Reuters
• Florence Loeve
Thales reported a 21% year-on-year increase in first-half 2026 order intake, attributing the surge to higher military spending amid escalating conflicts. The company said the uptick is supporting demand for its surveillance and defense systems.
politico.eu
• Chris Lunday
By politico.eu: Internal divisions over whether to buy Boeing Australia’s Ghost Bat or wait for European alternatives could delay Germany’s plan to field a new combat drone.
The War Zone
• Joseph Trevithick
By The War Zone: The F-15EX's current job is the same as its F-15C predecessor, strictly air-to-air combat, but that is going to change.
The War Zone
• Thomas Newdick
By The War Zone: General Dan Caine’s disclosure bolsters reports that a Ukrainian F-16 downed a Russian Su-35S this month. Gen. Dan Caine’s disclosure bolsters reports that a Ukrainian F-16 downed a Russian Su-35S this month.
defence-blog.com
The Aviationist
DefenseNews.com
• Michael Peck
By DefenseNews.com: The U.S. Navy is moving forward with plans to build a new dock for aircraft carriers on the West Coast.
The War Zone
• Howard Altman
By The War Zone: The ship will be capable of launching and recovering helicopters, drones and small boats, and acting as a sea base for operations.
Via Satellite
• Rachel Jewett
By Via Satellite: Lite Coms has recieved a $22 million contract from an unnamed government and defense customer to provide satellite communications to support operational.
FlightGlobal
• Craig Hoyle
By FlightGlobal: Sensor update brings "fifth-gen" capabilities into existing fleets. Elbit Systems is offering to provide operators of legacy fighters such as the Lockheed Martin F-16 with an “F-35-like” situational awareness and self-protection capability, with the company showcasing its technology at the Farnborough show.
SpaceNews.com
• Thomas "Tav" Taverney
