UAV Development & Drone Programs   AI   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
Northrop Grumman • MIN READ

DARPA, Northrop Grumman fly XRQ-73 hybrid-electric uncrewed flying-wing demonstrator at Edwards

DARPA and Northrop Grumman have advanced the XRQ-73 hybrid-electric flying-wing UAS into flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base, nearly two years after Northrop completed assembly of the experimental aircraft. The prototype—built with Scaled Composites—uses an ultra-quiet electric propulsion system powered by electricity from a gas turbine.

Also: aviationnews.eu, FlightGlobal, Aviation Week, defence-blog.com and 3 more
2026-05-06T10:19:38.902409-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Orders   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Export Controls & Trade Compliance  
AeroTime • Stephen Pope

Raytheon secures major SharpSight radar order in global distribution deal

By AeroTime: Raytheon will produce 120 SharpSight radars under a deal with distributor Blue Raven that is aimed at expanding global access to the surveillance system.

Also: Seeking Alpha and defence-industry.eu
2026-05-06T13:58:50.496928-07:00
Event   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
Breaking Defense • Agnes Helou

Turkey rolls out intercontinental missile with purported 6,000km range

By Breaking Defense: The ICBM would add a "crucial layer of deterrence" to Turkey's military arsenal, a defense analyst told Breaking Defense.

Also: Times of India and defcrosnews.com
2026-05-06T12:36:31.055231-07:00
Aircraft Carrier   Middle East   Europe   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
politico.eu • Victor Goury-Laffont

French aircraft carrier crosses Suez as Paris eyes Hormuz mission

By politico.eu: France wants to ensure the safe passage of ships through the strait but is wary of getting involved in the war.

Also: al-monitor.com, The Independent, Times of India and 9 more
2026-05-06T08:21:25.875536-07:00