a private American Earth-observing satellite. What was the goal of the controversial maneuver?.

Also: zmescience.com

2 Sources

2026-10-21T04:05:49.955037-07:00

aviation Air Cargo & Freight Logistics Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)

Flying Magazine • Jack Daleo

Air Force Invests $3.5M in Natilus’ Blended-Wing Body Aircraft

By Flying Magazine: Natilus’ Kona regional freighter could serve both commercial cargo operators and military missions in the Indo-Pacific.

Also: AINonline, Aviation Week and stattimes.com

4 Sources

2026-10-21T04:04:42.900293-07:00

Dassault Aviation Europe Accident Aviation Safety & Regulation

AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

2026-10-20T23:19:25.901181-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Europe Policy & Regulation Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact

c4isrnet.com

Europe weighs giving utilities, infrastructure companies more powers to bring down drones

By c4isrnet.com: Offials are worried that drone attacks could knock out power to millions of people — as has happened frequently in Ukraine after Russian strikes.

Also: DefenseNews.com

2 Sources

2026-10-21T04:30:39.423825-07:00

Army tech chief discusses autonomy, acquisition and the future of drones

Space Nuclear Power Corporation Awarded DARPA Agreement for Ground Test of Autonomous Nuclear Reactor Controller

B-21 modernization already underway before bomber enters service

Space Development Agency eyes new missile-tracking technologies for future satellites

Russian Satellite Makes Risky Close Approach to U.S. Commercial Spacecraft

Air Force Invests $3.5M in Natilus’ Blended-Wing Body Aircraft

French Mirage 2000D fighter jet crashes near Nancy

Mirage 2000D Crash in France Claims One Life as Search Continues for Missing Pilot

One dead, second crew member missing after French Mirage 2000D crashes near Nancy

Europe weighs giving utilities, infrastructure companies more powers to bring down drones

B-21 modernization already underway before bomber enters service

Space Nuclear Power Corporation Awarded DARPA Agreement for Ground Test of Autonomous Nuclear Reactor Controller

Army's tech chief talks autonomy, acquisition and the future of drones

Space Development Agency eyes new missile-tracking technologies for future satellites

Europe weighs giving utilities, infrastructure companies more powers to bring down drones

Russian Satellite Makes Risky Close Approach to U.S. Commercial Spacecraft

Ukraine's Fire Point gets $113 million state loan guarantee in Denmark

L3Harris secures development contract for US Navy’s low-band jammer

Zelensky, US allies bet on strike concessions to placate Trump

Northrop optimistic about next round of uncrewed fighter development

UK to deploy Typhoons, Voyager tanker and A400M to support Saudi defensive operations against Houthi attacks

Russian satellite closes to within 3,281 feet of U.S.-registered ICEYE radar satellite

RTX raises 2026 outlook as Q3 growth pushes backlog to record $340 billion

RTX raises 2026 outlook as Q3 growth pushes backlog to record $340 billion

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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