UAV Development & Drone Programs   General Atomics   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
Aviation Today • Frank Wolfe

GA-ASI sets no date to resume YFQ-42A Dark Merlin flight testing after mishap

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has paused flight testing of its YFQ-42A Dark Merlin prototype for the US Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, following a mishap during development work. GA-ASI says it will not provide a timetable for resumption of flights while the investigation and review continue.

2026-04-16T14:50:46.363033-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Policy  
DefenseNews.com • Michael Scanlon

Combat search and rescue’s uncertain future: As A-10s phase out, US Air Force faces questions of what comes next

By DefenseNews.com: The U.S. Air Force is moving forward with plans to retire the A-10, which for decades has proven ideally suited for combat search-and-rescue operations.

Also: AirForceTimes and Military Times
2026-04-16T13:40:12.737867-07:00
Event   UAV Development & Drone Programs   Helicopter   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
The War Zone • Joseph Trevithick

Army Eyes Drone Tankers To Refuel Its New MV-75 Cheyenne II Tiltrotors

By The War Zone: The Army and Bell have pointed to the U.S. Navy's MQ-25 Stingray drone tanker as an example of what could be on the horizon.

2026-04-16T11:58:37.655672-07:00
Helicopter   L3Harris   Military Aircraft Procurement   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
The War Zone • Thomas Newdick

Wolf Pack Modular Mini Cruise Missiles Pitched For Apache, Black Hawk

By The War Zone: Already building launched effects vehicles for the Marine Corps, L3Harris now wants to bring these capabilities to U.S. Army rotorcraft. Already building launched effects vehicles for the Marine Corps, L3Harris now wants to bring these capabilities to U.S.

2026-04-16T09:12:33.477970-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy   Thales  
AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

Rafale's new anti-Shahed weapon caught on camera at Istres

By AeroTime: First images show a French Rafale fitted with 24 Thales laser-guided rockets. The DGA says the anti-Shahed capability will be ready by summer 2026.

Also: Janes and Janes
2026-04-16T06:57:20.561985-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Helicopter   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
Reuters • Cassell Bryan-Low

How the US could clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz

By Reuters: As the United States embarks on clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz, it could draw on an arsenal of drones, explosive‑laden robots and helicopters to reduce risks, though de‑mining crews could still be vulnerable to Iranian attacks.

2026-04-16T08:11:17.520523-07:00