Space Force AI Hypersonic Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons Defense Industry & Major Contractors Space Defense & Militarization Defense Policy

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Rocket Lab wins Pentagon Golden Dome-linked contract as Space Force selects 12 firms for $3.2B space-based interceptor effort

Rocket Lab said May 7 it won new Pentagon-linked defense business tied to the Trump administration’s Golden Dome missile-defense initiative and efforts to accelerate hypersonic weapons testing. Separately, the Space Force selected 12 companies for a space-based interceptor program under a $3.2 billion procurement effort.

2026-05-07T15:27:26.182649-07:00

Europe Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Industry & Major Contractors Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact

Breaking Defense • Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo

Saab CEO optimistic Ukraine Gripen deal could be finalized this year

By Breaking Defense: A top Ukrainian official said Kyiv was "ready" for the big fighter jet deal, but Sweden's defense minister suggested challenges remain.

2026-05-07T14:09:32.717637-07:00

Military Aircraft Procurement Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Asia-Pacific (APAC) Defense Policy

Air & Space Forces Mag • Steve Losey

F-22s Arrive at Kadena as Base Awaits Delayed F-15EXs

By Air & Space Forces Mag: F-22 Raptors from two squadrons have arrived at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, as the base awaits its delayed F-15EX Eagle IIs.

aviationnews.eu

U.S. Air Force Deploys F-22 Raptor Stealth Fighters to Kadena Air Base to Bolster Indo-Pacific Security

Air Data News

U.S. deploys F-22 fighters to Japan as F-15EX arrival slips

Also: nationalsecurityjournal.org, defence-blog.com and war.gov

2026-05-06T12:12:46.530151-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Military Aircraft Procurement Aviation Safety & Regulation Defense Policy

Unmanned Airspace • Philip Butterworth-Hayes

US Joint Interagency Task Force 401 selects five directed-energy C-UAS pilot programme sites

By Unmanned Airspace: The US Joint Interagency Task Force 401 has selected five installations to participate in the directed-energy counter-unmanned aircraft systems pilot programme included in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.

Flying Magazine

Pentagon to Test Anti-Drone Laser at These 5 Sites

Also: dronelife.com

2026-05-07T10:46:31.051446-07:00

Museums Military Aircraft Procurement Policy & Regulation

Flying Magazine • Zach Vasile

F-14s Could Fly Again Under New Bill

By Flying Magazine: A bill passed by the U.S. Senate would transfer three retired F-14 fighter jets to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center for potential flying or public display.

Also: AirForceTimes and militarnyi.com

2026-05-07T09:57:24.831798-07:00

Military Aircraft Procurement Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Defense Budgets & Spending Defense Industry & Major Contractors

Defense Daily • Frank Wolfe

Air Force Plans $1.7 Billion Retrofit Of APG-85 Radar On 181 F-35As In Lot 17 And Prior

By Defense Daily: Frank Wolfe Wednesday, May 6th, 2026 SHARE:.

Also: Aviation Today

2026-05-06T15:20:32.189733-07:00

Space Force Defense Budgets & Spending Space Policy & International Cooperation Space Defense & Militarization

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Military space boom meets Beltway friction

By SpaceNews.com: Washington is about to pour money into military space at a scale the industry has not seen in decades. The Trump administration’s fiscal year 2027 defense budget would more than double funding for the U.S.

2026-05-07T08:33:13.245572-07:00

Middle East Military Aircraft Procurement Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Defense Industry & Major Contractors Boeing

AeroTime • Ian Molyneaux

Qatar-gifted Air Force One to arrive ahead of Fourth of July

By AeroTime: A Boeing 747-8i gifted to the United States by Qatar is expected to make its grand entrance as Air Force One before the US’ historic 250-year anniversary.