Defense News

Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Industry & Major Contractors Defense Policy

DefenseNews.com • Riley Ceder

Air Force officials say F-35 demonstrated combat readiness in Middle East operations despite readiness concerns

Top Air Force officials said the F-35 performed effectively during recent combat operations in the Middle East, offering a positive assessment of the fighter’s warfighting capability as the program continues to face scrutiny over aircraft readiness rates.

Also: AirForceTimes and Military Times

3 Sources

2026-09-15T12:21:04.903154-07:00

Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons Defense Industry & Major Contractors

The War Zone • Thomas Newdick

Lockheed Martin Proposes Modular Architecture for AGM-158 JASSM Missile Family

By The War Zone: FLEX aims to give the JASSM missile family modular weapons architecture spanning longer-range, anti-ship, and new launch configurations. FLEX aims to give the JASSM missile family modular weapons architecture spanning longer-range, anti-ship, and new launch configurations.

1 Source

2026-09-15T11:35:18.411868-07:00

Israel Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Industry & Major Contractors Defense Deals

defence-industry.eu • Hannah Miller

Rafael, Lockheed Martin begin integrating SPICE 1000 precision weapon on F-35 Adir, adding strike reach beyond 120 kilometers

By defence-industry.eu: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Lockheed Martin have begun integrating the SPICE 1000 air-to-surface weapon on the F-35 Adir.

Breaking Defense

Rafael integrating SPICE 1000 stand-off munition on Israeli F-35s

3 Sources

2026-09-15T09:50:55.397344-07:00

Space Force Workforce & Skills Development Defense Policy

DefenseNews.com • Cristina Stassis

US Space Force to add 10,000 guardians in next 5 years

By DefenseNews.com: The U.S. Space Force wants to double its uniformed ranks in the next five years.

DefenseNews.com

Error code: 404

AirForceTimes

First Look: New designs for Space Force mess dress uniforms

Also: AirForceTimes, Military Times and Military Times

6 Sources

2026-09-15T09:50:33.502355-07:00

Space Force Supply Chain Defense Industry & Major Contractors Space Defense & Militarization Defense Policy

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Air Force and Space Force push for scale as supply-chain constraints persist

By SpaceNews.com: — “Scaling” has become a watchword for Air Force and Space Force leaders as they push to field more weapons and space capabilities faster and in greater numbers.

1 Source

2026-09-15T11:00:42.346311-07:00

Space Force Space Defense & Militarization Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Defense Policy

Air & Space Forces Mag • Courtney Albon

Space Force Provides Electronic Warfare Support in U.S. Operations Against Iran

By Air & Space Forces Mag: Guardians are playing a critical role in U.S. operations against Iran, providing electronic warfare effects to stifle enemy air defense and communication systems.

Also: SpaceNews.com

2 Sources

2026-09-15T06:05:46.189341-07:00

Space Force Defense Budgets & Spending Defense Policy

Breaking Defense • Michael Marrow

Budget impasse imperils 1 in 10 Space Force programs, new chief says

By Breaking Defense: “We’re thankful that we have a [continuing resolution] going into October [1], but I would really be more thankful if we had a budget,” said Chief of Space Operations Gen.

1 Source

2026-09-15T09:05:47.384072-07:00

Dassault Aviation Europe Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Industry & Major Contractors

AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

France orders Rafale F5 radar, engine and EW work ahead of launch

By AeroTime: France has ordered early development work on five Rafale F5 systems, including the RBE2-XG radar, SPECTRA F5 suite and M88 T-REX engine.

1 Source

2026-09-15T06:21:55.466953-07:00

Air Force officials say F-35 demonstrated combat readiness in Middle East operations despite readiness concerns

Lockheed Martin Proposes Modular Architecture for AGM-158 JASSM Missile Family

Rafael, Lockheed Martin begin integrating SPICE 1000 precision weapon on F-35 Adir, adding strike reach beyond 120 kilometers

Rafael integrating SPICE 1000 stand-off munition on Israeli F-35s

US Space Force to add 10,000 guardians in next 5 years

Error code: 404

First Look: New designs for Space Force mess dress uniforms

Air Force and Space Force push for scale as supply-chain constraints persist

Space Force Provides Electronic Warfare Support in U.S. Operations Against Iran

Budget impasse imperils 1 in 10 Space Force programs, new chief says

France orders Rafale F5 radar, engine and EW work ahead of launch

F-35 proved combat readiness during Middle East deployments, Air Force officials say

Lockheed Martin Proposes Modular Architecture for AGM-158 JASSM Missile Family

Rafael, Lockheed Martin begin integrating SPICE 1000 precision weapon on F-35 Adir, adding strike reach beyond 120 kilometers

Air Force and Space Force push for scale as supply-chain constraints persist

US Space Force to add 10,000 guardians in next 5 years

Budget impasse imperils 1 in 10 Space Force programs, new chief says

GA-ASI expands uncrewed aircraft portfolio with FQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft and Mojave STOL

EXCLUSIVE: Pratt licenses Hermeus to build F100 fighter jet engine

NextNav's 5G-Powered 3D PNT Inches Closer to GPS Accuracy During Outdoor Demonstration

Russia and Iran deepen weapons partnership amid wars in Ukraine, Middle East

Swarm Aero unveils Gamera as low-cost MQ-9 contender as USAF targets 500 CCAs and thousands of attack drones by 2032

L3Harris wins $4.7 billion PAC-3 propulsion award and $60 million U.S. Air Force sensor contract

B-21 Raider infrastructure cost at Ellsworth Air Force Base doubles to about $2 billion

Pentagon seeks AI to turn space, missile data into operational threat assessments within seconds

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

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