MRO   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)  
Aviation Week • Brian Everstine

USAF restores B-1B Lancer to active service, reversing 2021 retirement plan with multi-year regeneration and depot overhaul

The U.S. Air Force has brought a stored Rockwell B-1B Lancer back into service after a multi-year regeneration and depot maintenance effort, returning the aircraft to active operations as part of the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess AFB, Texas. The move underscores the service’s need to sustain its bomber fleet.

Also: Air & Space Forces Mag and Air Data News
2026-05-06T15:25:05.803030-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   AI   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
Northrop Grumman • MIN READ

SHEPARD Next-Gen Hybrid Electric Uncrewed Aircraft Takes Flight

By Northrop Grumman: Northrop Grumman’s XRQ-73 SHEPARD uncrewed aircraft begin flight testing to demonstrate hybrid-electric propulsion advancements for DARPA’s next-generation lightweight autonomous systems.

Also: aviationnews.eu, FlightGlobal, Aviation Week, defence-blog.com and 3 more
2026-05-06T10:19:38.902409-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Orders   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Export Controls & Trade Compliance  
AeroTime • Stephen Pope

Raytheon secures major SharpSight radar order in global distribution deal

By AeroTime: Raytheon will produce 120 SharpSight radars under a deal with distributor Blue Raven that is aimed at expanding global access to the surveillance system.

Also: Seapower Magazine, Seeking Alpha, mrobusinesstoday.com and defence-industry.eu
2026-05-06T13:58:50.496928-07:00
Event   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
Breaking Defense • Agnes Helou

Turkey rolls out intercontinental missile with purported 6,000km range

By Breaking Defense: The ICBM would add a "crucial layer of deterrence" to Turkey's military arsenal, a defense analyst told Breaking Defense.

Also: Times of India and defcrosnews.com
2026-05-06T12:36:31.055231-07:00
Aircraft Carrier   Middle East   Europe   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
politico.eu • Victor Goury-Laffont

French aircraft carrier crosses Suez as Paris eyes Hormuz mission

By politico.eu: France wants to ensure the safe passage of ships through the strait but is wary of getting involved in the war.

Also: al-monitor.com, The Independent, Times of India and 9 more
2026-05-06T08:21:25.875536-07:00