Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Policy & Regulation  
DefenseNews.com

F-35 growth “outpaced sustainability,” program chief warns Senate on spares shortfalls

F-35 program chief Lt. Gen. Gregory L. Masiello told a Senate subcommittee that the Joint Strike Fighter’s growth has run ahead of sustainment, citing inadequate “parts and pieces” on the shelf. The warning spotlights how sustainment capacity—not just procurement—can constrain readiness for joint fighters.

Also: AirForceTimes and Military Times
2026-06-26T10:55:18.893651-07:00
Event   UAV Development & Drone Programs   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Boeing  
The Air Current • Carter Johnston

The surprising first U.S. deployment of a collaborative combat aircraft

By The Air Current: At a remote airfield in the northwestern Pacific ocean, the U.S. military is operating a stealthy, uncrewed fighter aircraft for the first time as part of a major field training exercise.

Also: Aviation Week
2026-06-26T10:26:10.484950-07:00
SAAB   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Boeing  
Breaking Defense • Aaron Mehta

Inside the T-7 Red Hawk: Read our three-part investigation

By Breaking Defense: A new series of reports from Breaking Defense provides an unparalleled look at how a key Pentagon acquisition program comes together, and where it threatens to fall apart.

2026-06-26T08:11:41.944170-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Policy & Regulation   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Export Controls & Trade Compliance   Defense Deals   Defense Policy  
Australian Aviation • Stephen Kuper

US approves training package for RAAF Growlers, Super Hornets

By Australian Aviation: The approval, announced by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, is designed to enhance Australia’s ability to operate and sustain its advanced fast jet fleet, while strengthening interoperability with US forces.

2026-06-25T18:11:01.806671-07:00
Event   ATC   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Asia-Pacific (APAC)   Defense Policy  
The Aviationist • Stefano D'Urso

B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber Takes Part in RAAF’s Exercise Diamond Storm

By The Aviationist: A U.S. Air Force B-2A Spirit stealth bomber was integrated in Exercise Diamond Storm, part of the Royal Australian Air Force’s Air Warfare Instructor Course.

Also: AeroTime, Australian Aviation and defence-industry.eu
2026-06-26T04:26:45.621361-07:00
Space Defense & Militarization   Policy & Regulation   Asia-Pacific (APAC)   Defense Policy  
english.kyodonews.net • KYODO NEWS

Japan approves air force reorganization to boost space defense

By english.kyodonews.net: Japan's parliament on Friday enacted legislation to reorganize and rename the Air Self-Defense Force, adding "space" to its official name as part of a broader effort to strengthen the country's space defense capabilities amid a rapidly changing security environment.

2026-06-26T00:27:44.732849-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   AI   Safran   M&A   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
Reuters

France's Safran in talks to buy Exail Technologies

By Reuters: French defence group Safran entered into exclusive negotiations with Exail Technologies over a ​possible acquisition of the sea drone maker at €128.5 ($146.71) per share, the ‌companies said on Friday.

2026-06-26T06:12:41.425090-07:00
Event   Europe   Farnborough Airshow   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   BAE Systems  
FlightGlobal • Craig Hoyle

BAE Systems to Start Fuselage Final Assembly on the UK Combat Air Flying Demonstrator

By FlightGlobal: New platform is coming together two years after programme announcement. BAE Systems will soon launch fuselage final assembly work on the combat air flying demonstrator it announced at the last Farnborough air show, with the milestone coming 40 years after its last such UK-only platform got airborne.

Also: Aviation Week and Shephard Media
2026-06-26T04:26:38.840959-07:00