Event   UAV Development & Drone Programs   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Boeing  
The Air Current • Carter Johnston

Boeing MQ-28A Ghost Bat enters Exercise Valiant Shield as first major multinational CCA deployment

The MQ-28A Ghost Bat collaborative combat aircraft is participating in Exercise Valiant Shield for the first time, marking its major-force debut. The event also includes the U.S. military’s first operational use of a stealthy, uncrewed fighter aircraft in a large field training exercise at a remote Pacific airfield.

Also: Aviation Week
2026-06-26T10:26:10.484950-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Policy & Regulation  
NEW
DefenseNews.com

F-35 program chief says growth has outpaced sustainability for joint fighters

By DefenseNews.com: "We didn't put enough parts and pieces on the shelf," Lt. Gen. Gregory L. Masiello told a Senate subcommittee in a recent hearing.

Also: AirForceTimes and Military Times
2026-06-26T10:55:18.893651-07:00
Space Defense & Militarization   Policy & Regulation   Asia-Pacific (APAC)   Defense Policy  
english.kyodonews.net • KYODO NEWS

Japan approves air force reorganization to boost space defense

By english.kyodonews.net: Japan's parliament on Friday enacted legislation to reorganize and rename the Air Self-Defense Force, adding "space" to its official name as part of a broader effort to strengthen the country's space defense capabilities amid a rapidly changing security environment.

2026-06-26T00:27:44.732849-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Safran   M&A   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
Reuters

France's Safran in talks to buy Exail Technologies

By Reuters: French defence group Safran entered into exclusive negotiations with Exail Technologies over a ​possible acquisition of the sea drone maker at €128.5 ($146.71) per share, the ‌companies said on Friday.

2026-06-26T06:12:41.425090-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Asia-Pacific (APAC)   Airbus  
Reuters

Airbus and Kawasaki Heavy to cooperate on Japanese variant of Eurodrone

By Reuters: Airbus has signed a preliminary agreement with Japan's ​Kawasaki Heavy Industries to cooperate on a ‌possible Japanese variant of a European defence drone, the aerospace company said on Friday.

Also: The Aviationist, Janes, Airbus, AeroTime, CNA and 3 more
2026-06-26T01:12:42.724245-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Policy & Regulation   Export Controls & Trade Compliance   Defense Deals   Defense Policy  
Australian Aviation • Stephen Kuper

US approves training package for RAAF Growlers, Super Hornets

By Australian Aviation: The approval, announced by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, is designed to enhance Australia’s ability to operate and sustain its advanced fast jet fleet, while strengthening interoperability with US forces.

2026-06-25T18:11:01.806671-07:00