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Satellite   Space Force   Space Defense & Militarization  
Breaking Defense • Theresa Hitchens

K2 selected to test satellite laser links for Space Force missile-warning architecture

K2 has been selected to test satellite-to-satellite optical communications for the U.S. Space Force, a technology central to planned missile-warning and tracking networks. The capability is also expected to support the Trump administration’s Golden Dome missile-defense architecture.

2026-08-03T13:33:26.645098-07:00
Supply Chain   North America   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Boeing   Boeing 747  
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DefenseNews.com • Michael Peck

US Air Force jet engine manufacturing plagued by ‘significant challenges’

By DefenseNews.com: Jet engine manufacturing is plagued by production delays, quality control issues and material shortages, the U.S. Air Force said.

Also: AirForceTimes and Military Times
2026-08-03T12:00:09.584420-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Supply Chain   Military Aircraft Procurement   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
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Breaking Defense • Valerie Insinna

Northrop gets $3B framework deal to increase motor production for PAC-3, THAAD

By Breaking Defense: The deal will allow Northrop to stand up production as a second supplier of solid rocket motors for the PAC-3 interceptor.

Also: The War Zone, Reuters, Bloomberg, Northrop Grumman, Aviation Week, Aerotech News, Defense Scoop, Defense Daily, realcleardefense.com, The Independent, insidedefense.com, defence-industry.eu and 9 more
2026-08-03T05:31:14.955872-07:00
Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Defense Deals  
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Breaking Defense • Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo

Rheinmetall unveils new guided-missile frigate projected for North American tender

By Breaking Defense: The German GMF 140 is envisioned to integrate US-sourced radar options, hypersonic weapons and ballistic missiles, the AEGIS Combat System, and 64 Strike-Length Vertical Launch System cells.

2026-08-03T10:45:07.372150-07:00
Accident   Boeing  
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FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

US KC-135 damaged over Iraq returns to service with new tail section

By FlightGlobal: A vertical stabiliser from a retired jet was used to replace a stabiliser sheared off by a mid-air collision. A Boeing KC-135 aerial refuelling jet that was seriously damaged in March during a mid-air collision has returned to service after extensive repairs.

Also: The Aviationist
2026-08-03T11:00:18.124963-07:00
Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   BAE Systems  
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quwa.org • VIEW ALL POSTS

Leonardo and BAE Chiefs Float Earlier GCAP Service Entry as Partner Window Narrows

By quwa.org: Leonardo CEO Lorenzo Mariani says GCAP entry into service could move forward around two years from 2035, while BAE Systems CEO Charles Woodburn warns the window for new partner nations is closing.

Also: Janes
2026-08-03T04:28:10.908177-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Satellite   Europe   Aircraft Finance & Leasing   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Human Spaceflight & Space Stations   Commercial Space   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Space Defense & Militarization   Airbus   Thales  
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SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Airbus and Thales win order for SpainSat replacement

By SpaceNews.com: Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space will build a replacement military communications satellite for Spain.

Also: SpaceWatch Africa, Satellite Evolution, Janes and 8 more
2026-08-03T05:33:01.855788-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Dassault Aviation   AI   Helicopter   Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Defense Policy  
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AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

French Air Force Seeks Earlier Rafale F4 Deliveries Amid Fleet Overuse

By AeroTime: France’s Air Force chief says Rafale fighters are being overused and wants more F4 fighters quickly instead of waiting until 2033 for the F5 standard.

2026-08-03T04:59:13.461085-07:00