Defense News

Leadership L3Harris Defense Industry & Major Contractors

Wall Street Journal • Cara Lombardo, Drew Fitzgerald, Marcus Weisgerber

L3Harris Ousted CEO Chris Kubasik After Conduct Investigation; Earlier Harassment Complaint Emerges

L3Harris removed CEO Chris Kubasik after an investigation into his conduct with a subordinate, while reporting indicates another employee had raised a harassment complaint about his behavior years earlier. The disclosures add scrutiny to leadership oversight and workplace conduct at the defense contractor.

1 Source

2026-08-19T13:29:35.451497-07:00

Helicopter Sikorsky Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Industry & Major Contractors

AINonline

Sikorsky’s S-97 Raider Points to a New Level of Performance For Future Helicopters

By AINonline: Originally developed for the U.S. Military, X2 technology is in search of a new customer.

1 Source

2026-08-19T11:35:48.040984-07:00

F-16 North America Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Deals

FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

Taiwan’s first F-16 Block 70 fighters seen departing Lockheed factory

By FlightGlobal: Two of the jets were sighted by a planespotter in Fort Worth, Texas, landing at Lockheed's F-35 production facility. The first new-build Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets bound for Taiwan have been seen en route to Asia from the US.

1 Source

2026-08-19T10:35:00.403987-07:00

Aviation Safety & Regulation Space Debris & Traffic Management

Space.com • Brett Tingley

Possible space-debris hazard prompts U.S. Air Force aircraft to turn back over the South Pacific

By Space.com: A mysterious incident over the South Pacific forced a U.S. Air Force aircraft to turn around on Aug. 18, due to a possible space debris hazard.

Also: Aviation A2Z

2 Sources

2026-08-19T09:05:15.239368-07:00

Satellite Leadership Defense Industry & Major Contractors

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Vantor names new head of U.S. government business

By SpaceNews.com: WASHINGTON — Vantor has named Will Cocos to lead its U.S. government business and oversee the Earth intelligence company’s work with U.S. defense, intelligence and civilian agencies.

Also: Via Satellite

2 Sources

2026-08-19T05:40:40.812106-07:00

Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Defense Policy

AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

Chinese national jailed for filming B-2 base under 1950 Truman order

By AeroTime: Qilin Wu received six months in federal custody after returning to film Whiteman AFB, home of the B-2 fleet, despite a security warning.

1 Source

2026-08-19T02:49:58.979552-07:00

Israel Middle East Military Aircraft Procurement Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Defense Policy

Air Data News • Ricardo Meier

Israel strikes Syrian airbase days after restored Su-22s return to the air

By Air Data News: Israel has attacked Abu al-Duhur airbase in northwestern Syria, just days after two restored Sukhoi Su-22 fighter-bombers were filmed flying over the region in one of the clearest signs yet that the country's new government is attempting to rebuild a military aviation capability.

4 Sources

2026-08-19T01:00:36.113291-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Satellite Europe

SpaceWatch Global • Torsten Kriening

Germany Launches Drone Security Centre Using Space-Based Systems

By SpaceWatch Global: Welcome to your go-to source for all things space-related. Our editorial team is dedicated to bringing you the latest news and insights from the space industry.

1 Source

2026-08-19T03:53:46.831848-07:00

L3Harris Ousted CEO Chris Kubasik After Conduct Investigation; Earlier Harassment Complaint Emerges

Sikorsky’s S-97 Raider Points to a New Level of Performance For Future Helicopters

Taiwan’s first F-16 Block 70 fighters seen departing Lockheed factory

Possible space-debris hazard prompts U.S. Air Force aircraft to turn back over the South Pacific

Vantor names new head of U.S. government business

Chinese national jailed for filming B-2 base under 1950 Truman order

Israel strikes Syrian airbase days after restored Su-22s return to the air

Germany Launches Drone Security Centre Using Space-Based Systems

Women at L3Harris Shared Concerns About CEO’s Behavior Years Before Ouster

Sikorsky’s S-97 Raider Points to a New Level of Performance For Future Helicopters

Taiwan’s first F-16 Block 70 fighters seen departing Lockheed factory

Possible space-debris hazard prompts U.S. Air Force aircraft to turn back over the South Pacific

Vantor names new head of U.S. government business

Germany Launches Drone Security Centre Using Space-Based Systems

GMF AeroAsia hands over upgraded C-130H to Indonesian air force

U.S. Army Selects Hanwha Defense USA to Supply Mobile Artillery Prototypes

How U.S. Satellites Detect Iranian Missile Launches

U.S. Space Force FY27 Budget Request Reaches Record $71.3 Billion

L3Harris ousts CEO Christopher Kubasik after conduct investigation, names space chief Sam Mehta successor

U.S.-linked infrastructure push spans Indo-Pacific space surveillance and FAA air traffic control overhaul

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

Reliance and Rolls-Royce join India’s bid for an indigenous AMCA fighter engine

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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