UAV Development & Drone Programs AI Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Industry & Major Contractors

Wall Street Journal • Marcus Weisgerber

US Air Force selects two industry partners for autonomous “drone jet fighter” program aimed at deep-strike support

The US Air Force has agreed to deals with two companies for a new generation of autonomous drone jet fighters designed to help manned warplanes strike targets deep in enemy territory. The initiative signals a move to accelerate uncrewed, mission-led capabilities to augment contested penetrations.

2026-06-18T15:51:43.409866-07:00

Satellite Space Policy & International Cooperation Policy & Regulation

European Spaceflight • Andrew Parsonson

Germany Breaks Ground on One of Two GOVSATCOM Hub Locations

By European Spaceflight: Germany has broken ground on a European Union GOVSATCOM Hub facility in Cologne, with North Rhine-Westphalia investing up to €50 million in the project.

Also: Satellite Evolution

2026-06-18T14:21:03.434061-07:00

Leadership Policy & Regulation Defense Policy

New York Times • Greg Jaffe, Maggie Haberman

Scores Fall Ill at Air Force Base After Hegseth Makes Flu Vaccine Optional

By New York Times: The defense secretary described the vaccine requirement, which he lifted in April, as an “absurd, overreaching” mandate.

Washington Post

Flu sickens some 160 troops at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas

The Independent

Texas Air Force base hit with flu outbreak infecting nearly 160 troops after Hegseth lifts vaccine requirement: report

Also: The Guardian and CBS News

2026-06-18T11:49:35.903939-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Europe Military Aircraft Procurement Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact

AeroTime • Stephen Pope

UK pledges 150,000 drones, air defense systems in $1B Ukraine package

By AeroTime: The UK will provide 150,000 drones, air defense missiles and radar systems to Ukraine as part of a $1 billion support package.

2026-06-18T11:33:32.737733-07:00

Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Policy Boeing

The War Zone • Howard Altman, Joseph Trevithick

No, A VC-25A Air Force One Jet Isn't Being Retired Just Yet

By The War Zone: The ex-Qatari VC-25B “Bridge” aircraft is set to enter service soon, but, contrary to reports, the older VC-25As will keep flying.

2026-06-18T11:44:34.188356-07:00

Space Force Leadership

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Space Force's rapid acquisition office director moves to Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center

By SpaceNews.com: WASHINGTON — Kelly Hammett, the former head of the Space Rapid Capabilities Office, has been named executive director of the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center.

2026-06-18T11:08:33.205335-07:00

MRO Military Aircraft Procurement Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Embraer

Air Data News • Ricardo Meier

Embraer signs support agreement for Brazilian Air Force KC-390 fleet

By Air Data News: Embraer has signed a new logistics support agreement for the Brazilian Air Force's KC-390 Millennium fleet. The contract covers aircraft already in service as well as the remaining units yet to be delivered, although the value of the agreement was not disclosed.

aviationnews.eu

Embraer Signs Long-Term Agreement to Support Brazilian Air Force KC-390 Fleet

aeromorning.com

Embraer inks support deal for Brazilian Air Force KC-390

2026-06-18T10:05:24.663410-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs General Atomics Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Policy

The War Zone • Tyler Rogoway

MQ-9 Getting Airborne Early Warning Radar Is A Huge Deal

By The War Zone: Radar pod-toting MQ-9s present an economical and highly-flexible persistent airborne early warning solution that is needed now more than ever.

2026-06-18T10:20:33.956584-07:00

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