Defense News

North America Military Aircraft Procurement Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Defense Industry & Major Contractors

The War Zone • Joseph Trevithick

B-21 Raider demonstrates first weapon release as Air Force targets operational status next year

The U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman say the B-21 Raider has released a conventional weapon during a test flight from Edwards Air Force Base, advancing the stealth bomber into weapons testing. The milestone comes as the Air Force continues to aim for the aircraft to become operational next year.

Northrop Grumman • MIN READ

B-21 Raider Advances into Weapons Testing

The Aviationist • David Cenciotti

USAF and Northrop Grumman Confirm B-21 Raider's First Weapon Release Capability Demonstration

Also: Aviation Week, UK Defence Journal and defence-industry.eu

6 Sources

2026-11-13T09:28:27.783499-08:00

Satellite Commercial Space Space Defense & Militarization

Space Intel Report • Peter B. de Selding

AST SpaceMobile to government customers: We're not like Starlink. You keep data control, you keep the kill switch

By Space Intel Report: LA PLATA, Maryland — Every space company that has international ambitions these days has to be able to answer the same question posed by governments worldwide:.

1 Source

2026-11-13T08:35:07.955032-08:00

Space Force Defense Industry & Major Contractors

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Space Force picks three firms to develop cloud software to control electronic jammer fleet

By SpaceNews.com: To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site.

1 Source

2026-11-13T08:35:57.684574-08:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Europe Defense Industry & Major Contractors Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Cybersecurity (Cyber Threats & Protection)

Reuters

Quantum Systems says grounded German military drones flying again after cyberattack

By Reuters: German defence technology group Quantum Systems said drones in service with the German military were flying again after they were ‌grounded as a precaution following a cyberattack last month.

defenceagenda.com

Quantum Systems Reports Cyberattack on Drone Software

Also: AeroTime and CNA

7 Sources

2026-11-13T02:05:29.942295-08:00

Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Budgets & Spending

AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

Japan could slash F-35 fighter purchases amid defense budget clash

By AeroTime: Japan's proposed defense budget could force cuts of up to half in planned F-35 fighter and missile purchases.

2 Sources

2026-11-13T03:49:32.055155-08:00

aviation Helicopter Military Aircraft Procurement Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Airbus

FlightGlobal • Dominic Perry

Airbus Helicopters kicks off final assembly of third H160M prototype

By FlightGlobal: Latest example of medium-twin supports development of combined naval and air force variant. Airbus Helicopters has begun final assembly of the third of three H160M Guepard prototypes at its Marigane site in southern France.

1 Source

2026-11-13T02:19:21.596818-08:00

Supply Chain Military Aircraft Procurement

FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

GAO highlights slipshod nature of F-35 parts management

By FlightGlobal: US Government Accountability Office report comes weeks after F-35 parts being transported from Australia to the USA vanished in Hong Kong.

2 Sources

2026-11-12T23:19:25.444113-08:00

M&A Defense Industry & Major Contractors

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Serco expands military space business with $292 million QinetiQ deal

By SpaceNews.com: QinetiQ exhibit at Farnborough UK WASHINGTON — British government services contractor Serco has agreed to acquire QinetiQ’s U.S.

Also: Defense Daily and defenceconnect.com.au

3 Sources

2026-11-12T17:25:40.292742-08:00

B-21 Raider demonstrates first weapon release as Air Force targets operational status next year

B-21 Raider Advances into Weapons Testing

USAF and Northrop Grumman Confirm B-21 Raider's First Weapon Release Capability Demonstration

AST SpaceMobile to government customers: We're not like Starlink. You keep data control, you keep the kill switch

Space Force picks three firms to develop cloud software to control electronic jammer fleet

Quantum Systems says grounded German military drones flying again after cyberattack

Quantum Systems Reports Cyberattack on Drone Software

Japan could slash F-35 fighter purchases amid defense budget clash

Airbus Helicopters kicks off final assembly of third H160M prototype

GAO highlights slipshod nature of F-35 parts management

Serco expands military space business with $292 million QinetiQ deal

B-21 Raider Has Released Its First Weapon

AST SpaceMobile to government customers: We're not like Starlink. You keep data control, you keep the kill switch

Space Force picks three firms to develop cloud software to control electronic jammer fleet

Japan could slash F-35 fighter purchases amid defense budget clash

Quantum Systems says grounded German military drones flying again after cyberattack

Airbus Helicopters kicks off final assembly of third H160M prototype

‘We don’t know’: USAF still lacks a plan for its next-generation tanker

High-Speed Aircraft Startup Hermeus Joins Forces With Northrop Grumman

Iceye US expands manufacturing, targets new military markets for radar payloads

York Space takes $750 million charge amid uncertainty over future Pentagon contracts

Ukraine says renewed Starlink restrictions disrupt military communications and drone operations

Ukraine says renewed Starlink restrictions disrupt military communications and drone operations

UForce raises $700 million at $6 billion valuation to expand autonomous systems production

Merlin wins $500,000 AFRICOM contract to demonstrate autonomous Cessna Caravan casualty evacuation in Morocco

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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