Defense News

Leadership L3Harris Defense Industry & Major Contractors

Reuters

L3Harris names insider Sam Mehta CEO after Christopher Kubasik exits over conduct breach

L3Harris Technologies appointed Sam Mehta chief executive effective immediately after Christopher Kubasik departed following a board investigation. The company said Kubasik’s conduct was inconsistent with its code of conduct, putting leadership continuity at the defense contractor under immediate scrutiny.

Bloomberg • Rick Clough

L3Harris Replaces CEO Kubasik After Investigation Into Conduct

Also: Seeking Alpha

3 Sources

2026-08-17T05:06:39.097415-07:00

Satellite Space Force Space Defense & Militarization

NEW

Breaking Defense • Theresa Hitchens

Space Force brings 5 companies on-board Space Data Network

By Breaking Defense: The new awards are aimed at demonstrating the ability of multiple satellite networks to connect to the Space Force's emerging Space Data Network.

1 Source

2026-08-17T06:19:47.656195-07:00

Aircraft Carrier Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Defense Policy

NEW

The Hill • Ian Swanson

Ask the editors: What happened with the USS Abraham Lincoln?

By The Hill: Reports of poor conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln last week drew widespread criticism before the U.S. Navy announced the aircraft carrier would return home.

Also: NBC News

2 Sources

2026-08-17T06:20:50.669011-07:00

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

AINonline • Charlotte Bailey

Indian Air Force Seeks New Transport Aircraft Proposals

By AINonline: Lockheed Martin and Embraer could be in contention for defense deal.

1 Source

2026-08-17T05:36:12.162157-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Defense Industry & Major Contractors

NEW

AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

Japan tests Helsing HX-2 as Rakuten enters defense brokerage

By AeroTime: Japan is testing Helsing’s HX-2 loitering munition as Rakuten helps the German defense startup navigate the country’s complex procurement system.

1 Source

2026-08-17T06:50:07.686097-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Satellite Space Defense & Militarization Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact

New York Times • Michael Schwirtz, Tyler Hicks

How Ukraine’s Satellites Help Drive Its War Drones

By New York Times: Ukrainian drone teams have a powerful new tool: near real-time information on troop movements and locations.

1 Source

2026-08-17T03:05:06.386764-07:00

Aircraft Carrier Europe Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Policy

The Hill • Filip Timotija

U.S. Navy Reviews Ford-Class Carrier Redesign Amid Trump Aesthetic Concerns

By The Hill: The U.S. Navy is reviewing a potential redesign of Ford-class aircraft carriers to move the island amid Trump's aesthetic concerns.

Also: AeroTime and Aero-News

4 Sources

2026-08-16T20:32:22.947055-07:00

Military Aircraft Procurement Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Defense Industry & Major Contractors Asia-Pacific (APAC)

FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

Reliance, Rolls-Royce to explore local engine for India’s AMCA

By FlightGlobal: Partnership is a nod to India’s desire to develop its local defence industry. Reliance and Rolls-Royce will explore the possibility of developing a fighter engine for India’s planned Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

aviation-defence-universe.com

Reliance Industries and Rolls-Royce announce strategic intent to partner and develop India's indigenous combat engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme

AeroTime

Reliance joins Rolls-Royce bid for India’s AMCA fighter engine

Also: marketforecast.com and jetlinemarvel.net

5 Sources

2026-08-16T20:20:07.399261-07:00

L3Harris names insider Sam Mehta CEO after Christopher Kubasik exits over conduct breach

L3Harris Replaces CEO Kubasik After Investigation Into Conduct

Space Force brings 5 companies on-board Space Data Network

Ask the editors: What happened with the USS Abraham Lincoln?

Indian Air Force Seeks New Transport Aircraft Proposals

Japan tests Helsing HX-2 as Rakuten enters defense brokerage

How Ukraine’s Satellites Help Drive Its War Drones

U.S. Navy Reviews Ford-Class Carrier Redesign Amid Trump Aesthetic Concerns

Reliance, Rolls-Royce to explore local engine for India’s AMCA

Reliance Industries and Rolls-Royce announce strategic intent to partner and develop India's indigenous combat engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme

Reliance joins Rolls-Royce bid for India’s AMCA fighter engine

Japan tests Helsing HX-2 as Rakuten enters defense brokerage

Ask the editors: What happened with the USS Abraham Lincoln?

Space Force brings 5 companies on-board Space Data Network

Indian Air Force Seeks New Transport Aircraft Proposals

L3Harris ousts CEO Kubasik over conduct breach, names insider Mehta as replacement

How Ukraine’s Satellites Help Drive Its War Drones

HAL taps local suppliers for Prachand LCH fuselage sections

US Commander Says Mental Health a Priority Aboard USS Lincoln

Suspected Russian drone shot down in Romanian airspace

Top U.S. Middle East Commander Visits Deployed USS Lincoln Aircraft Carrier

Spanish F-18 shoots down drone over Romania after entry from Moldova

Navy weighs billion-dollar carrier redesign to reflect Trump’s World War II preferences

U.S. pulls its last aircraft carrier from Asia as Iran war reshapes global naval posture

White House Imposes 25%–100% Tariffs on Imported Drones and Components

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

More in Defense

Navy weighs major warship redesign to match Trump’s preferences

US pulls last aircraft carrier in Asia as Trump focuses on Iran and the Western Hemisphere

Has Uzbekistan received Chinese J-10 fighters? What we know so far

Sukhoi plans to test sixth-generation technologies with Su-57D

White House Imposes 100% Tariff on Drones and Components, Pressuring Users to Buy American

Patriot makers hedge on Ukraine production deal as officials question cause of hold-up

Concerns Grow Over USS Abraham Lincoln’s Record 260-Day Deployment

U.S. Space Force adds second surveillance sensor to Japanese constellation