Payload
For decades aerospace and defense followed a requirements-then-design-then-validate model that assumed time existed to manage surprises. That window has closed: programs now require early demonstrators and prototyping to uncover risks and integration issues sooner, forcing a structural shift in development and risk management.
DefenseNews.com
• Michael Peck
By DefenseNews.com: The Pentagon is looking for cheap commercial satellites that can maintain surveillance on other satellites in orbit, including close-range inspections.
Breaking Defense
• Michael Marrow
By Breaking Defense: “We certainly have not lowered the bar, and we certainly have not taken on any risk by doing this,” Air Force Gen. Dale White told Breaking Defense.
Aviation Week
• Graham Warwick
By Aviation Week: An air-launched missile-carrying UAS developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for DARPA’s LongShot project has been designed the X-68A.
CBS News
• Eleanor Watson, James LaPorta, Jennifer Jacobs
By CBS News: The Kennedy-era robin's egg blue that's currently on the planes is being updated to navy, red and gold.
AeroTime
• Clement Charpentreau
By AeroTime: Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ignat has dismissed a report that US and Dutch pilots are flying Ukrainian F-16s over Kyiv, citing lack of evidence.
Bloomberg
• Anthony Capaccio
By Bloomberg: RTX Corp. has improved its capability to deliver a key missile for the US Navy but the company’s performance remains below expectations, according to a Pentagon assessment that comes after President Donald Trump singled out the defense contractor in a broader assault on the sector.
The Intercept
• Austin Campbell
By The Intercept: “Everyone knew we didn’t need them.” Air Force maintainers have been on a decadelong knife-ordering spree.
DefenseNews.com
• Gordon Arthur
AeroTime
• Clement Charpentreau
