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UAV Development & Drone Programs   Hypersonic   Military Aircraft Procurement   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons  
The War Zone • Joseph Trevithick

Navy begins F/A-18 Super Hornet testing of low-cost Blackbeard hypersonic missile

The U.S. Navy has begun testing the low-cost Blackbeard hypersonic missile on the F/A-18 Super Hornet and is targeting a limited operational arsenal within two years. The effort points to a potentially faster, more affordable path to deploying hypersonic capability from existing tactical aircraft.

Also: interestingengineering.com
2026-08-26T15:50:08.091903-07:00
Satellite   Space Force   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Space Defense & Militarization  
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SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Space Force expands Starshield service for military aircraft

By SpaceNews.com: WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is expanding its use of SpaceX’s Starshield satellite network aboard military aircraft, awarding the company a new fleet-level service contract that sheds light on how the system is being integrated across U.S.

2026-08-26T15:36:10.174481-07:00
Europe   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
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European Spaceflight • Andrew Parsonson

Polish Institute Reports Continued GNSS Disruption Along Country’s North Coast

By European Spaceflight: a sharp increase in deliberate satellite navigation signal interference around Gdańsk, on the country’s northern coast. The institute reports that significant disruption occurred on almost two-thirds of days during the first half of August.

2026-08-26T13:20:17.001946-07:00
Honeywell   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
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FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

Collins completes altitude tests of proposed F-35 power and cooling upgrade

By FlightGlobal: RTX division is vying with incumbent Honeywell to upgrade the F-35's power system. Collins Aerospace has completed high-altitude testing of a proposed solution for increasing electrical power and cooling on Lockheed Martin's F-35 stealth fighter.

2026-08-26T13:05:16.327758-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Boeing  
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Breaking Defense • Michael Marrow

Air Force awards $766 million for B-52 radar modernization

By Breaking Defense: One contract worth up to $603 million was issued to RTX subsidiary Raytheon, while a second valued at roughly $163 million was issued to B-52 prime contractor Boeing.

2026-08-26T10:19:46.770729-07:00
China   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Boeing  
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Bloomberg • Anthony Capaccio

Lockheed’s Pricey F-35 Sees 10% Cost Jump for Needed Upgrades

By Bloomberg: The cost of the Lockheed Martin Corp. F-35 program — already the most expensive in US history — has risen by about $51 billion, or about 10%, since late 2023 because of software, readiness, spare parts and engine power improvements.

Also: insidedefense.com and Bloomberg Law
2026-08-26T09:06:54.856966-07:00
North America   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Cybersecurity (Cyber Threats & Protection)   NASA  
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Reuters • A.J. Vicens, Raphael Satter

US says Chinese hackers broke into Justice Department, NASA, Federal Reserve, Senate

By Reuters: The U.S. said on Wednesday it had disrupted a Chinese hacking operation ‌responsible for break-ins and attempts on the Justice Department, NASA, the Federal Reserve, the Senate, and other sensitive government agencies.

2026-08-26T07:51:12.856762-07:00
Satellite   Space Force   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Space Defense & Militarization   Space Debris & Traffic Management   NASA  
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SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

LeoLabs wins $20 million Space Force deal for Scout radar

By SpaceNews.com: eoLabs WASHINGTON — LeoLabs won a $20.68 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to deliver a modified version of its transportable Scout radar and demonstrate the technology for a defense mission beyond its traditional use tracking satellites and debris in orbit.

Also: SpaceNews.com, Seeking Alpha and Defense Daily
2026-08-26T06:51:00.182946-07:00