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Breaking Defense • Michael Marrow

F-35 flyaway costs rise more than 8% across all three variants in latest production lots

The average flyaway cost of the F-35A and F-35B increased by more than 11% compared with recent contracts, while the F-35C’s price rose by more than 8%, according to figures provided by the F-35 Joint Program Office. The increases affect the program’s latest production lots.

Also: Simple Flying

2 Sources

2026-09-04T10:34:46.238914-07:00

Workforce & Skills Development

Breaking Defense • Robbin Laird

Fixing the machine: Inside the Navy's race to rebuild its aviator pipeline

By Breaking Defense: An in-depth discussion with the service's chief of Naval Air Training Command.

1 Source

2026-09-04T08:50:00.797470-07:00

Satellite Defense Industry & Major Contractors Space Defense & Militarization

Breaking Defense • Mark Pomerleau

Army’s desert Starlink trial highlights challenges and opportunities of commercial satellite technology

By Breaking Defense: US Army soldiers have taken to placing wet t-shirts on Starlink terminals to keep them from overheating in the field during tests.

1 Source

2026-09-04T06:19:48.048580-07:00

Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Industry & Major Contractors

SpaceNews.com • Omar Pimentel

I saw more than 1,000 pitches to the Pentagon ... and a clear pattern for success

By SpaceNews.com: A defense startup can build exactly what the military needs and still fail to sell it to the Pentagon.

1 Source

2026-09-04T06:07:00.512580-07:00

Military Aircraft Procurement Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Defense Industry & Major Contractors

FlightGlobal • Craig Hoyle

Sierra Nevada to design ski-equipped LC-130J modification for US Air Force

By FlightGlobal: Development and analysis work on adaptation kit for snow runway operations will conclude in March 2028.

1 Source

2026-09-04T03:05:11.436497-07:00

Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Industry & Major Contractors Defense Policy

Air & Space Forces Mag • Greg Hadley

Last EC-130H Makes Its Final Flight Ahead of Retirement

By Air & Space Forces Mag: The last EC-130H Compass Call made its final flight Sept. 2, as the Air Force prepares to retire the electronic warfare aircraft.

Also: The Aviationist, Air Data News and AeroTime

4 Sources

2026-09-03T18:13:29.514583-07:00

Aircraft Carrier UAV Development & Drone Programs AI Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Industry & Major Contractors

AeroTime • Stephen Pope

US Navy seeks carrier combat drones with 10,000-lb payload

By AeroTime: The US Navy is seeking autonomous combat aircraft capable of carrier operations, strike missions and carrying up to 10,000 pounds of weapons.

1 Source

2026-09-03T12:20:09.015244-07:00

Space Force Leadership Space Defense & Militarization Defense Policy

Air & Space Forces Mag • Courtney Albon

2026-09-03T13:05:26.247992-07:00

F-35 flyaway costs rise more than 8% across all three variants in latest production lots

Fixing the machine: Inside the Navy's race to rebuild its aviator pipeline

Army’s desert Starlink trial highlights challenges and opportunities of commercial satellite technology

I saw more than 1,000 pitches to the Pentagon ... and a clear pattern for success

Sierra Nevada to design ski-equipped LC-130J modification for US Air Force

Last EC-130H Makes Its Final Flight Ahead of Retirement

US Navy seeks carrier combat drones with 10,000-lb payload

Schiess Sworn in as New Space Force Chief: ‘We Must Grow with Intention’

Schiess takes command of Space Force as the service prepares for expansion

Schiess Assumes Leadership Of U.S. Space Force

F-35 costs jump in latest production lots

Fixing the machine: Inside the Navy's race to rebuild its aviator pipeline

Army’s desert Starlink trial highlights challenges and opportunities of commercial satellite technology

I saw more than 1,000 pitches to the Pentagon ... and a clear pattern for success

Sierra Nevada to design ski-equipped LC-130J modification for US Air Force

Last EC-130H Makes Its Final Flight Ahead of Retirement

Trump Asks Companies to Spend Billions on Unproven Tech For His Golden Dome

After ‘concerning’ losses, Air Force pushes to replace Reaper faster

How the Pentagon is adapting its Pacific fuel strategy for island-hopping warfare

First F-15EX bound for permanent deployment in Japan delivered to US Air Force

USS Abraham Lincoln docks in Thailand after 286 days at sea and Middle East deployment

GE Aerospace wins Pentagon HyCAT award as it expands combat-engine production and secures South Korean destroyer propulsion deal

Missile Shortage Strains Ukraine’s F-16 Force Ahead of Russian Airstrikes

First F-15EX Heads to Japan as Air Force Plans to Expand Fleet to 267 Jets

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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