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UAV Development & Drone Programs   Europe   General Atomics   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Deals  
Aviation Week • Steve Trimble

Italy orders two MQ-9A Block 5 Reapers to expand its existing fleet

Italy has ordered two General Atomics MQ-9A Block 5 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft through a U.S. Air Force Foreign Military Sales case. The aircraft, drawn from the manufacturer’s remaining unsold inventory, are scheduled for delivery at the end of 2027 and will support Italy’s surveillance fleet.

FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

Italy orders two MQ-9A Block 5 Reapers

2026-09-08T13:37:20.209534-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
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Naval News • H I Sutton

Underwater Drone Captured By Iran Matches American Anduril Model

By Naval News: An underwater drone shown by Iran closely matches the American-designed Anduril Dive-LD model. The large AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle) was reportedly captured in the Straits of Hormuz earlier today.

Also: Sandboxx
2026-09-08T09:38:01.485403-07:00
Middle East   Policy & Regulation   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Export Controls & Trade Compliance   Airlines  
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Wall Street Journal • Costas Paris, Shelby Holliday

U.S. Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers in Response to Tehran’s Attacks on Navy Ships

By Wall Street Journal: destroyed five Iranian oil tankers on Tuesday in response to fresh attempts by Tehran to strike U.S. warships in the Middle East in recent days, according to U.S.

Also: home.treasury.gov, Bloomberg, Washington Post, Associated Press, Simple Flying, Reuters, DVIDS / U.S. DoD, AirForceTimes, ANI News Agency, CNA, CNN, The Independent and tass.com
2026-09-08T13:21:02.250700-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
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Reuters • Mike Stone

US Navy's next-generation fighter decision to be unveiled soon, sources say

By Reuters: The Pentagon has decided which company will make the U.S. Navy's next-generation stealth fighter and could announce the winner ​in the coming weeks or sooner, two people briefed on ‌the matter said.

Also: Forbes
2026-09-08T10:37:01.776127-07:00
AI   Middle East   Cybersecurity (Cyber Threats & Protection)   Defense Deals   Defense Policy  
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Breaking Defense • Breaking Defense Video

USAF Rethinks Cyber Defense as AI-Powered Hacking Grows; Mecca Pact Could Reshape Middle East Arms Sales

By Breaking Defense: The proliferation of AI is forcing the USAF to rethink cyber defense, and a new regional defense pact could shake up arms sales in the Middle East.

2026-09-08T07:50:22.125076-07:00