Defense News

Aircraft Carrier Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Policy

The Hill • Filip Timotija

Trump’s Aircraft Carrier Design Demands Could Delay U.S. Navy Procurement

President Trump is pushing for major changes to U.S. aircraft carrier design, including a return to steam catapults and relocating the carrier island. The demands could disrupt established procurement plans and delay future Navy acquisitions as the service and industry assess the implications.

1 Source

2026-08-18T03:06:07.860350-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs General Atomics Military Aircraft Procurement Asia-Pacific (APAC) Defense Deals

FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

India Leases Two MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs From General Atomics

By FlightGlobal: Pair of UAVs will support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activities. New Delhi has entered an agreement with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to lease a pair of MQ-9B SeaGuardian uncrewed air vehicles (UAVs).

Unmanned Airspace

US and Mexico sign declaration of intent for UAS and C-UAS to fight organised crime

outlookindia.com

India Signs Contract With US’ General Atomics For 2 MQ-9B Sea Guardian On Lease For Navy

Also: ANI News Agency, Economic Times, defence.in and newsable.asianetnews.com

7 Sources

2026-08-17T22:50:07.512691-07:00

Hypersonic Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Defense Policy

Bloomberg • James Mayger

Japan Agrees to Test Hypersonics, Other Missiles in Australia

By Bloomberg: Japan is set to test hypersonics and other missiles in Australia, underscoring the nations’ stepped-up defense cooperation.

Also: thenightly.com.au

2 Sources

2026-08-17T23:07:01.940715-07:00

Aircraft Carrier Middle East Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Defense Policy

The War Zone • Ian Ellis-Jones

USS George Washington to Relieve Abraham Lincoln in Middle East, Leaving No U.S. Carriers in Pacific

By The War Zone: USS George Washington is en route to relieve USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East, which leaves no carriers in the Pacific.

1 Source

2026-08-17T17:33:13.822361-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Europe Defense Industry & Major Contractors Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact

The War Zone • Thomas Newdick

Russia Is Expanding Its Long-Range Strike Drone Network

By The War Zone: Satellite imagery reveals growing launch infrastructure for Geran-family one-way attack drones, including the capability of launching heavier, higher-performing types.

Also: Aviation Week and nationalsecurityjournal.org

4 Sources

2026-08-17T12:05:07.632664-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs AI Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Industry & Major Contractors Defense Policy

DefenseNews.com • Michael Peck

US Air Force looks to acquire target drones that can mimic stealth jets

By DefenseNews.com: The U.S. Air Force wants to acquire target drones that can mimic the performance of a variety of aircraft, from stealth fighters to small UAVs.

Also: AirForceTimes, news.ssbcrack.com and Military Times

4 Sources

2026-08-17T11:35:18.227397-07:00

Europe Military Aircraft Procurement Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)

Air Data News • Ricardo Meier

First components for Switzerland’s F-35As take shape in Italy

By Air Data News: The first physical components destined for Switzerland’s future F-35A fleet have entered production at Leonardo’s Cameri facility in northern Italy, several years before the country begins receiving the fighters.

Aviation A2Z

Germany’s First F-35A Enters Final Production Ahead of Luftwaffe Delivery

5 Sources

2026-08-17T11:51:15.881297-07:00

AI Defense Industry & Major Contractors

Breaking Defense • Breaking Defense

Project Talon Portfolio puts mission autonomy at the center of future CCA operations

By Breaking Defense: Northrop Grumman’s Project Talon Portfolio brings together Talon Blue, Talon IQ and Prism to advance autonomous capabilities for future collaborative combat aircraft.

1 Source

2026-08-17T10:34:47.537927-07:00

Trump’s Aircraft Carrier Design Demands Could Delay U.S. Navy Procurement

India Leases Two MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs From General Atomics

US and Mexico sign declaration of intent for UAS and C-UAS to fight organised crime

India Signs Contract With US’ General Atomics For 2 MQ-9B Sea Guardian On Lease For Navy

Japan Agrees to Test Hypersonics, Other Missiles in Australia

USS George Washington to Relieve Abraham Lincoln in Middle East, Leaving No U.S. Carriers in Pacific

Russia Is Expanding Its Long-Range Strike Drone Network

US Air Force looks to acquire target drones that can mimic stealth jets

First components for Switzerland’s F-35As take shape in Italy

Germany’s First F-35A Enters Final Production Ahead of Luftwaffe Delivery

Project Talon Portfolio puts mission autonomy at the center of future CCA operations

Trump’s Aircraft Carrier Design Demands Could Delay U.S. Navy Procurement

Japan Agrees to Test Hypersonics, Other Missiles in Australia

India Leases Two MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs From General Atomics

USS George Washington to Relieve Abraham Lincoln in Middle East, Leaving No U.S. Carriers in Pacific

Russia Is Expanding Its Long-Range Strike Drone Network

First components for Switzerland’s F-35As take shape in Italy

L3Harris ousts CEO Kubasik over conduct breach, names insider Mehta as replacement

Space Force brings 5 companies on-board Space Data Network

USAF designates GE-Kratos engine as F143 and awards initial production contract

Retired colonel knocks Trump order to cut back on ‘critical’ joint exercises with South Korea

Spanish F-18 shoots down drone over Romania after entry from Moldova

France keeps EMALS for future carrier as Trump orders U.S. Navy back to steam catapults

Navy weighs billion-dollar carrier redesign to reflect Trump’s World War II preferences

U.S. pulls its last aircraft carrier from Asia as Iran war reshapes global naval posture

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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