AI Military Aircraft Procurement Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Boeing

DefenseNews.com • Valerie Insinna

Boeing maps an autonomous refueling pathway for the KC-46 tanker amid ongoing program scrutiny

Boeing’s KC-46 now has a defined “pathway for autonomous aerial refueling,” positioning the tanker to move from manned operations toward automation-driven refueling. The update arrives as the platform faces persistent issue resolution requirements raised by senior U.S. Air Force leadership.

2026-04-25T10:05:23.994434-07:00

North America Airline Industry & Market Trends Policy & Regulation Defense Policy Airlines

DefenseNews.com • Valerie Insinna

With the commercial aviation industry in a nosedive, the Defense Department offers airlines a lifeline

By DefenseNews.com: U.S. Transportation Command is hoping that the contracts its issuing to commercial air providers can help them weather the financial storm caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

2026-04-25T10:05:24.012202-07:00

Military Aircraft Procurement Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)

DefenseNews.com • Valerie Insinna

A key milestone of the Air Force One replacement program was conducted using virtual tools. It won’t be the last.

By DefenseNews.com: Despite COVID-19, the program is sticking on track.

2026-04-25T10:05:25.248612-07:00

Supply Chain Military Aircraft Procurement Orders Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Boeing

DefenseNews.com • Valerie Insinna

Boeing to reopen the KC-46 and P-8 production lines

By DefenseNews.com: Production of the KC-46 tanker and P-8 maritime surveillance plane was suspended for a little over two weeks.

2026-04-25T10:05:26.223029-07:00

Helicopter Supply Chain Military Aircraft Procurement Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Boeing

DefenseNews.com • Jen Judson

Boeing to close Philadelphia facility for two weeks due to COVID-19, suspending CH-47 and V-22 production

By DefenseNews.com: Boeing will close for two weeks amid the spread of COVID-19 in region.

2026-04-25T10:05:26.426162-07:00

Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons Defense Budgets & Spending Defense Industry & Major Contractors

DefenseNews.com • Valerie Insinna

Northrop could get $85 billion award to make next-gen ICBMs sooner than expected

By DefenseNews.com: As long as access to secure facilities continues, the Air Force could award a contract for the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent program early.

2026-04-25T10:05:28.328266-07:00

Supply Chain Aviation Safety & Regulation

DefenseNews.com • Valerie Insinna

US Air Force starts 3D printing medical protective gear amid worldwide shortage

By DefenseNews.com: The Air Force hopes to cut down demand for protective gear by making its own.

2026-04-25T10:05:24.602520-07:00

Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Budgets & Spending Defense Industry & Major Contractors

DefenseNews.com • Nathan Strout

This upgrade will help Air Force convoys communicate while on the move

By DefenseNews.com: The Air Force will spend $25 million on new hardware for its WaRTAK program, which provides multidomain communications and a situational awareness system in one package.

2026-04-25T10:05:26.047547-07:00

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Boeing maps an autonomous refueling pathway for the KC-46 tanker amid ongoing program scrutiny

With the commercial aviation industry in a nosedive, the Defense Department offers airlines a lifeline

A key milestone of the Air Force One replacement program was conducted using virtual tools. It won’t be the last.

Boeing to reopen the KC-46 and P-8 production lines

Boeing to close Philadelphia facility for two weeks due to COVID-19, suspending CH-47 and V-22 production

Northrop could get $85 billion award to make next-gen ICBMs sooner than expected

US Air Force starts 3D printing medical protective gear amid worldwide shortage

This upgrade will help Air Force convoys communicate while on the move

Northrop could get $85 billion award to make next-gen ICBMs sooner than expected

Commercial aircraft industry’s woes could help Air Force pilot retention

This upgrade will help Air Force convoys communicate while on the move

Boeing to close Philadelphia facility for two weeks due to COVID-19, suspending CH-47 and V-22 production

Boeing to reopen the KC-46 and P-8 production lines

A key milestone of the Air Force One replacement program was conducted using virtual tools. It won’t be the last.

Commercial aircraft industry’s woes could help Air Force pilot retention

Vietnam Eyes Advanced Russian Su-57 Stealth Fighters to Modernize Aging Frontline Fleet

Rheinmetall Signs Agreement for New Satellite Testing Facility in Norway

Air Force: Turbulence, Turbocharger Failure Caused June Predator Crash

Russia warns European hosts of French Rafale nuclear-capable strategic bombers will become priority targets

Lockheed Martin backs Fortem with $25M investment to expand airspace security against counter-UAS

Vietnam weighs Su-57 stealth fighters and Rafale to replace aging Soviet-era fleet; Russia’s Su-57 force remains limited (20–25

Reports: NATO weighs Saab GlobalEye to replace Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS as E-7 Wedgetail programme collapses; Saab says no contra

Starlink's 2024 Advances: Transforming In-Flight Wi-Fi Connectivity in Aviation

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