UAV Development & Drone Programs   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

GA-ASI and U.S. Air Force test fire APKWS laser-guided rockets from MQ-9A Reaper to counter drone threats

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and the U.S. Air Force conducted MQ-9A Reaper tests firing APKWS laser-guided counter-UAS rockets at both air and ground targets during trials at the Nevada Test and Training Range. The demonstration points to a lower-cost munitions pathway for Reaper’s counter-drone niche in high-intensity conflict environments.

The War Zone • Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway

MQ-9 Reaper Fires Laser-Guided Rockets In Tests

Also: The Aviationist, FlightGlobal, Aviation Week, Defense One and 6 more
2026-05-11T16:19:49.721795-07:00
Leadership   Military Aircraft Procurement   Policy & Regulation   Defense Policy  
Breaking Defense • Diana Stancy

Navy unveils three new PAEs for aviation, mission systems, munitions

By Breaking Defense: “The establishment of these PAEs today will accelerate acquisition efforts in three key portfolios,” said Jason Potter, who is performing the duties of assistant secretary of the Navy for research and development.

Also: Defense Daily, DVIDS / U.S. DoD and insidedefense.com
2026-05-11T15:26:55.472090-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Deals   Defense Policy  
Air Data News • Ricardo Meier

Turkey signs first KAAN fighter order as Spain studies possible partnership

By Air Data News: Madrid reportedly interested in stealth fighter with technology transfer and local Turkey has formally signed its first domestic production contract for the KAAN fifth-generation fighter while Spain has emerged as a potential future partner for the stealth aircraft program.

2026-05-11T15:28:17.474880-07:00
North America   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

US engine makers advance designs for sixth-generation fighter propulsion

By FlightGlobal: The US Air Force is funding development of adaptive-cycle turbofans under the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion programme.

2026-05-11T16:55:52.116279-07:00