Defense News

Saudi Arabia China Middle East Military Aircraft Procurement Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Export Controls & Trade Compliance Defense Deals Defense Policy

New York Times • Dustin Volz, Edward Wong

U.S. intelligence warns Saudi F-35 sale could expose jet technology to China

Internal U.S. intelligence assessments, including a Pentagon Defense Intelligence Agency report, warn that China could obtain sensitive F-35 technology through espionage or cooperation with Saudi Arabia. The findings complicate potential U.S. approval of Riyadh’s acquisition and highlight the technology-security risks surrounding advanced fighter exports.

1 Source

2026-09-16T14:50:07.547466-07:00

Moon Space Defense & Militarization Defense Policy

Space.com • Mike Wall

U.S. military’s highest-ranking officer says future battlefields will extend to the moon

By Space.com: The battlefield that the U.S. military must prepare for and excel in now extends from the seafloor all the way out to the moon, according to Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

1 Source

2026-09-16T14:05:54.069306-07:00

F-16 Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Policy

Air Data News • Ricardo Meier

US Air Force considers buying new ‘F-16G’ fighters after 21-year gap

By Air Data News: Potential new variant could build on the export-oriented Block 70/72 as USAF studies ways to increase fighter capacity, US Air Force is considering buying newly built F-16s for the first time in more than two decades as it examines options to increase the size of its fighter force.

1 Source

2026-09-16T13:50:29.026961-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact

AeroTime • Stephen Pope

Ukraine successfully tests new interceptor against jet-powered Shahed drones

By AeroTime: Ukraine successfully tested a new interceptor against jet-powered Shahed drones, but more refinement is still needed, the country says.

1 Source

2026-09-16T13:50:54.753169-07:00

Satellite L3Harris Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons Defense Industry & Major Contractors Space Defense & Militarization

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

L3Harris moves HBTSS missile-tracking satellites into production for Golden Dome

By SpaceNews.com: NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — L3Harris Technologies is moving a missile-tracking satellite developed for the Missile Defense Agency into production for Golden Dome with few design changes.

Also: Defense Daily

2 Sources

2026-09-16T11:30:44.401113-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs AI Europe Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Policy

The War Zone • Thomas Newdick

How The USAF Is Preparing For European Allies To Join The Collaborative Combat Aircraft Club

By The War Zone: Allied interest in Collaborative Combat Aircraft is growing as USAFE works to ensure interoperability across a wide mix of future systems. Allied interest in Collaborative Combat Aircraft is growing as USAFE works to ensure interoperability across a wide mix of future systems.

1 Source

2026-09-16T11:56:08.098344-07:00

Military Aircraft Procurement Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Boeing Boeing 737

FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

T-7A trainer fleet to reach initial operational capability in 2027: USAF training chief

By FlightGlobal: Commander of Air Education and Training Command expects to have 14 of the Boeing jets ready in August 2027. The US Air Force expects to have its first full squadron of Boeing T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer jets ready by next summer.

Aviation A2Z

U.S. Air Force Advances B-52 Engine Replacement and Radar Modernization Programs

3 Sources

2026-09-16T11:20:07.454893-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Defense Industry & Major Contractors

AeroTime • Stephen Pope

Wingcopter unveils electric reconnaissance drone with six-hour endurance

By AeroTime: Wingcopter has unveiled the 262, an electric VTOL reconnaissance drone with claimed six-hour endurance and plans to make it available to Ukraine.

2 Sources

2026-09-16T12:51:34.111111-07:00

U.S. intelligence warns Saudi F-35 sale could expose jet technology to China

U.S. military’s highest-ranking officer says future battlefields will extend to the moon

US Air Force considers buying new ‘F-16G’ fighters after 21-year gap

Ukraine successfully tests new interceptor against jet-powered Shahed drones

L3Harris moves HBTSS missile-tracking satellites into production for Golden Dome

How The USAF Is Preparing For European Allies To Join The Collaborative Combat Aircraft Club

T-7A trainer fleet to reach initial operational capability in 2027: USAF training chief

U.S. Air Force Advances B-52 Engine Replacement and Radar Modernization Programs

Wingcopter unveils electric reconnaissance drone with six-hour endurance

U.S. Intelligence Warns of China Theft Over Sale of F-35 Jets to Saudis

U.S. military’s highest-ranking officer says future battlefields will extend to the moon

Ukraine successfully tests new interceptor against jet-powered Shahed drones

US Air Force considers buying new ‘F-16G’ fighters after 21-year gap

Wingcopter unveils electric reconnaissance drone with six-hour endurance

How The USAF Is Preparing For European Allies To Join The Collaborative Combat Aircraft Club

China warns US space weapons could fuel arms race

FTS presents first pre-series TAHR airborne combat vehicle for German special forces under framework agreement covering up to 200 systems

US Air Force turns to private flight schools to solve pilot shortage

Space Force gives SpaceX latitude on design of $2.3 billion satellite network

U.S. confirms first deployment of ‘on-orbit space control weapons’

Swarm Aero unveils Gamera as low-cost MQ-9 contender as USAF targets 500 CCAs and thousands of attack drones by 2032

U.S. Navy advances carrier drones, hypersonic weapons and autonomous resupply aircraft

Pratt & Whitney clears F-35 engine upgrade design review and licenses F100 production to Hermeus

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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