China   Satellite   Space Force   Space Defense & Militarization   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
The War Zone • Howard Altman, Joseph Trevithick

Space Force signals tougher posture as China builds out reconnaissance constellation

The head of Space Force Combat Forces warned the U.S. “can’t run away from a bully forever,” signaling a more offensive posture in response to China’s rapidly expanding spy-satellite fleet. The remark underscores a shift toward contesting adversary capabilities in orbit and preparing for more assertive space operations and doctrine.

2026-02-26T11:35:54.265124-08:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Defense Deals  
defence-blog.com • Colton Jones

U.S. Air Force signs Top Aces deal for F-16 pilot training in Argentina

By defence-blog.com: The United States Air Force has awarded Top Aces Corp., based in Mesa, Arizona, a $33 million contract to provide F-16 instructor pilot training for partner-nation pilots in Argentina, according to a contract announcement released by the service.

2026-02-26T00:07:19.181084-08:00
Event   Supply Chain   North America   Military Aircraft Procurement   Orders   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)  
FlightGlobal • Jon Hemmerdinger

De Havilland to Demo Garmin-equipped C-23 Sherpa on Transatlantic Tour as It Weighs Production Restart

By FlightGlobal: De Havilland Canada will take its Garmin 1000-equipped Short C-23 Sherpa on a transatlantic demonstration tour this year, visiting CANSEC in May before touring Europe to assess market appetite for restarting production of the turboprop military transport.

2026-02-26T13:54:36.170098-08:00
Aviation Safety & Regulation   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
Wall Street Journal • Andrew Dowell, Michael R Gordon

F-16 Near-Miss in Operation Rough Rider Underscores Risks to U.S. Air Operations Against Houthis

By Wall Street Journal: Near misses in Operation Rough Rider, the U.S. military operation that targeted Houthi rebels in Yemen, show the risks of using military force against even a small adversary.

2026-02-26T10:13:52.838976-08:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   AI   Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Airbus  
FlightGlobal

Airbus developing European autonomous uncrewed H145M for military customers — more details due later in 2026

By FlightGlobal: Airbus Helicopters is actively pursuing an autonomous uncrewed version of its H145M light-twin for European customers and is likely to release more detail on the project later this year.

Also: Aviation Week
2026-02-26T10:05:47.796381-08:00
Aircraft Carrier   UAV Development & Drone Programs   Europe   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

Russian drone approaches French carrier Charles de Gaulle in Malmö; Swedish forces deploy countermeasures

By AeroTime: Russian drone approached French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle while docked in Malmö; Sweden armed forces used countermeasures against the drone.

Also: Naval News, lemonde.fr and defence-industry.eu
2026-02-26T05:30:43.612039-08:00
Hypersonic   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
Bloomberg • Gerry Doyle

Report: Moscow’s Missile Shield Could Blunt European SLBMs, Pushing NATO Toward Hypersonic Response

By Bloomberg: Russia’s anti-missile defenses around Moscow may be enough to blunt an attack by Europe’s submarine-launched ballistic missiles, increasing pressure on the continent to develop new hypersonic weapons at a time when its leaders fret over the reliability of the US as an ally.

2026-02-26T00:07:20.330098-08:00