Defense News

Saudi Arabia Middle East Military Aircraft Procurement Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Export Controls & Trade Compliance Defense Deals Defense Policy

AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

U.S. advances possible $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35s to Saudi Arabia despite China, Israel concerns

The Trump administration has notified Congress of a possible $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia. The proposed transfer faces scrutiny over potential Chinese access to sensitive technology and its implications for Israel’s qualitative military edge.

2 Sources

2026-09-18T01:51:07.776511-07:00

Space Force Space Defense & Militarization Defense Policy

NEW

Bloomberg • James Stavridis

The US Wants China to Know It Has Weapons in Space

By Bloomberg: In a surprising statement this week, Secretary of the Air Force Troy E. Meink revealed that the US has weapons in space. He said, “We are increasing readiness against existing threats, and the United States has on-orbit space control weapons capable of defending the Joint Force against hostile adversary action.”.

1 Source

2026-09-18T02:50:21.665268-07:00

F-16 North America Military Aircraft Procurement Accident Aviation Safety & Regulation

Associated Press • Ed White, Rebecca Boone

Military: An F-16 crashes during training in Michigan; pilot ejects safely

By Associated Press: A military spokesman says an F-16 fighter jet from Texas crashed in rural Michigan during a routine training exercise.

The War Zone

F-16 Crashes In Michigan

AeroTime

Pilot ejects safely as Texas Air National Guard F-16 crashes in Michigan

Also: Air & Space Forces Mag, The Aviationist, Stars and Stripes, Aerotech News, India Defense News, Economic Times, ANI News Agency, NBC News, CNN and 8 more

24 Sources

2026-09-17T13:20:24.646173-07:00

Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Policy Boeing

DefenseNews.com • Cristina Stassis

U.S. Air Force to Extend B-1 and B-2 Service Lives as Crews Transition to B-21

By DefenseNews.com: The service lives of the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit will be extended, with their pilots to be some of the first to fly the B-21 Raider.

Also: AirForceTimes and Military Times

3 Sources

2026-09-17T13:35:48.332410-07:00

Supply Chain Military Aircraft Procurement Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons Defense Industry & Major Contractors Defense Policy

Reuters • Mike Stone

Lockheed Martin Unveils Next-Generation Air-to-Air Missile, Agrees to Accelerate Production

By Reuters: Lockheed Martin unveiled on Thursday details of a next-generation air-to-air missile developed to counter threats from China and a new agreement with the Defense Department to ‌boost production as the Pentagon rebuilds munitions stockpiles.

The War Zone

Pentagon Cuts New AIM-260 Air-To-Air Missile Production Deal, Testing Accelerating

The War Zone

New-Build F-16s For The USAF Is An Idea That Won’t Go Away, For Good Reason

Also: FlightGlobal, Bloomberg, DefenseNews.com, Aviation Week, aviationnews.eu, defence-blog.com, Breaking Defense, Aviation A2Z, The Aviationist, defenceagenda.com, indiastrategic.in, defence-industry.eu and 37 more

56 Sources

2026-09-17T05:35:54.116303-07:00

Aircraft Carrier Military Aircraft Procurement Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Defense Policy

DefenseNews.com • Michael Peck

US Navy should target carriers in fight with China, report says

By DefenseNews.com: A U.S. think tank devised a strategy to target Chinese aircraft carriers by using similar tactics that China has planned against American ships.

Also: Navy Times, news.ssbcrack.com and Military Times

4 Sources

2026-09-17T10:21:18.306161-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Military Aircraft Procurement Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Defense Industry & Major Contractors Embraer

FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

Embraer working with undisclosed Super Tucano operator to add counter-UAS capability

By FlightGlobal: The airframer is already marketing the A-29NX as a cost-effective option for air-to-air counter-drone defence. Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer is working with one of its existing customers to certify a counter-UAS capability to the company's A-29 Super Tucano light attack turboprop.

1 Source

2026-09-17T13:35:38.158506-07:00

North America Military Aircraft Procurement Orders

FlightGlobal • Craig Hoyle

Canada welcomes its first two Pilatus PC-21 ‘Siskin II’ trainers

By FlightGlobal: Lead pair of Swiss-built turboprops complete ferry flight from Europe. Canada has welcomed its first pair of Pilatus PC-21s, with the basic trainers to be fielded as part of Ottawa’s overarching Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) programme.

1 Source

2026-09-17T09:50:14.255902-07:00

U.S. advances possible $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35s to Saudi Arabia despite China, Israel concerns

The US Wants China to Know It Has Weapons in Space

Military: An F-16 crashes during training in Michigan; pilot ejects safely

F-16 Crashes In Michigan

Pilot ejects safely as Texas Air National Guard F-16 crashes in Michigan

U.S. Air Force to Extend B-1 and B-2 Service Lives as Crews Transition to B-21

Lockheed Martin Unveils Next-Generation Air-to-Air Missile, Agrees to Accelerate Production

Pentagon Cuts New AIM-260 Air-To-Air Missile Production Deal, Testing Accelerating

New-Build F-16s For The USAF Is An Idea That Won’t Go Away, For Good Reason

US Navy should target carriers in fight with China, report says

Embraer working with undisclosed Super Tucano operator to add counter-UAS capability

Canada welcomes its first two Pilatus PC-21 ‘Siskin II’ trainers

The US Wants China to Know It Has Weapons in Space

Trump administration advances Saudi F-35 sale despite China security concerns

U.S. Air Force to Extend B-1 and B-2 Service Lives as Crews Transition to B-21

Embraer working with undisclosed Super Tucano operator to add counter-UAS capability

Military: An F-16 crashes during training in Michigan; pilot ejects safely

US Navy should target carriers in fight with China, report says

Poland issues air attack alert as Russian jet drone nears border

Germany to send Eurofighters to Latvia to protect airspace during election

U.S. Intelligence Warns of China Theft Over Sale of F-35 Jets to Saudis

Viasat and PGZ Sign MoU to Explore Military Satellite Communications in Poland

Pratt & Whitney clears F-35 engine upgrade design review and licenses F100 production to Hermeus

US Acknowledges Weapons in Orbit as China Warns of a Space Arms Race

US intelligence warns proposed $24 billion Saudi F-35 sale could expose sensitive technology to China

U.S. Air Force Plans to Take Over Defense of Its Bases From Aerial Attack

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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