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UAV Development & Drone Programs   Military Aircraft Procurement  
DefenseNews.com • Michael Peck

US Air Force seeks target drones that can replicate stealth fighters and small UAVs

The U.S. Air Force is looking to acquire target drones capable of mimicking the performance of multiple aircraft types, including stealth fighters and small unmanned aerial vehicles. The requirement points to a broader need for more representative, adaptable platforms for testing and training air defenses.

Also: AirForceTimes, news.ssbcrack.com and Military Times
2026-08-17T11:35:18.227397-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
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The War Zone • Thomas Newdick

Russia Is Expanding Its Long-Range Strike Drone Network

By The War Zone: Satellite imagery reveals growing launch infrastructure for Geran-family one-way attack drones, including the capability of launching heavier, higher-performing types.

Also: Aviation Week
2026-08-17T12:05:07.632664-07:00
Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)  
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Air Data News • Ricardo Meier

First components for Switzerland’s F-35As take shape in Italy

By Air Data News: The first physical components destined for Switzerland’s future F-35A fleet have entered production at Leonardo’s Cameri facility in northern Italy, several years before the country begins receiving the fighters.

Also: Aviation A2Z
2026-08-17T11:51:15.881297-07:00
Leadership   L3Harris   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Space Defense & Militarization  
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Reuters • Aatreyee Dasgupta, Shivansh Tiwary

L3Harris ousts CEO Kubasik over conduct breach, names insider Mehta as replacement

By Reuters: L3Harris Technologies ‌said on Monday Chairman and CEO Christopher Kubasik had left the company after a board investigation found he had engaged in conduct inconsistent with the defense contractor's code of conduct, sending its shares down 3.3% in afternoon trading.

Also: Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal, AeroTime, FlightGlobal, Defense Daily, Defense One, Seeking Alpha and 3 more
2026-08-17T05:06:39.097415-07:00
Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
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FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

USAF designates GE-Kratos engine as F143 and awards initial production contract

By FlightGlobal: The 800lbf (3.5kN)-thrust turbofan will be used to power Lockheed's JASSM cruise missile. A small, low-cost turbofan jointly developed by GE Aerospace and Kratos has received a production contract from the US Air Force (USAF).

2026-08-17T08:50:09.894042-07:00
Satellite   ATC   Space Force   Airport Infrastructure & Air Traffic Management   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Space Defense & Militarization   Asia-Pacific (APAC)  
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Breaking Defense • Theresa Hitchens

Space Force brings 5 companies on-board Space Data Network

By Breaking Defense: The new awards are aimed at demonstrating the ability of multiple satellite networks to connect to the Space Force's emerging Space Data Network.

Also: Air & Space Forces Mag and 3 more
2026-08-17T06:19:47.656195-07:00
Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
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The Hill • Max Rego

Retired colonel knocks Trump order to cut back on ‘critical’ joint exercises with South Korea

By The Hill: Defense Retired colonel knocks Trump order to cut back on ‘critical’ joint exercises with South Korea by Max Rego - 08/17/26 11:03 AM ET by Max Rego - 08/17/26 11:03 AM ET Article Content NOW PLAYING Retired Air Force Col.

Also: AirForceTimes
2026-08-17T08:06:12.369272-07:00