Breaking Defense
• Theresa Hitchens
The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has issued a call to industry seeking proposals to field an operational power-beaming capability via satellites. The effort targets power beaming between spacecraft (space-to-space) and downlink to Earth (space-to-ground), with an operational goal by 2030.
Via Satellite
• Rachel Jewett
By Via Satellite: Signals intelligence company HawkEye 360 reports demonstrating tactical direct downlink while participating in the multilateral Valiant Shield military.
Reuters
• Cassell Bryan-Low, Joanna Plucinska, Tim Hepher
By Reuters: Spiralling security risks are expected to push defence to the forefront of Britain's Farnborough Airshow, as aerospace and arms makers struggle to keep pace with demand for weapons while cementing a fragile recovery in civil jet and engine production.
Royal Aeronautical Society
AeroTime
• Jean Carmela Lim
By AeroTime: France and Germany have formally shifted their defense relationship away from the wreckage of a failed joint fighter jet program. President Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor Friedrich Merz met near Cologne on July 17, 2026, to move toward new areas of cooperation, including nuclear deterrence.
AeroTime
• Jean Carmela Lim
By AeroTime: Australia’s Northern Territory will serve as a hub of international air power from July 20 to August 7, 2026, as 19 partner nations take part in Exercise Pitch Black 26, a three-week air combat training exercise.
FlightGlobal
• Ryan Finnerty
By FlightGlobal: The VENOM jets use an aftermarket kit that allows a pilot to switch between traditional human flight controls and autonomous flight with the flip of a switch.
FlightGlobal
• Craig Hoyle
By FlightGlobal: Second surveillance aircraft completes functional check flight. Boeing Defence UK has completed the first flight of the Royal Air Force’s (RAF’s) second E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft, and received a new contract to support the type’s introduction to service.
AINonline
• Charlotte Bailey
By AINonline: Odys VTOL extends counter-drone system aloft.
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