Defense News

North America Military Aircraft Procurement

The War Zone • Thomas Newdick

Canada’s Snowbirds end 55-year CT-114 Tutor era, face hiatus before PC-21 transition

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds have flown their final home-closing show with the CT-114 Tutor at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, ending 55 years with the jet. The team now faces an extended performance hiatus before transitioning to the PC-21 turboprop in the early 2030s.

Also: Aviation24

2 Sources

2026-10-16T11:55:50.060666-07:00

Military Aircraft Procurement Orders Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Defense Industry & Major Contractors

The War Zone • Thomas Newdick

First C-130J For Navy’s New E-130J Phoenix II Ballistic Submarine Communications Fleet Delivered

By The War Zone: The E-130J will be taking over the Take Charge And Move Out mission from the jet-powered E-6B Mercury. The E-130J will be taking over the Take Charge And Move Out mission from the jet-powered E-6B Mercury.

FlightGlobal

US Navy receives first C-130J for conversion into E-130J nuclear command and control aircraft

Seapower Magazine

Navy accepts first C-130J-30 for next-generation TACAMO fleet

Also: insidedefense.com and defence-industry.eu

5 Sources

2026-10-16T08:55:27.398383-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Satellite Space Defense & Militarization

DefenseNews.com

How Iridium Is Helping the Army Stay Connected Beyond Line of Sight

By DefenseNews.com: Iridium discusses satellite communications that keep soldiers and unmanned systems connected, along with navigation technology for GPS-disrupted environments.

1 Source

2026-10-16T11:05:31.890558-07:00

Africa Accident Aviation Safety & Regulation

Reuters • Ben Ezeamalu

Families wait for answers after Nigerian military plane crash

By Reuters: More than a week after a Nigerian Air Force plane crash killed all 25 people on board, families say they are still waiting for answers as military teams search for wreckage and human remains in swampy terrain.

1 Source

2026-10-16T08:04:41.205177-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Europe Military Aircraft Procurement Boeing

Breaking Defense • Tim Martin

Germany changes course on plans to buy MQ-28 drone wingman: Boeing official

By Breaking Defense: Germany has set a target of 2029 to field a CCA, which would make it the first European country to reach such a milestone, but that timeline now looks to be in doubt.

1 Source

2026-10-16T09:00:38.794011-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs North America Defense Industry & Major Contractors Asia-Pacific (APAC)

DefenseNews.com • Eve Sampson

‘Weaponized light’: KBR’s new base defense technology pits lasers against drones

By DefenseNews.com: The Pentagon recently selected KBR's Firefly system for a pilot program to test defending U.S. military installations against adversarial drones.

Also: Army Times, news.ssbcrack.com and Military Times

4 Sources

2026-10-16T07:05:37.495856-07:00

Defense Industry & Major Contractors Defense Policy Boeing

CNBC • Chloe Taylor

Norway's $2 trillion wealth fund was frozen out of major defense companies. That may be about to change

By CNBC: Existing ethical rules mean the fund is not permitted to invest in companies like Lockheed Martin and Boeing.

1 Source

2026-10-16T04:04:41.680541-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Defense Policy

Reuters

Bulgaria seeks NATO anti-drone systems, says defence minister

By Reuters: Bulgaria has formally asked NATO to deploy combat aircraft and anti-drone systems to bolster its defences after a series of drone ‌attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea, Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said on Friday.

Also: DefenseNews.com and Unmanned Airspace

3 Sources

2026-10-16T02:04:22.587588-07:00

Canada’s Snowbirds end 55-year CT-114 Tutor era, face hiatus before PC-21 transition

First C-130J For Navy’s New E-130J Phoenix II Ballistic Submarine Communications Fleet Delivered

US Navy receives first C-130J for conversion into E-130J nuclear command and control aircraft

Navy accepts first C-130J-30 for next-generation TACAMO fleet

How Iridium Is Helping the Army Stay Connected Beyond Line of Sight

Families wait for answers after Nigerian military plane crash

Germany changes course on plans to buy MQ-28 drone wingman: Boeing official

‘Weaponized light’: KBR’s new base defense technology pits lasers against drones

Norway's $2 trillion wealth fund was frozen out of major defense companies. That may be about to change

Bulgaria seeks NATO anti-drone systems, says defence minister

Canada’s Snowbirds Say Farewell To The CT-114 Tutor Jet

How Iridium Is Helping the Army Stay Connected Beyond Line of Sight

Germany changes course on plans to buy MQ-28 drone wingman: Boeing official

First C-130J For Navy’s New E-130J Phoenix II Ballistic Submarine Communications Fleet Delivered

Families wait for answers after Nigerian military plane crash

‘Weaponized light’: KBR’s new base defense technology pits lasers against drones

Why US Eyes in the Sky Are So Vital to Ukraine’s Defense

(JA) Russia Nearly Completes Large Drone Launch Base in Just Six Weeks, Satellite Images Show; Ukraine Struggles to Counter Drones Traveling Up to 600 km/h

Lockheed Martin unveils new PAC-3 Edge interceptor for Patriot systems

Lockheed invests $300M in Texas plant to feed missile surge

Ukraine says new Starlink limits are disrupting military drones and exposing reliance on private satellite networks

Ukraine says new Starlink limits are disrupting military drones and exposing reliance on private satellite networks

Ukraine says new Starlink limits are disrupting military drones and exposing reliance on private satellite networks

U.S. expands drone research and counter-drone investment, from FAA testing to $729 million Raytheon awards

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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