Today In Defense

Last Updated: Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, 7:31 PM PST

2025-11-19T19:31:14.949575-08:00 2025-11-19T19:31:14.949575-08:00 (2025-11-19T19:31:14.949575-08:00)

Leadership   Military Aircraft Procurement   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
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insidedefense.com • Vanessa Montalbano

Lt. General Dale White nominated for fourth star to become Air Force’s first Direct‑Reporting Portfolio Manager for Critical Major Weapon Systems

By insidedefense.com: President Trump yesterday nominated Lt. Gen. Dale White to receive a fourth star and to become the first-ever Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Critical Major Weapon Systems, an Air Force official told Inside Defense.

2025-11-19T13:23:19.829499-08:00
North America   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space   Space Defense & Militarization  
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rocketlabcorp.com • News Release

Rocket Lab Launches HASTE Suborbital Mission for Defense Innovation Unit and Missile Defense Agency

By rocketlabcorp.com: Long Beach, California. Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it successfully launched a suborbital mission with its HASTE launch vehicle for the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and Missile Defense….

Also: Space.com and 6 more
2025-11-18T14:28:22.002100-08:00
Saudi Arabia   China   Israel   Middle East   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Export Controls & Trade Compliance  
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Wall Street Journal • Dov Lieber

Saudi Arabia Eyes F-35s as Israeli Combat Success Underscores the Jet’s Regional Impact

By Wall Street Journal: Israel has dominated battlefields across the Middle East for the past two years. A major reason is the F-35.

Also: Associated Press, Economic Times, Forbes, Times of India, The Independent, CNN and 7 more
2025-11-19T04:27:52.935405-08:00
Satellite   Europe   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Space Defense & Militarization   Policy & Regulation  
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Breaking Defense • Theresa Hitchens; Tim Martin

Germany’s first space security strategy calls for independent defensive and offensive orbital “effectors”

By Breaking Defense: The new strategy calls on German MoD to develop a number of new space-based capabilities, including "effectors" to counter adversary threats on orbit such as agile spaceplanes and "bodyguard" satellites with shoot-back systems.

2025-11-19T12:13:04.044098-08:00
Event   UAV Development & Drone Programs   Dubai Airshow   Middle East   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Export Controls & Trade Compliance   Asia-Pacific (APAC)  
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Breaking Defense • Breaking Defense Staff

Russian and Chinese stealth fighters steal the spotlight at the 2025 Dubai Airshow

By Breaking Defense: Stealth fighters have stolen the spotlight at the Dubai Airshow as the Middle East's largest defense gathering begins winding down.

Also: India Defense News and news.ssbcrack.com
2025-11-19T11:07:21.055288-08:00
Europe   Accident   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
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The War Zone • Thomas Newdick

Russian spy ship Yantar directs lasers at Royal Air Force jets off U.K. coast

By The War Zone: The undersea espionage and salvage ship Yantar’s increasing presence off the U.K. is concerning, but directing lasers at British aircraft is a new development.

2025-11-19T09:05:19.131520-08:00
Event   Dubai Airshow   Supply Chain   Leadership   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
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Aviation Week • Tony Osborne

Su-75 'Checkmate' Prototype Nearing First Flight, Rostec CEO Says

By Aviation Week: The first prototype of the Su-75 combat aircraft is closing in on its first flight, according to the CEO of Sukhoi’s parent company Rostec.

2025-11-19T00:19:41.537444-08:00