Defense News

AI Military Aircraft Procurement

Aviation Week • Steve Trimble

Merlin wins $8.9 million SOCOM task order to integrate autonomy into C-130J cockpit

U.S. Special Operations Command awarded Merlin Labs an $8.9 million task order to advance its autonomous flight technology for Lockheed Martin C-130J aircraft. The next phase covers system integration, testing and safety evaluations, moving the effort toward future flight testing.

Also: FlightGlobal, Seeking Alpha and insidedefense.com

4 Sources

2026-11-10T05:34:28.556706-08:00

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Anduril unveils satellite technology for space surveillance

By SpaceNews.com: GTON — Defense technology company Anduril unveiled three new satellite payload systems that it has tested in orbit, including an infrared sensor designed to track spacecraft in Earth’s shadow.

Also: Defense Daily

2 Sources

2026-11-10T06:30:41.496628-08:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Defense Industry & Major Contractors

NEW

Breaking Defense

Allen Control Systems launches new division to develop counter-drone lasers

By Breaking Defense: The announcement comes amid the Pentagon's growing interest in laser weapons, which use concentrated beams of energy to heat and destroy targets.

1 Source

2026-11-10T13:04:53.071345-08:00

Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons

The War Zone • Joseph Trevithick

AIM-174B Long-Range Missile Packed With Glide Munitions Teased, New Details Shared

By The War Zone: Designed first to extend the reach of 155mm howitzers, Vektrex glide munitions could have a new future tucked inside the noses of missiles.

1 Source

2026-11-10T11:15:30.180856-08:00

Satellite AI Space Defense & Militarization

thedebrief.org • Tim McMillan

DARPA Robot Builds a Structure in Space for the First Time, Opening the Door to Giant Orbiting Spacecraft

By thedebrief.org: A DARPA robot has assembled a structure in orbit for the first time, paving the way for giant space telescopes and solar power arrays.

Space.com

A robot just built a structure autonomously in space for the 1st time ever

Universe Today

Automated Assembly in Space is the Future and NOM4D is Showing the Way

4 Sources

2026-11-10T05:34:51.580439-08:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Aerial Firefighting Military Aircraft Procurement Orders Textron

AINonline • Charles Alcock

U.S. Marines Opts for Tactical Airlift King Air 360

By AINonline: Naval Air Systems Command has ordered a Beechcraft King Air 360CER tactical airlift aircraft for the Marine Corps. Textron Aviation announced the $18.6 million deal yesterday for a turboprop twin designated as the UC-12W+, equipped to carry passengers and cargo.

General Aviation News

Daher Turboprops Expand Roles in Wildfire Operations

Stars and Stripes

Special operators from US take notes, test gadgetry at debut drone competition

Also: defence-blog.com, chinaevtolnews.com and mrobusinesstoday.com

6 Sources

2026-11-10T10:05:15.525522-08:00

FlightGlobal

2027 World Air Forces directory

By FlightGlobal: Our 2027 World Air Forces directory details the military aircraft fleets of 160 nations, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, totalling a combined 52,160 in-service assets.

1 Source

2026-11-10T10:05:43.649435-08:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs AI

AirForceTimes • Cristina Stassis

First-ever Collaborative Combat Aircraft fly in formation, demonstrate air combat maneuvers

By AirForceTimes: For the first time, Shield’s Hivemind enabled CCAs to fly in a “multi-ship” formation and execute beyond-visual-range counter-air tactics.

2 Sources

2026-11-10T10:34:57.507340-08:00

Merlin wins $8.9 million SOCOM task order to integrate autonomy into C-130J cockpit

Anduril unveils satellite technology for space surveillance

Allen Control Systems launches new division to develop counter-drone lasers

AIM-174B Long-Range Missile Packed With Glide Munitions Teased, New Details Shared

DARPA Robot Builds a Structure in Space for the First Time, Opening the Door to Giant Orbiting Spacecraft

A robot just built a structure autonomously in space for the 1st time ever

Automated Assembly in Space is the Future and NOM4D is Showing the Way

U.S. Marines Opts for Tactical Airlift King Air 360

Daher Turboprops Expand Roles in Wildfire Operations

Special operators from US take notes, test gadgetry at debut drone competition

2027 World Air Forces directory

First-ever Collaborative Combat Aircraft fly in formation, demonstrate air combat maneuvers

Allen Control Systems launches new division to develop counter-drone lasers

Merlin Moves Into System Integration Phase For C-130J Autonomy

AIM-174B Long-Range Missile Packed With Glide Munitions Teased, New Details Shared

First-ever Collaborative Combat Aircraft fly in formation, demonstrate air combat maneuvers

2027 World Air Forces directory

U.S. Marines Opts for Tactical Airlift King Air 360

Aero says Serbia has not yet signed deal for L-39 Skyfox jets

Iridium pitches new satellite services as it awaits Pentagon contract renewal

Pistorius blames ideology and contract terms for FCAS failure

Security Levels At U.S. Bases In England Raised Without Explanation (Updated)

Pentagon backs Rocket Lab’s Neutron expansion as Electra wins USAF test contract and France funds €1.5B-plus military satellite

Federal MOU aims to speed counter-drone deployments while protecting civilian aviation

US approves potential $1.075 billion sale of 11 UH-60M Black Hawks to Mexico

Army fields launched effects to 11 of 12 divisions, with Griffon Aerospace supplying most systems

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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