Defense News

UAV Development & Drone Programs Middle East Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Policy

The Air Current • Carter Johnston

Pentagon turns to small hybrid-electric drones as MQ-9 Reaper losses mount

The Pentagon is rapidly procuring small hybrid-electric drones to restore a critical surveillance capability in the Middle East, as combat losses make the MQ-9 Reaper fleet increasingly costly to sustain. The effort signals a shift toward cheaper, more numerous unmanned systems for contested operating environments.

Also: FlightGlobal

2 Sources

2026-09-23T16:20:47.973525-07:00

Satellite Space Force Commercial Space Space Defense & Militarization

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Space Force to put commercial satellite servicing to the test in 2027

By SpaceNews.com: WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force is preparing two commercial satellite servicing missions for 2027 that will test ways of giving military spacecraft more freedom to maneuver after launch.

1 Source

2026-09-23T16:45:45.434615-07:00

China Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Industry & Major Contractors

The War Zone • Joseph Trevithick

China’s Recent J-36 Heavy Stealth Tactical Jet Testing Offers New Insights Into Its Evolving Design

By The War Zone: Recent video footage shows continued refinement of the J-36 design, and there has also been talk of laser armament for the jet.

1 Source

2026-09-23T14:52:54.349141-07:00

Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Industry & Major Contractors Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Export Controls & Trade Compliance

Bloomberg • Anthony Capaccio

China Is Holding Sensitive F-35 Parts Diverted to Hong Kong

By Bloomberg: The Chinese government has taken possession of potentially sensitive F-35 stealth aircraft parts that were inexplicably diverted to Hong Kong while being sent to the US from Australia, people briefed on the incident said.

Also: The Independent, Seeking Alpha and Economic Times

4 Sources

2026-09-23T13:36:30.444741-07:00

Viasat Satellite Space Force Defense Industry & Major Contractors

Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

Viasat Wins $42 Million U.S. Marine Corps Managed SATCOM Task Order

By Via Satellite: Viasat has received a $42 million task order under its contract to provide managed satcom services to the U.S. Marine Corps.

Also: Seeking Alpha and satnews.com

3 Sources

2026-09-23T12:37:22.190245-07:00

F-16 Dassault Aviation AI Europe Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Industry & Major Contractors Defense Deals

FlightGlobal • Joseph Dainty

Dassault Aviation tests sovereign AI algorithms on Rafale fighter

By FlightGlobal: The flight tests pave the way for future cockpit upgrades and enhanced crew assistance.

flightlineweekly.com

Dassault Flight-Tests Sovereign AI Algorithms on Rafale Fighter

The Aviationist

Dassault Tests Rafale with New AI Technologies for Crew Support

Also: Air & Space Forces Mag, dassault-aviation.com, India Defense News and 7 more

21 Sources

2026-09-23T08:50:05.402535-07:00

F-16 AI Military Aircraft Procurement

Breaking Defense • Jana Vislocky

The still-formidable F-16 will be even more capable with better electronic warfare

By Breaking Defense: The F-16 remains a formidable frontline fighter. Learn how electronic warfare, radar, EO/IR and navigation upgrades can improve its capability and survivability.

1 Source

2026-09-23T12:20:42.446103-07:00

Commercial Space Space Defense & Militarization Space Debris & Traffic Management

Breaking Defense • Theresa Hitchens

EXCLUSIVE: SpaceX given unique access to classified DoD space tracking data, sources say

By Breaking Defense: Commercial space monitoring firms are concerned SpaceX's ability to use the best DoD data could threaten the market, sources tell Breaking Defense.

1 Source

2026-09-23T11:38:56.229040-07:00