Supply Chain Military Aircraft Procurement Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Defense Industry & Major Contractors Boeing

The War Zone • Joseph Trevithick

USAF to assess what replaces the B-52 as sustainment costs rise

The U.S. Air Force says it plans to keep the B-52 in service until it approaches a nearly 100-year operating life, but it is now exploring what will replace the bomber as upgrade costs climb. The effort comes amid pressure to manage aging airframe sustainment and spiraling modernization expenditures.

2026-05-07T17:08:54.779158-07:00

Space Force AI Hypersonic Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons Defense Industry & Major Contractors Space Defense & Militarization Defense Policy

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Rocket Lab joins Raytheon on space interceptor program for Golden Dome

By SpaceNews.com: WASHINGTON — Rocket Lab said May 7 it won new Pentagon-related defense business tied to the Trump administration’s Golden Dome missile defense initiative and to the expanding U.S.

2026-05-07T15:27:26.182649-07:00

Europe Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Industry & Major Contractors Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact

Breaking Defense • Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo

Saab CEO optimistic Ukraine Gripen deal could be finalized this year

By Breaking Defense: A top Ukrainian official said Kyiv was "ready" for the big fighter jet deal, but Sweden's defense minister suggested challenges remain.

2026-05-07T14:09:32.717637-07:00

Military Aircraft Procurement Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Asia-Pacific (APAC) Defense Policy

Air & Space Forces Mag • Steve Losey

F-22s Arrive at Kadena as Base Awaits Delayed F-15EXs

By Air & Space Forces Mag: F-22 Raptors from two squadrons have arrived at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, as the base awaits its delayed F-15EX Eagle IIs.

aviationnews.eu

U.S. Air Force Deploys F-22 Raptor Stealth Fighters to Kadena Air Base to Bolster Indo-Pacific Security

Air Data News

U.S. deploys F-22 fighters to Japan as F-15EX arrival slips

Also: nationalsecurityjournal.org, defence-blog.com and war.gov

2026-05-06T12:12:46.530151-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Military Aircraft Procurement Aviation Safety & Regulation Defense Policy

Unmanned Airspace • Philip Butterworth-Hayes

US Joint Interagency Task Force 401 selects five directed-energy C-UAS pilot programme sites

By Unmanned Airspace: The US Joint Interagency Task Force 401 has selected five installations to participate in the directed-energy counter-unmanned aircraft systems pilot programme included in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.

Flying Magazine

Pentagon to Test Anti-Drone Laser at These 5 Sites

Also: dronelife.com

2026-05-07T10:46:31.051446-07:00

Museums Military Aircraft Procurement Policy & Regulation

Flying Magazine • Zach Vasile

F-14s Could Fly Again Under New Bill

By Flying Magazine: A bill passed by the U.S. Senate would transfer three retired F-14 fighter jets to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center for potential flying or public display.

Also: AirForceTimes and militarnyi.com

2026-05-07T09:57:24.831798-07:00

Military Aircraft Procurement Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Defense Budgets & Spending Defense Industry & Major Contractors

Defense Daily • Frank Wolfe

Air Force Plans $1.7 Billion Retrofit Of APG-85 Radar On 181 F-35As In Lot 17 And Prior

By Defense Daily: Frank Wolfe Wednesday, May 6th, 2026 SHARE:.

Also: Aviation Today

2026-05-06T15:20:32.189733-07:00

Space Force Defense Budgets & Spending Space Policy & International Cooperation Space Defense & Militarization