Space Force   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Policy & Regulation   Defense Policy  
spaceforce.mil

Space Force expands Portfolio Acquisition Executives to speed delivery under new DoD acquisition schema

The U.S. Space Force has expanded its Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) structure in a second tranche, creating four new PAE posts, assigning five additional mission areas and bringing the total to six PAEs under the Defense Department's new acquisition schema to accelerate delivery of space capabilities.

2026-03-17T09:40:49.655859-07:00
China   Supply Chain   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

China expands military aircraft production, targets 300–400 fighters annually

By FlightGlobal: Commercial satellite imagery shows that China's state-owned aviation company has dramatically expanded manufacturing facilities for military aircraft, including the fifth-generation J-20 fighter, with total fighter production capacity set to reach 300-400 units annually.

2026-03-17T14:53:54.217969-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Satellite   Space Defense & Militarization   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Deals   Defense Policy  
Reuters

WSJ: Russia Providing Iran Satellite Imagery and Advanced Drone Technology to Improve Targeting of U.S. Forces

By Reuters: Russia has been expanding its intelligence sharing and military cooperation with Iran, providing satellite imagery and improved drone technology to aid Tehran’s targeting of U.S.

2026-03-17T13:32:20.547465-07:00
Satellite   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Space Defense & Militarization  
SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Pentagon’s ‘Golden Dome’ Space Layer Cost Soars to $185B — Major Budget and Program Risks

By SpaceNews.com: Golden Dome cost estimate rises to $185 billion as Pentagon expands space layer Golden Dome cost estimate rises to $185 billion as Pentagon expands space layer.

Also: Air & Space Forces Mag, Aviation Week and Seeking Alpha
2026-03-17T11:47:23.494561-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   AI   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
FlightGlobal • Craig Hoyle

Baykar demonstrates AI-enabled K2 'kamikaze' drone swarm in multi-aircraft flight tests

By FlightGlobal: Turkish uncrewed aerial vehicle developer Baykar Technology has unveiled what it describes as the "largest 'kamikaze' platform in its class", after performing a two-day campaign of multi-aircraft flight tests.

2026-03-17T10:38:24.251826-07:00
Honeywell   Supply Chain   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
Reuters

Honeywell and Howmet say they can expand capacity to meet surge in defense and commercial aerospace demand

By Reuters: Executives from Honeywell Aerospace and Howmet Aerospace said on Tuesday they could grow capacity to meet strong commercial demand for plane parts and munitions as the defense sector ramps up due to geopolitical strife.

2026-03-17T09:26:14.569865-07:00
Middle East   Accident   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Airbus  
AeroTime

Israel says it destroyed Airbus A340-300 used by Iran’s late Supreme Leader

By AeroTime: Airbus A340-300 Israel says it destroyed Airbus A340-300 used by Iran’s late leader Israel said it destroyed an aircraft used by Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in an overnight… ByStephen PopeMarch 16, 2026.

Also: The Aviationist
2026-03-17T00:45:06.678576-07:00