Defense News

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Bloomberg • Anthony Capaccio

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

The Pentagon is investigating how an F-35 cockpit canopy and weapons bay door shipped from Australia to the United States were diverted to Hong Kong and reportedly seized by Chinese authorities. The incident raises questions about sensitive component handling, stealth-related supply chains and export-control safeguards.

FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

Investigation into F-35A parts missing in Hong Kong gets under way

Associated Press • Ben Finley, Konstantin Toropin

Pentagon investigates after China obtains parts from F-35 stealth fighter jet

Also: Australian Aviation, CNBC, Economic Times, The Loadstar, news.ssbcrack.com, The Independent, Seeking Alpha, english.kyodonews.net and Economic Times

13 Sources

2026-09-23T13:36:30.444741-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Middle East Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Policy

The Air Current • Carter Johnston

Unsustainable losses of MQ-9 Reaper fleet spur U.S. Air Force to search for cheaper alternatives

By The Air Current: The Pentagon is rapidly procuring small hybrid-electric drones to fill a critical surveillance capability in the Middle East.

Also: FlightGlobal

2 Sources

2026-09-23T16:20:47.973525-07:00

China Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Industry & Major Contractors

The War Zone • Joseph Trevithick

China's Recent J-36 Heavy Stealth Tactical Jet Testing Offers New Insights Into Its Evolving Design

By The War Zone: Recent video footage shows continued refinement of the J-36 design, and there has also been talk of laser armament for the jet.

1 Source

2026-09-23T14:52:54.349141-07:00

Satellite Space Force Commercial Space Space Defense & Militarization

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Space Force to put commercial satellite servicing to the test in 2027

By SpaceNews.com: WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force is preparing two commercial satellite servicing missions for 2027 that will test ways of giving military spacecraft more freedom to maneuver after launch.

1 Source

2026-09-23T16:45:45.434615-07:00

F-16 Dassault Aviation AI Europe Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Industry & Major Contractors Defense Deals

FlightGlobal • Joseph Dainty

Dassault Aviation tests sovereign AI algorithms on Rafale fighter

By FlightGlobal: The flight tests pave the way for future cockpit upgrades and enhanced crew assistance.

flightlineweekly.com

Dassault Flight-Tests Sovereign AI Algorithms on Rafale Fighter

The Aviationist

Dassault Tests Rafale with New AI Technologies for Crew Support

Also: Shephard Media, Aviation A2Z, Air & Space Forces Mag, dassault-aviation.com, India Defense News and 7 more

24 Sources

2026-09-23T08:50:05.402535-07:00

Viasat Satellite Space Force Defense Industry & Major Contractors

Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

Viasat Wins $42 Million U.S. Marine Corps Managed SATCOM Task Order

By Via Satellite: Viasat has received a $42 million task order under its contract to provide managed satcom services to the U.S. Marine Corps.

Also: Seeking Alpha and satnews.com

3 Sources

2026-09-23T12:37:22.190245-07:00

Commercial Space Space Defense & Militarization Space Debris & Traffic Management

Breaking Defense • Theresa Hitchens

EXCLUSIVE: SpaceX given unique access to classified DoD space tracking data, sources say

By Breaking Defense: Commercial space monitoring firms are concerned SpaceX's ability to use the best DoD data could threaten the market, sources tell Breaking Defense.

1 Source

2026-09-23T11:38:56.229040-07:00

F-16 AI Military Aircraft Procurement

Breaking Defense • Jana Vislocky

The still-formidable F-16 will be even more capable with better electronic warfare

By Breaking Defense: The F-16 remains a formidable frontline fighter. Learn how electronic warfare, radar, EO/IR and navigation upgrades can improve its capability and survivability.

1 Source

2026-09-23T12:20:42.446103-07:00