UAV Development & Drone Programs   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Defense Policy  
Unmanned Airspace • Philip Butterworth-Hayes

Task Force 401 selects five bases for FY26-directed-energy counter-UAS laser pilot, after Texas airspace closures

US Joint Interagency Task Force 401 has picked five installations to run a directed-energy counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) pilot program funded in the FY2026 NDAA. The test effort follows February deployments of a counter-drone system that triggered unexpected airspace closures in Texas, with the Pentagon planning laser trials at the selected sites.

2026-05-07T10:46:31.051446-07:00
Middle East   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Boeing  
AeroTime • Ian Molyneaux

Qatar-gifted Air Force One to arrive ahead of Fourth of July

By AeroTime: A Boeing 747-8i gifted to the United States by Qatar is expected to make its grand entrance as Air Force One before the US’ historic 250-year anniversary.

2026-05-07T05:29:16.933424-07:00
Helicopter   Military Aircraft Procurement   Policy & Regulation   Defense Deals  
Aviation Week • Chen Chuanren

U.S. OKs Philippines For Bell 505 Helicopter Training Package

By Aviation Week: The U.S. State Department has approved the Philippines’ request for a Bell 505 Jet Ranger X training package, valued at approximately $150 million.

Also: Aviation Week and 4 more
2026-05-06T11:00:30.678477-07:00
Event   Space Force   AI   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Space Defense & Militarization  
SpaceWatch Global • Torsten Kriening

#SpaceWatchGl Opinion: The Kill Chain Comes Home: What Leonardo DRS's Breakfast Briefing Tells Us About the Direction of American Homeland Defense

By SpaceWatch Global: At Space Symposium 2026, US Space Command outlines automated kill chains, shifting decision authority, and a homeland-focused doctrine with global implications.

2026-05-07T04:30:25.763879-07:00