AINonline
• Hanneke Weitering
Merlin completed a critical design review for applying cockpit autonomy software on Lockheed Martin C-130Js operated by U.S. Special Operations Command. The CDR marks the transition into aircraft integration, advancing Merlin’s autonomy approach for SOCOM missions based on the C-130J platform.
Breaking Defense
• Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo
By Breaking Defense: While company representatives were tight-lipped about the exact technical details of their offering, they explained that a flexible, software-based system would allow individual member-nations to connect their sensors to another nation’s command nodes.
New York Times
• Eric Schmitt, Riley Mellen
By New York Times: Scientists and U.S. military briefers have linked short, widespread interference incidents to Russia, revealing vulnerabilities in a technology essential to everyday society.
AeroTime
• Clement Charpentreau
By AeroTime: France has carried out the first supersonic Rafale firing of the MICA NG missile, testing the infrared seeker in demanding thermal conditions.
Aviation Week
defence-blog.com
Associated Press
• FADI TAWIL
By Associated Press: Lebanon’s president and prime minister are criticizing Iran for rejecting the latest ceasefire deal between the Lebanese government and Israel.
The War Zone
• Howard Altman
By The War Zone: Concerns are building the Trump class battleship will exacerbate delays in critical aircraft carrier and submarine construction.
AeroTime
• Clement Charpentreau
By AeroTime: Leonardo reported €9B in Q1 2026 orders, helped by Eurofighter, M-346 and UK AW149 deals, as EBITA rose 33% and backlog reached €56.8B.
FlightGlobal
• Craig Hoyle
By FlightGlobal: Modified aircraft with safety pilot on board was controlled from distance of around 430nm. German uncrewed aerial system (UAS) developer Avilus has completed a milestone test flight with an optionally-piloted version of its in-development Bussard system.
Associated Press
• Leer En Español
Breaking Defense
• Diana Stancy
Reuters
• Johan Ahlander, Simon Johnson
