Space Force   Defense Budgets & Spending   Space Defense & Militarization   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Trump nominee for U.S. Space Force chief defends plan to more than double budget to $71.1B

The Trump nominee to lead the U.S. Space Force backed the administration’s proposal to more than double the service’s budget, arguing for a $71.1 billion request to counter China’s rapidly expanding military capabilities in space. The nominee made the case in testimony to senators.

2026-07-16T08:14:50.576553-07:00
Satellite   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Space Defense & Militarization  
NEW
SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Defense Innovation Unit seeks commercial path to deliver electrical power from orbit

By SpaceNews.com: WASHINGTON — The Defense Innovation Unit is seeking commercial proposals to beam electrical power between spacecraft and from orbit to the ground in a demonstration within two years, an effort to move a long-studied technology toward operational military use by the end of the decade.

Also: Defense Daily
2026-07-16T08:44:48.269276-07:00
Supply Chain   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
Aviation Today • Frank Wolfe

DCMA Flags Missing Required Equipment on at Least 15 F-35s Since May 2025

By Aviation Today: At least 15 F-35s built in the last year have lacked required equipment, according to a Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) list sent to sister publication Defense Daily after a Freedom […].

Also: DefenseNews.com
2026-07-16T07:29:22.237609-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   North America   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
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New York Times • Nicholas Kulish, Peter Eavis, Saronic Corsair

Maker of Drone Boats Used in Iran War to Open New Texas Shipyard

By New York Times: Saronic Technologies will make naval and commercial vessels at the facility. The company’s naval drone helped rescue the crew of a downed Apache helicopter last month.

Also: Janes
2026-07-16T08:16:09.161712-07:00
SAAB   Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Budgets & Spending   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Deals   Defense Policy  
Reuters

Starmer says UK to help fund 16 Gripen fighter jets for Ukraine

By Reuters: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on ​Thursday pledged €300 million ($345 million) to help ‌equip Ukraine with a squadron of 16 Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets, making one of ​his final commitments to Kyiv before leaving ​office.

2026-07-16T05:45:44.051100-07:00
Event   Accident   Aviation Safety & Regulation  
AeroTime • Ian Molyneaux

Actions of Blue Angels pilot called into question over low pass at busy US beach

By AeroTime: A US Navy's Blue Angels aerobatic display team is under review after video footage emerged of a low altitude pass at a busy Florida beach.

Also: CBS News, CNN and 5 more
2026-07-16T04:15:47.808247-07:00