Satellite   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Space Defense & Militarization  
SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

DIU seeks commercial proposals for space-based power-beaming demonstration within two years

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is soliciting commercial proposals for space-based “utility” power solutions—producing electricity in space and beaming it to spacecraft and, potentially, from orbit to Earth. DIU aims for a demonstration within two years and an operationally relevant transition by the end of the decade.

Also: Defense Daily
2026-07-16T08:44:48.269276-07:00
Space Force   Defense Budgets & Spending   Space Defense & Militarization   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Trump's pick to lead Space Force defends plan to more than double budget

By SpaceNews.com: WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Space Force backed the administration’s proposal to more than double the service’s budget, telling senators on Thursday that a $71.1 billion request was “exactly what we need” to counter China’s rapidly expanding military capabilities in space.

2026-07-16T08:14:50.576553-07:00
Satellite   Europe   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Space Defense & Militarization   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
NEW
Via Satellite • Mark Holmes

Integration and Sovereignty: How Defense is Reshaping the Earth Observation Market

By Via Satellite: As defense and security needs drive demand for Earth Observation (EO) data, experts from Europe’s leading space and security organizations say challenges remain with integrating EO data into larger systems and finding the right balance with sovereignty.

2026-07-16T09:14:01.263011-07:00
Event   Accident   Aviation Safety & Regulation  
AeroTime • Ian Molyneaux

Actions of Blue Angels pilot called into question over low pass at busy US beach

By AeroTime: A US Navy's Blue Angels aerobatic display team is under review after video footage emerged of a low altitude pass at a busy Florida beach.

Also: Stars and Stripes, The Independent, CBS News, CNN and 6 more
2026-07-16T04:15:47.808247-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   North America   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
New York Times • Nicholas Kulish, Peter Eavis, Saronic Corsair

Maker of Drone Boats Used in Iran War Will Open New Texas Shipyard

By New York Times: Saronic Technologies will make naval and commercial vessels at the facility. The company’s naval drone helped rescue the crew of a downed Apache helicopter last month.

Also: Janes
2026-07-16T08:16:09.161712-07:00
SAAB   Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Budgets & Spending   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Deals   Defense Policy  
Reuters

Starmer says UK to help fund 16 Gripen fighter jets for Ukraine

By Reuters: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on ​Thursday pledged €300 million ($345 million) to help ‌equip Ukraine with a squadron of 16 Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets, making one of ​his final commitments to Kyiv before leaving ​office.

2026-07-16T05:45:44.051100-07:00
Supply Chain   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
Aviation Today • Frank Wolfe

DCMA Flags Missing Required Equipment on at Least 15 F-35s Since May 2025

By Aviation Today: At least 15 F-35s built in the last year have lacked required equipment, according to a Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) list sent to sister publication Defense Daily after a Freedom […].

Also: DefenseNews.com
2026-07-16T07:29:22.237609-07:00