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F-16   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

US explores alternative engines for F-15EX and F-16, challenging long-standing USAF duopoly

The Department of War is considering alternative engine suppliers for the F-15EX and F-16, a move that could disrupt the long-running engine duopoly supporting two key U.S. Air Force fighter types. The request signals potential competitive and industrial-base implications for both programs.

2026-08-03T21:31:07.155674-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   AI   Supply Chain   North America   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
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Wall Street Journal • Heather Somerville, Scott Calvert

Anduril Weighs Baltimore Shipyard Investment to Build Drone Boats

By Wall Street Journal: Anduril Industries is in advanced talks with a Maryland port to build out a production site for the company’s drone boats, people familiar with the matter said, a sign of the growing military demand for autonomous sea vessels and the potential for defense startups to revitalize American industrial infrastructure.

2026-08-03T17:14:12.434068-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Supply Chain   Military Aircraft Procurement   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
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Breaking Defense • Valerie Insinna

Northrop gets $3B framework deal to increase motor production for PAC-3, THAAD

By Breaking Defense: The deal will allow Northrop to stand up production as a second supplier of solid rocket motors for the PAC-3 interceptor.

Also: Defense Scoop, The War Zone, Reuters, Bloomberg, APAC Defence Reporter, Northrop Grumman, Aviation Week, Aerotech News, Defense Daily, realcleardefense.com, The Independent, insidedefense.com and 11 more
2026-08-03T05:31:14.955872-07:00
Supply Chain   North America   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Boeing   Boeing 747  
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DefenseNews.com • Michael Peck

US Air Force jet engine manufacturing plagued by ‘significant challenges’

By DefenseNews.com: Jet engine manufacturing is plagued by production delays, quality control issues and material shortages, the U.S. Air Force said.

Also: AirForceTimes and Military Times
2026-08-03T12:00:09.584420-07:00
Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Defense Deals  
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Breaking Defense • Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo

Rheinmetall unveils new guided-missile frigate projected for North American tender

By Breaking Defense: The German GMF 140 is envisioned to integrate US-sourced radar options, hypersonic weapons and ballistic missiles, the AEGIS Combat System, and 64 Strike-Length Vertical Launch System cells.

2026-08-03T10:45:07.372150-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Satellite   Europe   Aircraft Finance & Leasing   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Human Spaceflight & Space Stations   Commercial Space   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Space Defense & Militarization   Airbus   Thales  
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SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Airbus and Thales win order for SpainSat replacement

By SpaceNews.com: Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space will build a replacement military communications satellite for Spain.

Also: SpaceWatch Africa, Satellite Evolution, Janes and 8 more
2026-08-03T05:33:01.855788-07:00
Accident   Boeing  
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FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

US KC-135 damaged over Iraq returns to service with new tail section

By FlightGlobal: A vertical stabiliser from a retired jet was used to replace a stabiliser sheared off by a mid-air collision. A Boeing KC-135 aerial refuelling jet that was seriously damaged in March during a mid-air collision has returned to service after extensive repairs.

Also: The Aviationist
2026-08-03T11:00:18.124963-07:00