Defense News

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The War Zone • Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

Pentagon investigates diversion of Australian F-35 components to Hong Kong

The Pentagon is investigating how F-35 components shipped from Australia to the United States for repair or disposal were redirected to Hong Kong, with some parts reportedly unaccounted for and potentially in Chinese government possession. Canberra, Washington and Lockheed Martin are examining the incident and the security implications.

Also: CBS News, news.ssbcrack.com and defenceconnect.com.au

4 Sources

2026-09-24T12:50:56.071522-07:00

China UAV Development & Drone Programs

The War Zone • Joseph Trevithick

China Appears To Be Building A Mothership For Large Uncrewed Submarines

By The War Zone: Recent satellite imagery shows a host of highly specialized features on the ship that's under construction, as well as a large cradle sitting beside it.

1 Source

2026-09-24T14:21:22.079677-07:00

Satellite Space Defense & Militarization Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact

Reuters • Tom Balmforth

Finnish leader pleads with Musk to help Ukraine hit Russian missile launchers

By Reuters: Finnish President Alexander Stubb said on Thursday he pleaded with SpaceX owner Elon Musk to expand Starlink satellite internet coverage for Ukraine so it can strike Russian ballistic missile launchers located inside Russian ‌territory.

1 Source

2026-09-24T14:35:41.068336-07:00

Dassault Aviation AI Europe North America Military Aircraft Procurement Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Defense Industry & Major Contractors Defense Deals Defense Policy Thales

Air Data News • Ricardo Meier

Canada’s first F-35 flies while Ottawa still reviews 88-fighter purchase

By Air Data News: Canada’s first F-35A fighter has completed its maiden flight in Texas, the first flight of an aircraft destined for the country’s planned 88-jet fleet, whose size and composition remain under review by Ottawa.

The Aviationist

Canada’s First F-35 Conducts Maiden Flight

aviationnews.eu

Canada’s First F-35A Fighter Jet Completes Maiden Flight

Also: AeroTime, FlightGlobal, Aviation A2Z, defence-industry.eu, defence-blog.com and 5 more

16 Sources

2026-09-24T05:16:20.136041-07:00

Eurofighter F-16 Europe Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Deals Airbus

Reuters • Sergio Goncalves

Airbus pitches Eurofighter to Portugal as best replacement for F-16 jets

By Reuters: Airbus said on Thursday it plans to submit an unsolicited proposal to Portugal in late October or early November to supply Eurofighter Typhoon jets as the country seeks ‌to replace its ageing F-16 fleet, pitching the European-built warplane as better suited to Lisbon's needs than Lockheed Martin's F-35.

4 Sources

2026-09-24T09:50:16.822011-07:00

Satellite Space Force Europe Space Defense & Militarization Defense Policy

Via Satellite • Mark Holmes

U.K. Launches Dedicated Squadron to Protect Space Assets

By Via Satellite: Government has made a major new space defense initiative by launching its first ever dedicated squadron to protect its satellites. The No.

Also: marketforecast.com and spacefoundation.org

3 Sources

2026-09-24T07:51:19.254540-07:00

China Defense Policy

Breaking Defense • Michael Marrow

Air Force Says China Think Tank Will Continue, but Director Calls It “Basically Dead”

By Breaking Defense: The Air Force’s stance that the China Aerospace Studies Institute can function without civilian staff is “not credible,” Brendan Mulvaney told Breaking Defense.

1 Source

2026-09-24T09:05:39.911832-07:00

Satellite Europe Space Defense & Militarization Defense Policy

Via Satellite • Mark Holmes

U.K. Defense Secretary Calls for Investment in Satellites for Intelligence and Missile Warning

By Via Satellite: (London) U.K. Defense Secretary Wes Streeting said that the U.K. government considers satellites critical to intelligence gathering and missile warnings, and that they now underpin almost a fifth of the U.K.

2 Sources

2026-09-24T07:51:11.492542-07:00