Today In Defense
Last Updated: Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 8:11 PM PDT
2025-07-02T20:11:37.123513-07:00 2025-07-02T20:11:37.123513-07:00 (2025-07-02T20:11:37.123513-07:00)
US DOD
Hypersonic
Leadership
Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons
Defense Industry & Major Contractors
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Breaking Defense
• Ashley Roque
US Army Eyes New Program to Test Castelion’s Blackbeard Hypersonic Missile in 2026
By Breaking Defense: "If we can build this better, faster, cheaper, both sides should be rewarded for that," said Bryon Hargis, Castelion’s founder and CEO. .
Air Data News
• Ricardo Meier
Iran Air Force Eyes Chinese J-10CE Fighters Amid Fleet Strains
By Air Data News: The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF), strained after recent Israeli airstrikes and burdened by a decades-old fleet, may be eyeing the Chinese.
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The War Zone
• Joseph Trevithick
US Air Force Details F-22 Raptor Upgrade Package in Latest Budget Request
By The War Zone: The Air Force's latest budget request has new details about the cocktail of enhancements that aim to keep the F-22 relevant.
F-35
Military Aircraft Procurement
Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons
Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact
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Breaking Defense
• Sinan Ciddi
S-400s or not, don’t give Turkey the F-35
By Breaking Defense: Bradley Bowman and Sinan Ciddi in this op-ed say that regardless if Turkey ever gives up its S-400, the risk is too great for the US to send it any F-35s.
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SpaceNews.com
• Jeff Foust
DARPA Cancels DRACO Nuclear Propulsion Project Amid Falling Launch Costs
By SpaceNews.com: A DARPA official said the agency canceled a space nuclear propulsion project it was jointly developing with NASA as it was overtaken by lower launch costs.
Breaking Defense
• Tim Martin
US Navy prepares to order up to 6,000 active expendable decoys for F-35, F-18 self protection
By Breaking Defense: Leonardo is referred to as the “only contractor” in a position to “complete all requirements” associated with a related sources sought notice.
DefenseNews.com
• Leilani Chavez
Filipino military pushes naval base upgrades, fearing Chinese spying
By DefenseNews.com: Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro wants to speed up work at Balabac Island, a joint Air Force and Navy base in the southern end of Palawan province.
