Defense News

Leadership L3Harris Defense Industry & Major Contractors

Reuters

L3Harris names insider Sam Mehta CEO after Christopher Kubasik exits over conduct breach

L3Harris Technologies appointed Sam Mehta chief executive effective immediately after Christopher Kubasik departed following a board investigation. The company said Kubasik’s conduct was inconsistent with its code of conduct, putting leadership continuity at the defense contractor under immediate scrutiny.

Also: Bloomberg

2 Sources

2026-08-17T05:06:39.097415-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Satellite Space Defense & Militarization Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact

New York Times • Michael Schwirtz, Tyler Hicks

How Ukraine’s Satellites Help Drive Its War Drones

By New York Times: Here’s how speedy access to satellite imagery is bolstering Ukraine.

1 Source

2026-08-17T03:05:06.386764-07:00

Aircraft Carrier Europe Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Policy

The Hill • Filip Timotija

U.S. Navy Reviews Ford-Class Carrier Redesign Amid Trump Aesthetic Concerns

By The Hill: The U.S. Navy is reviewing a potential redesign of Ford-class aircraft carriers to move the island amid Trump's aesthetic concerns.

Also: AeroTime and Aero-News

4 Sources

2026-08-16T20:32:22.947055-07:00

Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Industry & Major Contractors Asia-Pacific (APAC)

FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

Reliance, Rolls-Royce to explore local engine for India’s AMCA

By FlightGlobal: Partnership is a nod to India’s desire to develop its local defence industry. Reliance and Rolls-Royce will explore the possibility of developing a fighter engine for India’s planned Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

aviation-defence-universe.com

Reliance Industries and Rolls-Royce announce strategic intent to partner and develop India's indigenous combat engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme

Also: AeroTime and jetlinemarvel.net

4 Sources

2026-08-16T20:20:07.399261-07:00

Helicopter Supply Chain Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Defense Industry & Major Contractors

FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

HAL taps local suppliers for Prachand LCH fuselage sections

By FlightGlobal: For the first time, Indian companies will produce fuselage sections for a locally developed rotorcraft. Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) has tapped two local companies to produce fuselage structures for the “Prachand” Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).

1 Source

2026-08-16T20:50:01.862151-07:00

Aircraft Carrier Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Defense Policy

Bloomberg • Tony Czuczka

US Commander Says Mental Health a Priority Aboard USS Lincoln

By Bloomberg: A top US military commander said mental health is a valid concern after meeting crew deployed on the USS Abraham Lincoln, where conditions aboard the aircraft carrier have led to complaints during its long deployment in the Iran war.

Also: ANI News Agency

3 Sources

2026-08-16T17:05:31.263675-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs F-16 Europe Accident Aviation Safety & Regulation Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Defense Policy

Reuters

2026-08-15T20:50:01.156498-07:00

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

Reuters

2026-08-14T05:35:29.187229-07:00

L3Harris names insider Sam Mehta CEO after Christopher Kubasik exits over conduct breach

How Ukraine’s Satellites Help Drive Its War Drones

U.S. Navy Reviews Ford-Class Carrier Redesign Amid Trump Aesthetic Concerns

Reliance, Rolls-Royce to explore local engine for India’s AMCA

Reliance Industries and Rolls-Royce announce strategic intent to partner and develop India's indigenous combat engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme

HAL taps local suppliers for Prachand LCH fuselage sections

US Commander Says Mental Health a Priority Aboard USS Lincoln

Suspected Russian drone shot down in Romanian airspace

Spanish F-18 shoots down drone over Romania after approach via Moldova

Nato jets scrambled as suspected Russian drone shot down in Romanian airspace

Pentagon signs deals with Boeing, RTX to boost missile interceptor component production

US Army to use Robinson R66 as next rotary-wing trainer under $10bn contract with M1

Pentagon inks deals with Boeing, RTX to boost production of SM-3 components

L3Harris names insider Mehta CEO after Kubasik exits over conduct breach

How Ukraine’s Satellites Help Drive Its War Drones

HAL taps local suppliers for Prachand LCH fuselage sections

U.S. Navy Reviews Ford-Class Carrier Redesign Amid Trump Aesthetic Concerns

Reliance, Rolls-Royce to explore local engine for India’s AMCA

US Commander Says Mental Health a Priority Aboard USS Lincoln

Top U.S. Middle East Commander Visits Deployed USS Lincoln Aircraft Carrier

US pulls last aircraft carrier in Asia as Trump focuses on Iran and the Western Hemisphere

Navy weighs major warship redesign to match Trump’s preferences

HAL strengthens partnership for Prachand light combat helicopter production

Pentagon advances Army helicopter training and SM-3 production amid Golden Dome push

Trump orders Navy to replace EMALS with steam catapults on future Ford-class carrier USS Doris Miller

Rolls-Royce and Reliance propose sovereign engine for India’s AMCA fighter

Spanish F-18 shoots down drone over Romania after entry from Moldova

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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