Supply Chain   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Workforce & Skills Development  
FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

T-7A trainer full-rate production slips to 2029 amid maintenance and parts shortfalls

Developmental testing for the US Air Force’s T-7A trainer has been delayed due to less-than-anticipated aircraft availability. The shortfall is attributed to maintenance personnel issues and a lack of spare parts. Full-rate production is now expected to slip to 2029.

2026-07-17T01:44:51.850303-07:00
Event   Farnborough Airshow   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
Reuters • Cassell Bryan-Low, Joanna Plucinska, Tim Hepher

Wars shift focus from jets to weapons at Farnborough Airshow

By Reuters: Spiralling security risks are expected to push defence to the forefront of Britain's Farnborough Airshow, as aerospace and arms makers struggle to keep pace with ​demand for weapons while cementing a fragile recovery in civil jet and engine production.

Also: Aeronews and defencebuyer.com
2026-07-16T23:44:00.863030-07:00
Space Force   AI   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Space Defense & Militarization  
NEW
SpaceWatch Global • Joshua Faleti

Slingshot Aerospace Wins $69.2 Million U.S. Space Force Contract to Advance AI-Powered Mission Readiness for Space Defense

By SpaceWatch Global: Slingshot Aerospace has been chosen for a $69.2 million award in support of the U.S. Space Force’s ongoing digital transformation efforts. This 4.5-year initiative will deliver AI-powered mission rehearsal and operational training capabilities to Guardians responsible for protecting and defending U.S.

2026-07-17T01:12:27.030066-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   M&A   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Deals  
FlightGlobal • Dominic Perry

EDGE continues international expansion with Akaer acquisition

By FlightGlobal: Capture of Brazilian engineering specialist will give UAE-based group added impetus in UAV development. UAE state-owned defence and technology company EDGE has continued its international expansion with the acquisition of Brazilian aerospace and engineering company Akaer.

Also: SpaceWatch Global and 3 more
2026-07-16T21:28:44.375037-07:00
SAAB   Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Deals   Defense Policy  
AeroTime • Stephen Pope

UK pledges €300 million to fund 16 Gripen fighter jets for Ukraine

By AeroTime: The UK has pledged $345 million to help Ukraine field 16 Saab Gripen E fighter jets by 2029, including training, simulators and spare parts.

2026-07-16T13:43:36.482386-07:00