Defense News

Space Force Defense Industry & Major Contractors Space Defense & Militarization Space Debris & Traffic Management

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Northrop Grumman touts space-surveillance experience as Space Force opens in-orbit monitoring to new competitors

Northrop Grumman is emphasizing its longstanding role in military space surveillance as the U.S. Space Force opens the in-orbit surveillance market to newer companies. The shift introduces competition in a mission area where established defense contractors bring experience, while new entrants seek a share of emerging government demand.

1 Source

2026-10-16T14:50:39.743885-07:00

aviation UAV Development & Drone Programs Defense Policy

The War Zone • Howard Altman, Joseph Trevithick

The Army's Plan For Employing LUCAS Kamikaze Drones Against Its Adversaries

By The War Zone: A vision of Army units launching long-range one-way attack drones at targets like enemy warships and ballistic missile is taking shape.

1 Source

2026-10-16T12:29:08.370759-07:00

Supply Chain Europe Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons Defense Industry & Major Contractors Defense Deals

Reuters

US arms firm Anduril could make interceptors in Europe, executive says

By Reuters: US defence firm Anduril could eventually manufacture its newly unveiled Steelfin interceptor missiles in Europe, a company executive said this week, as governments aim to expand air-defence production after global conflicts highlighted shortages of interceptor missiles.

1 Source

2026-10-16T13:04:27.609439-07:00

North America Military Aircraft Procurement

The War Zone • Thomas Newdick

Canada’s Snowbirds Say Farewell To The CT-114 Tutor Jet

By The War Zone: After 55 years with the Tutor, the aerobatic team faces an extended hiatus before transitioning to the PC-21 turboprop in the early 2030s. After 55 years with the Tutor, the aerobatic team faces an extended hiatus before transitioning to the PC-21 in the early 2030s.

Also: Aviation24 and FlightGlobal

3 Sources

2026-10-16T11:55:50.060666-07:00

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

The War Zone • Thomas Newdick

First C-130J For Navy’s New E-130J Phoenix II Ballistic Submarine Communications Fleet Delivered

By The War Zone: The E-130J will be taking over the Take Charge And Move Out mission from the jet-powered E-6B Mercury. The E-130J will be taking over the Take Charge And Move Out mission from the jet-powered E-6B Mercury.

FlightGlobal

US Navy receives first C-130J for conversion into E-130J nuclear command and control aircraft

c-130.net

Navy accepts first C-130J-30 for next-generation TACAMO fleet

Also: insidedefense.com, defence-industry.eu and Seapower Magazine

6 Sources

2026-10-16T08:55:27.398383-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Satellite Space Defense & Militarization

DefenseNews.com

How Iridium Is Helping the Army Stay Connected Beyond Line of Sight

By DefenseNews.com: Iridium discusses satellite communications that keep soldiers and unmanned systems connected, along with navigation technology for GPS-disrupted environments.

1 Source

2026-10-16T11:05:31.890558-07:00

Africa Accident Aviation Safety & Regulation

Reuters • Ben Ezeamalu

Families wait for answers after Nigerian military plane crash

By Reuters: More than a week after a Nigerian Air Force plane crash killed all 25 people on board, families say they are still waiting for answers as military teams search for wreckage and human remains in swampy terrain.

1 Source

2026-10-16T08:04:41.205177-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Europe Military Aircraft Procurement Boeing

Breaking Defense • Tim Martin

Germany changes course on plans to buy MQ-28 drone wingman: Boeing official

By Breaking Defense: Germany has set a target of 2029 to field a CCA, which would make it the first European country to reach such a milestone, but that timeline now looks to be in doubt.

1 Source

2026-10-16T09:00:38.794011-07:00

Northrop Grumman touts space-surveillance experience as Space Force opens in-orbit monitoring to new competitors

The Army's Plan For Employing LUCAS Kamikaze Drones Against Its Adversaries

US arms firm Anduril could make interceptors in Europe, executive says

Canada’s Snowbirds Say Farewell To The CT-114 Tutor Jet

First C-130J For Navy’s New E-130J Phoenix II Ballistic Submarine Communications Fleet Delivered

US Navy receives first C-130J for conversion into E-130J nuclear command and control aircraft

Navy accepts first C-130J-30 for next-generation TACAMO fleet

How Iridium Is Helping the Army Stay Connected Beyond Line of Sight

Families wait for answers after Nigerian military plane crash

Germany changes course on plans to buy MQ-28 drone wingman: Boeing official

As Space Force opens market for in-orbit surveillance, Northrop Grumman touts its experience

US arms firm Anduril could make interceptors in Europe, executive says

The Army's Plan For Employing LUCAS Kamikaze Drones Against Its Adversaries

Canada’s Snowbirds Say Farewell To The CT-114 Tutor Jet

How Iridium Is Helping the Army Stay Connected Beyond Line of Sight

Germany changes course on plans to buy MQ-28 drone wingman: Boeing official

‘Weaponized light’: KBR’s new base defense technology pits lasers against drones

Bulgaria seeks NATO anti-drone systems, says defence minister

Norway's $2 trillion wealth fund was frozen out of major defense companies. That may be about to change

(JA) Russia Nearly Completes Large Drone Launch Base in Just Six Weeks, Satellite Images Show; Ukraine Struggles to Counter Drones Traveling Up to 600 km/h

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

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

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

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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