Defense News

Hypersonic Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons Defense Industry & Major Contractors

Air & Space Forces Mag • Greg Hadley

U.S. Air Force awards Lockheed Martin $694 million ARRW production contract

The Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a $694 million contract to produce the AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon, reversing the program’s near-cancellation. The hypersonic missile is set to arm B-52 and B-1 bombers, marking a shift from development uncertainty toward production.

The War Zone • Joseph Trevithick

USAF Orders ARRW Hypersonic Missile Into Production, The Same Weapon It Nearly Cancelled

Also: Forbes

3 Sources

2026-10-26T15:04:49.514809-07:00

China Space Defense & Militarization

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

China could field directed-energy weapons in orbit by late 2020s, U.S. intelligence says

By SpaceNews.com: To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site.

1 Source

2026-10-26T16:20:39.270261-07:00

F-16 North America Military Aircraft Procurement

AeroTime • Stephen Pope

Canada receives first two F-35s as full purchase remains under review

By AeroTime: Canada has received its first two F-35A fighters at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona.

1 Source

2026-10-26T17:34:22.498151-07:00

North America Military Aircraft Procurement Boeing

Air Data News • Ricardo Meier

US Air Force plans US$1 billion Nellis complex for F-47 operational testing

By Air Data News: Facilities scheduled for completion from 2031 will support mission-system reprogramming, simulation, stealth maintenance and weapons training for Boeing’s U.S.

1 Source

2026-10-26T15:45:37.309604-07:00

North America Military Aircraft Procurement Boeing

Air & Space Forces Mag • Steve Losey

Air Force Plans $1 Billion Campus for Testing F-47 at Nellis

By Air & Space Forces Mag: The Air Force plans to build hangars, laboratories, and maintenance facilities for testing the F-47 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

1 Source

2026-10-26T12:05:02.511003-07:00

Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact

The War Zone • Mariano Sciaroni

Britain’s Final Plan To Kill Argentina’s Super Étendards Attack Jets

By The War Zone: Britain's last bid to destroy Argentina’s fleet threatening Exocet anti-ship missile-armed combat jets during the Falklands War. The last British bid to destroy Argentina’s Exocet-armed jets was still in rehearsal a day after the fighting ended.

1 Source

2026-10-26T14:28:19.249402-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Satellite Space Defense & Militarization Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact

Ars Technica • Jon Brodkin

Musk accuses Ukraine of violating Starlink terms with deadly drone strikes

By Ars Technica: Ukraine says Starshield back to normal, denies misuse of Starlink commercial service.

Also: Space Intel Report

2 Sources

2026-10-26T12:05:02.901469-07:00

Defense Policy

DefenseNews.com • Ben Murray

BCE Consulting outlines the critical elements of layered air defense architecture

By DefenseNews.com: What does the future of layered air defense look like? BCE Consulting lays out what it will take to protect American forces.

1 Source

2026-10-26T08:45:37.752377-07:00

U.S. Air Force awards Lockheed Martin $694 million ARRW production contract

USAF Orders ARRW Hypersonic Missile Into Production, The Same Weapon It Nearly Cancelled

China could field directed-energy weapons in orbit by late 2020s, U.S. intelligence says

Canada receives first two F-35s as full purchase remains under review

US Air Force plans US$1 billion Nellis complex for F-47 operational testing

Air Force Plans $1 Billion Campus for Testing F-47 at Nellis

Britain’s Final Plan To Kill Argentina’s Super Étendards Attack Jets

Musk accuses Ukraine of violating Starlink terms with deadly drone strikes

BCE Consulting outlines the critical elements of layered air defense architecture

Canada receives first two F-35s as full purchase remains under review

Air Force Launches ARRW, Its First Hypersonic Weapon, into Production

China could field directed-energy weapons in orbit by late 2020s, U.S. intelligence says

US Air Force plans US$1 billion Nellis complex for F-47 operational testing

Air Force Plans $1 Billion Campus for Testing F-47 at Nellis

Britain’s Final Plan To Kill Argentina’s Super Étendards Attack Jets

Semiautomatic grenade launcher and aim-assist for shooting down drones | Highlights from AUSA 2026

Is the Pentagon’s demand signal for drones working? It depends on who you ask.

Space Force seeks commercial tech to modernize data networks and software

Sierra Space Hires CFO From L3 Harris to Help With Defense Pivot

Ukraine says Starlink restored after 10-day disruption as allies seek alternatives

Ukraine says Starlink restored after 10-day disruption as allies seek alternatives

Midair collision kills four Philippine Air Force pilots; SF-260 fleet grounded

China’s Lanyue lander to deliver up to 50 kg of scientific cargo before crewed lunar missions

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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