SpaceNews.comSandra Erwin

Pentagon pauses portions of LEO constellation as acquisition reviews proceed

The Pentagon has placed portions of its planned low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation on hold while acquisition reviews proceed, pausing contract awards and scheduled deployments. The hold delays program timelines and contractor selection as officials reassess procurement next steps.

2026-02-16T03:17:22.289906-08:00
FlightGlobalDominic Perry

Saudi Arabia orders four C-27J Spartan transports for maritime patrol missions

By FlightGlobal: Saudi Arabia has ordered four Leonardo C-27J Spartan tactical transports in a maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) configuration. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2029, the Italian airframer says.

Also: AeroTime
2026-02-16T02:24:27.096294-08:00
war.gov

DoD and DOE Transport Next‑Gen Microreactor to Hill AFB Aboard C‑17 to Boost Military Energy Resilience

By war.gov: At March Air Reserve Base, Calif., a next-generation nuclear reactor was loaded aboard a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft for transport to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, ensuring greater energy security for.

2026-02-15T19:42:16.185836-08:00
FlightGlobalCraig Hoyle

UK begins reversion work on long-delayed CH-47 Chinook HC3s as MoD procurement comes under fire

By FlightGlobal: Qinetiq has begun modifying the first two of eight Boeing CH-47 Chinook HC3 transport helicopters for long-delayed service with the UK Royal Air Force, as a new report has again criticised the UK Ministry of Defence for the flawed procurement.

2026-02-15T15:12:32.067138-08:00
New York TimesAgnes Chang, Chris Buckley

Deep in China’s Mountains, a Nuclear Revival Takes Shape

By New York Times: Satellite imagery of secretive nuclear facilities reveals Beijing’s efforts to expand its arsenal, just as the last global guardrails on nuclear weapons vanish.

2026-02-14T21:24:37.069391-08:00
New York TimesEric Schmitt, Karoun Demirjian, Kate Kelly, Tyler Pager

FAA–Pentagon Standoff Over Border Weapon Tech Triggers Closure of El Paso Airspace

By New York Times: The F.A.A., citing “a grave risk of fatalities” from a new technology being used on the Mexican border, got caught in a stalemate with the Pentagon, which deemed the weapon “necessary.”.

2026-02-14T03:04:35.570713-08:00