China   Satellite   Space Force   Space Defense & Militarization   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
The War Zone • Howard Altman, Joseph Trevithick

Space Force signals tougher posture as China builds out reconnaissance constellation

The head of Space Force Combat Forces warned the U.S. “can’t run away from a bully forever,” signaling a more offensive posture in response to China’s rapidly expanding spy-satellite fleet. The remark underscores a shift toward contesting adversary capabilities in orbit and preparing for more assertive space operations and doctrine.

2026-02-26T11:35:54.265124-08:00
Aviation Safety & Regulation   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
Wall Street Journal • Andrew Dowell, Michael R Gordon

F-16 Near-Miss in Operation Rough Rider Underscores Risks to U.S. Air Operations Against Houthis

By Wall Street Journal: Near misses in Operation Rough Rider, the U.S. military operation that targeted Houthi rebels in Yemen, show the risks of using military force against even a small adversary.

2026-02-26T10:13:52.838976-08:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   AI   Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Airbus  
FlightGlobal

Airbus developing European autonomous uncrewed H145M for military customers — more details due later in 2026

By FlightGlobal: Airbus Helicopters is actively pursuing an autonomous uncrewed version of its H145M light-twin for European customers and is likely to release more detail on the project later this year.

Also: Aviation Week
2026-02-26T10:05:47.796381-08:00
Aircraft Carrier   UAV Development & Drone Programs   Europe   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

Russian drone approaches French carrier Charles de Gaulle in Malmö; Swedish forces deploy countermeasures

By AeroTime: Russian drone approached French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle while docked in Malmö; Sweden armed forces used countermeasures against the drone.

2026-02-26T05:30:43.612039-08:00
Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Export Controls & Trade Compliance   Defense Deals   Defense Policy  
justice.gov

Former U.S. Air Force Pilot Arrested in Indiana on Charges of Illegally Providing Defense Services to Chinese Military

By justice.gov: Former U.S. Air Force officer and pilot Gerald Eddie Brown, Jr., also known by the call sign “Runner,” 65, a U.S. citizen, was arrested today in Jeffersonville, Indiana.

Also: Reuters, Flying Magazine, AeroTime, The Hill, Stars and Stripes, defenceconnect.com.au, news.ssbcrack.com, defence-industry.eu, ANI News Agency, newsable.asianetnews.com, defensemirror.com, interestingengineering.com and 7 more
2026-02-25T17:13:42.309920-08:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   AI   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Asia-Pacific (APAC)  
FlightGlobal • Craig Hoyle

New Zealand Defence Force selects Syos to supply SA2 and SA7 quadcopters and other uncrewed systems

By FlightGlobal: Syos is to equip the New Zealand Defence Force with a variety of uncrewed systems, including its SA2 and SA7 quadcopters.

2026-02-26T02:54:25.150363-08:00
Hypersonic   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
Bloomberg • Gerry Doyle

Report: Moscow’s Missile Shield Could Blunt European SLBMs, Pushing NATO Toward Hypersonic Response

By Bloomberg: Russia’s anti-missile defenses around Moscow may be enough to blunt an attack by Europe’s submarine-launched ballistic missiles, increasing pressure on the continent to develop new hypersonic weapons at a time when its leaders fret over the reliability of the US as an ally.

2026-02-26T00:07:20.330098-08:00