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The War Zone • Howard Altman

How the Air Force Patched Up a Shrapnel-Damaged KC-135

The Air Force repaired a KC-135 damaged by shrapnel, highlighting the operational value of advanced maintenance performed closer to the front lines. Forward repair capacity can return damaged airframes to mission support sooner and help preserve available tanker capacity during sustained operations.

2026-09-16T17:05:52.362180-07:00
Saudi Arabia   China   Middle East   Military Aircraft Procurement   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Export Controls & Trade Compliance   Defense Deals   Defense Policy  
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New York Times • Dustin Volz, Edward Wong

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

By New York Times: Internal reports, including one from the Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency, say China could acquire U.S. jet technology through spying or cooperation with Saudi Arabia.

Also: AeroTime
2026-09-16T14:50:07.547466-07:00
Satellite   L3Harris   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Space Defense & Militarization  
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SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

L3Harris moves HBTSS missile-tracking satellites into production for Golden Dome

By SpaceNews.com: NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — L3Harris Technologies is moving a missile-tracking satellite developed for the Missile Defense Agency into production for Golden Dome with few design changes.

Also: Defense Daily
2026-09-16T11:30:44.401113-07:00
F-16   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Policy  
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Air Data News • Ricardo Meier

US Air Force considers buying new ‘F-16G’ fighters after 21-year gap

By Air Data News: Potential new variant could build on the export-oriented Block 70/72 as USAF studies ways to increase fighter capacity, US Air Force is considering buying newly built F-16s for the first time in more than two decades as it examines options to increase the size of its fighter force.

2026-09-16T13:50:29.026961-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   AI   Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Policy  
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The War Zone • Thomas Newdick

How The USAF Is Preparing For European Allies To Join The Collaborative Combat Aircraft Club

By The War Zone: Allied interest in Collaborative Combat Aircraft is growing as USAFE works to ensure interoperability across a wide mix of future systems. Allied interest in Collaborative Combat Aircraft is growing as USAFE works to ensure interoperability across a wide mix of future systems.

2026-09-16T11:56:08.098344-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Boeing   Boeing 737  
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FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

T-7A trainer fleet to reach initial operational capability in 2027: USAF training chief

By FlightGlobal: Commander of Air Education and Training Command expects to have 14 of the Boeing jets ready in August 2027. The US Air Force expects to have its first full squadron of Boeing T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer jets ready by next summer.

2026-09-16T11:20:07.454893-07:00