Defense News

UAV Development & Drone Programs Defense Policy

DefenseNews.com • Hope Hodge Seck

US Army explores balloons as weapons platforms in push to exploit the stratosphere

The Army is considering whether balloons could serve as shooters as well as sensing platforms, an official said, describing the option as one of many under review. Using balloons to deliver weapons may pose greater challenges than using them for surveillance, but the service is keeping the possibility open.

Also: Army Times and Military Times

3 Sources

2026-10-15T16:05:05.149816-07:00

Space Force North America Defense Budgets & Spending

NEW

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Space Command’s new headquarters estimated to cost $4 billion

By SpaceNews.com: WASHINGTON — The Air Force is preparing to select a contractor to build and equip U.S. Space Command’s new headquarters in Alabama, a project now estimated to cost approximately $4 billion.

1 Source

2026-10-15T16:05:38.057708-07:00

Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons Defense Industry & Major Contractors

DefenseNews.com

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

By DefenseNews.com: With demand rising for advanced interceptors, Lockheed debuts a missile it says improves on earlier generations of weapons.

Washington Post

Ukraine critically low on Patriot interceptors as Russian strikes intensify

warsight.com

Lockheed Martin announces launch of new PATRIOT PAC-3 Edge missile variant

Also: AirForceTimes, c4defence.com and Military Times

7 Sources

2026-10-15T13:04:35.322578-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs AI

DefenseNews.com • Hope Hodge Seck

US Army eyes developing soldier-worn drone detection gear

By DefenseNews.com: The Army is in the early stages of developing and testing a wearable or lightweight device that could alert soldiers to the presence of hostile drones.

Also: Army Times and news.ssbcrack.com

3 Sources

2026-10-15T13:05:10.321331-07:00

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

FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

Saab prepares to launch flight testing on Sweden’s first GlobalEye airborne early warning jet

By FlightGlobal: The aircraft is undergoing testing and verification ahead of its first flight and subsequent delivery to the Swedish air force.

aviationnews.eu

Sweden Awards Saab $123 Million Contract to Build Next-Generation Flight Control Computers for Gripen Fleet

Air Data News

Saab unveils Sweden’s first GlobalEye surveillance aircraft as international demand grows

Also: Aviation Week, defence-blog.com and defence-industry.eu

9 Sources

2026-10-15T11:05:08.991402-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Hypersonic Defense Industry & Major Contractors Space Defense & Militarization

DefenseNews.com • Daniel Terrill

Kratos combat drone completes first Euro flight, advances turbojet engine production

By DefenseNews.com: The company said it is positioning itself to support a range of unmanned missions with new aircraft and engine capabilities.

Also: The War Zone, Military Times and aero-defence.tech

4 Sources

2026-10-15T11:05:21.285971-07:00

Helicopter Supply Chain Military Aircraft Procurement Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Defense Industry & Major Contractors Textron

Military Times • Cristina Stassis

2026-10-15T12:04:49.659431-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Defense Industry & Major Contractors Defense Policy

The War Zone • Joseph Trevithick

Army Wants High-Energy Laser Weapons It Can Put On "Any Vehicle In The Motorpool"

By The War Zone: The Army sees modular laser systems not tied to specific vehicles as key to truly operationalizing and distributing counter-drone laser capabilities.

1 Source

2026-10-15T11:30:30.470699-07:00

US Army explores balloons as weapons platforms in push to exploit the stratosphere

Space Command’s new headquarters estimated to cost $4 billion

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

Ukraine critically low on Patriot interceptors as Russian strikes intensify

Lockheed Martin announces launch of new PATRIOT PAC-3 Edge missile variant

US Army eyes developing soldier-worn drone detection gear

Saab prepares to launch flight testing on Sweden’s first GlobalEye airborne early warning jet

Sweden Awards Saab $123 Million Contract to Build Next-Generation Flight Control Computers for Gripen Fleet

Saab unveils Sweden’s first GlobalEye surveillance aircraft as international demand grows

Kratos combat drone completes first Euro flight, advances turbojet engine production

‘Revolutionary’: Bell touts MV-75 Cheyenne II as combat game changer

MQ-72C Cargo Helicopter Drone Capabilities Demonstrated For U.S. Army

Bell completes assembly of first set of MV-75 nacelles

Army Wants High-Energy Laser Weapons It Can Put On "Any Vehicle In The Motorpool"

Killer balloons an option as US Army seeks to ‘exploit the stratosphere’

Space Command’s new headquarters estimated to cost $4 billion

US Army eyes developing soldier-worn drone detection gear

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

‘Revolutionary’: Bell touts MV-75 Cheyenne II as combat game changer

Watch SpaceX launch classified mission for the US Space Force today

Watch SpaceX launch classified mission for the US Space Force today

Israel signs for 12 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters

France to receive just two Rafales in 2027 as air chief warns of fighter strain

UK Sends Ukraine More Storm Shadow Missiles to Hit Russian Sites

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

German Eurofighters escort Corendon 737 to Nuremberg after false hijack alert

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

U.S. Army to grow space workforce toward 1,000 and test stratospheric balloons

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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