The War ZoneJoseph Trevithick

Bill would restore four U-2S Dragon Lady aircraft, again challenging Air Force plans to retire the fleet amid capability-gap con

A new legislative proposal would require restoring four U-2S spy planes—effectively re-expanding near-term aircraft availability—while Congress seeks to block the Air Force from retiring the entire U-2 fleet. The move follows continuing questions about capability gaps and U-2S risk to mission coverage.

2026-06-12T09:46:49.758754-07:00
Air Data NewsRicardo Meier

Pentagon awards $154 million contract for 11 F-35s destined for undisclosed customer

By Air Data News: Lockheed Martin will procure long-lead components for 11 fighter jets scheduled for production through 2030 U.S. Department of Defense has awarded Lockheed Martin a $154 million contract to procure long-lead materials for 11 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets destined for an undisclosed foreign customer.

2026-06-12T07:57:35.978523-07:00
Breaking DefenseCapt. Broder Nielsen

'The threat is there': Germany to pair P-8s with MQ-9 drones to keep an eye on Russian subs

By Breaking Defense: “The MQ-9B will be the first [unmanned] system we operate with it — the idea is to have those working closely with the aircraft, but step by step,” said Capt.

2026-06-12T04:45:14.870535-07:00
Space Intel ReportPeter B. de Selding

Germany's Bundeswehr wants a rapid buildup of its space capacity; Germany's industrial base is struggling to keep up

By Space Intel Report: BERLIN — The German Bundeswehr is coming to grips with the fact that its national space industrial base is to small to handle the ramp-up required of Germany’s five-year 35-billion-euro ($40.4 billion) military space budget starting this year.

2026-06-11T22:22:46.305129-07:00