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UAV Development & Drone Programs   AI   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
The Air Current • Julie Johnsson

U.S. Navy seeks two fully functional prototypes for first tranche of Collaborative Combat Aircraft

The U.S. Navy has opened its long-anticipated search for a first tranche of Collaborative Combat Aircraft, requesting industry proposals for two fully functional uncrewed fighter prototypes to be delivered within three years. The effort marks the service’s initial step toward acquiring “loyal wingman” aircraft.

2026-08-31T18:20:29.635700-07:00
Hypersonic   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Export Controls & Trade Compliance  
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The War Zone • Thomas Newdick

Ukraine Report Challenges Russia’s Zircon Hypersonic Claims, Traces U.S.-Origin Electronics

By The War Zone: Ukraine’s intelligence report maps Zircon’s production chain and claims to identify U.S.-origin electronics inside the missile. Ukraine’s intelligence report maps Zircon’s production chain and claims to identify U.S.-origin electronics inside the missile.

2026-08-31T14:50:04.461834-07:00
Supply Chain   Military Aircraft Procurement   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
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Reuters

Pentagon signs 7-year deals to increase missile production

By Reuters: The Pentagon said ​on Monday it ‌secured seven-year agreements with General ​Dynamics Ordnance ​and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) and ⁠Lockheed Martin ​to increase missile ​production.

Also: AeroTime, insidedefense.com, Seeking Alpha, Defense Daily, Economic Times and Military Times
2026-08-31T06:05:51.978989-07:00
Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Asia-Pacific (APAC)  
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The War Zone • Thomas Newdick

Japan’s ASM-3 Kai Supersonic Cruise Missile May Have An Air-To-Air Capability

By The War Zone: Japan calls the ASM-3 Kai an “air-to-surface/anti-air” weapon, potentially pointing to a new counter to large high-value airborne targets. Japan calls the ASM-3 Kai an “air-to-surface/anti-air” weapon, potentially pointing to a new counter to high-value airborne targets.

2026-08-31T10:20:13.834306-07:00