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UAV Development & Drone Programs   AI   Helicopter   Defense Policy  
navylookout.com

Royal Navy demonstrates Wildcat-led network linking helicopters, drones and ground forces across 200 miles

The Royal Navy has demonstrated a secure network linking Leonardo Wildcat helicopters, VTOL uncrewed aerial systems and ground forces across more than 200 miles. The Dragon Rider trial advances the service’s Hybrid Navy concept, in which crewed and uncrewed assets operate as a coordinated force.

2026-08-05T04:52:31.086888-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Military Aircraft Procurement   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
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The Air Current • Carter Johnston

The U.S. Navy’s new search for ultra-long-range strike brings its Pacific strategy into focus

By The Air Current: Navy has asked defense contractors to develop a new uncrewed aircraft with a focus on long-range strike capability, signaling its vision for future carrier air wings and the fleet’s broader strategy as the service races to adapt to the growing threat of long-range counter-air weapons in the Indo-Pacific.

2026-08-04T14:44:29.086131-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Orders   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Defense Deals   Embraer  
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Breaking Defense • Michael Marrow

Colombia buys 2 KC-390s from Embraer in $336 million deal

By Breaking Defense: The Colombian Aerospace Force said the first aircraft is expected for delivery in 2029, and that a second will follow in 2030.

Also: AINonline, AirInsight, FlightGlobal, Reuters, Aviation Week, aviation-defence-universe.com and 7 more
2026-08-04T10:31:43.614320-07:00
Supply Chain   North America   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Export Controls & Trade Compliance  
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Reuters • Divya Rajagopal, Ernest Scheyder

EXCLUSIVE: Lockheed seeks U.S. mineral supplies after Trump supply-chain push, sources say

By Reuters: Lockheed Martin is in talks to buy supplies of two critical minerals from U.S. ​mines, two sources familiar with the discussions said, as President Donald Trump pressures defense contractors to cut reliance on China.

Also: Seeking Alpha and Seeking Alpha
2026-08-04T10:15:59.261711-07:00
Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
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Breaking Defense • Valerie Insinna

Defense execs feel good about Pentagon spending despite uncertainty on FY27 budget

By Breaking Defense: “I know there's lots of discussions on budget amounts and mechanics, but what I can tell you, as we engage with Congress, is there's a bipartisan support for increased munitions," RTX CEO Chris Calio said during a July earnings call.

2026-08-04T12:44:28.912057-07:00
eVTOL   Military Aircraft Procurement   Orders   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Asia-Pacific (APAC)   Archer Aviation  
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FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

Archer, Korean Air to work on militarised Midnight eVTOL

By FlightGlobal: Work anticipates potential interest from South Korean procurement agency. Archer Aviation and Korean Air have teamed up to convert the US company’s Midnight electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for military use.

Also: eVTOL Insights, Urban Air Mobility News, AirMed&Rescue and 6 more
2026-08-04T01:45:09.889798-07:00