Supply Chain   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
The War Zone • Joseph Trevithick, Tyler Rogoway

U.S. to Receive F-35s Missing AN/APG-85 Radar; Ballast Fitted as Stopgap

The U.S. will begin receiving F-35s without operational AN/APG-85 radars starting June 2025; Lockheed is fitting ballast in noses as a temporary measure while radar development and Block 4 upgrades slip. Aircraft delivered this way will have reduced sensing, targeting and survivability versus fully-equipped jets.

Also: militarnyi.com
2026-02-11T14:36:01.686884-08:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Defense Policy  
DefenseNews.com • Michael Peck

US Navy seeks strike drones that can launch from austere sites and any surface warship

By DefenseNews.com: The Navy is looking for armed drones that can be launched from austere locations or from surface warships other than aircraft carriers.

Also: marinecorpstimes.com, Defense Daily and Navy Times
2026-02-11T12:49:42.170668-08:00
Supply Chain   Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
FlightGlobal • Dominic Perry

UK vows NMH decision before end‑March after talks with Leonardo to keep AW149 bid alive

By FlightGlobal: UK defence ministers have met with senior executives from Leonardo twice over the past fortnight as they attempt to reassure the Italian firm over the government's continued commitment to the long-running New Medium Helicopter programme and have promised a procurement decision ahead of an end-March deadline.

2026-02-11T09:40:28.750887-08:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   AI   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Defense Policy  
DefenseNews.com • Hope Hodge Seck

US Marine Corps advances plans for drone wingman

By DefenseNews.com: The Marine Corps released its 2026 Aviation Plan on Tuesday, outlining its strategy to maintain and develop its aviation fleets.

Also: Navy Times, news.defcros.com, aerospaceglobalnews.com, news.ssbcrack.com, marines.mil and Military Times
2026-02-11T05:34:39.276259-08:00