

Today In Defense
Last Updated: Thursday, July 3, 2025, 9:08 PM PDT
2025-07-03T21:08:21.651569-07:00 2025-07-03T21:08:21.651569-07:00 (2025-07-03T21:08:21.651569-07:00)

Rheinmetall Partners with F-35 Manufacturer to Expand U.S. Aviation Footprint
By New York Times: Rheinmetall, an automotive and arms maker, is using a partnership with the builder of F-35 fighter jets to move into aviation and expand its presence in America.

US Space Force picks Boeing for $2.8B strategic communications program
By DefenseNews.com: The new satellites will have improved resilience and cyber capabilities and provide polar coverage — a capability not featured on the legacy satellites.

F-22 Raptors Will Be First To Control ‘Fighter Drone’ Collaborative Combat Aircraft
By The War Zone: F-22s look set to be the first operational controllers for USAF CCAs, but many questions still remain about how those drones will be employed.

Ukrainian F-16 Pilot’s Death Underscores Air Defence Shortfalls
By Reuters: The death of an experienced Ukrainian F-16 fighter pilot in battle against Russian drones shows the high-risk tactics Kyiv will increasingly adopt if it is unable to obtain critical new air defences, a senior commander said on Thursday.

China aircraft carrier 'Shandong' draws crowds in first Hong Kong visit
By Reuters: China's first domestically built aircraft carrier, the Shandong, sailed into Hong Kong waters on Thursday in its first visit to the Asian financial hub, accompanied by three People's Liberation Army vessels including missile destroyers.

China’s Shandong aircraft carrier welcomes hundreds of eager guests in Hong Kong

US Navy Awards Contract for Additional Long-Range Submarine-Killer Kits for P-8A Poseidon
By FlightGlobal: The US Navy has entered a contract that will enhance the ability of its Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to strike submarines at longer ranges.

Four charged after storming RAF Brize Norton, inflicting $9.5M damage on two military aircraft
By AeroTime: Four people have been charged after allegedly storming RAF Brize Norton and causing around $9.5 million worth of damage to two military aircraft.