Hypersonic   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Defense Policy  
Bloomberg • Anthony Capaccio

GAO: First US hypersonic weapon program faces additional fielding delays tied to unresolved production issues

The U.S.’ first hypersonic weapon program—already at least two years behind schedule—will not be fielded on time due to further delays, congressional auditors say. The GAO attributes the latest slip to unresolved production issues that remain to be addressed before deployment.

2026-07-02T07:29:20.411582-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

Russia likely used shadow fleet ships for drone campaign over Europe: IISS

By AeroTime: It is highly likely that the Kremlin conducted a drone campaign over Europe between August 2024 and February 2026, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) assessed in a report, which also finds that Russian-linked vessels and the shadow fleet likely served as launch and recovery platforms.

2026-07-02T07:29:07.844530-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
FlightGlobal • Craig Hoyle

Up to 24 ‘surveillance drones’ will replace British Army Watchkeepers

By FlightGlobal: New uncrewed aircraft will replace obsolete type. The UK will field a replacement for its Watchkeeper remotely piloted aircraft by late this decade, according to its newly published Defence Investment Plan (DIP).

2026-07-02T04:59:27.747617-07:00
Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Deals   Airbus  
AINonline • Charlotte Bailey

Ukraine Places Firm Orders For First 16 Saab Gripen E Fighters

By AINonline: Donated Swedish C/D variants in 2027 will precede delivery of new-build fighters.

Also: AeroTime, defencestar.in and 4 more
2026-07-01T22:44:37.448506-07:00
Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Policy  
FlightGlobal • Craig Hoyle

UK defence plan targets Storm Shadow, Meteor successor investments

By FlightGlobal: New weapons investment outlined in spending plan. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) will not invest in further upgrades to two of the Royal Air Force’s (RAF’s) long-range air-launched weapons, instead favouring the development of next-generation systems.

2026-07-02T00:46:56.114080-07:00