Event   UAV Development & Drone Programs   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Boeing  
The Air Current • Carter Johnston

Boeing MQ-28A Ghost Bat enters Exercise Valiant Shield as first major multinational CCA deployment

The MQ-28A Ghost Bat collaborative combat aircraft is participating in Exercise Valiant Shield for the first time, marking its major-force debut. The event also includes the U.S. military’s first operational use of a stealthy, uncrewed fighter aircraft in a large field training exercise at a remote Pacific airfield.

2026-06-26T10:26:10.484950-07:00
Space Defense & Militarization   Policy & Regulation   Asia-Pacific (APAC)   Defense Policy  
english.kyodonews.net • KYODO NEWS

Japan approves air force reorganization to boost space defense

By english.kyodonews.net: Japan's parliament on Friday enacted legislation to reorganize and rename the Air Self-Defense Force, adding "space" to its official name as part of a broader effort to strengthen the country's space defense capabilities amid a rapidly changing security environment.

2026-06-26T00:27:44.732849-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Safran   M&A   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
Reuters

France's Safran in talks to buy Exail Technologies

By Reuters: French defence group Safran entered into exclusive negotiations with Exail Technologies over a ​possible acquisition of the sea drone maker at €128.5 ($146.71) per share, the ‌companies said on Friday.

2026-06-26T06:12:41.425090-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Policy & Regulation   Export Controls & Trade Compliance   Defense Deals   Defense Policy  
Australian Aviation • Stephen Kuper

US approves training package for RAAF Growlers, Super Hornets

By Australian Aviation: The approval, announced by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, is designed to enhance Australia’s ability to operate and sustain its advanced fast jet fleet, while strengthening interoperability with US forces.

2026-06-25T18:11:01.806671-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Europe   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Asia-Pacific (APAC)   Airbus  
Reuters

Airbus and Kawasaki Heavy to cooperate on Japanese variant of Eurodrone

By Reuters: Airbus has signed a preliminary agreement with Japan's ​Kawasaki Heavy Industries to cooperate on a ‌possible Japanese variant of a European defence drone, the aerospace company said on Friday.

Also: The Aviationist, Janes, Airbus, AeroTime, CNA and 3 more
2026-06-26T01:12:42.724245-07:00
Event   Europe   Farnborough Airshow   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   BAE Systems  
FlightGlobal • Craig Hoyle

BAE Systems to Start Fuselage Final Assembly on the UK Combat Air Flying Demonstrator

By FlightGlobal: New platform is coming together two years after programme announcement. BAE Systems will soon launch fuselage final assembly work on the combat air flying demonstrator it announced at the last Farnborough air show, with the milestone coming 40 years after its last such UK-only platform got airborne.

Also: Aviation Week and Shephard Media
2026-06-26T04:26:38.840959-07:00