Today In Defense
Last Updated: Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, 9:17 PM PDT
2025-10-21T21:17:22.462518-07:00 2025-10-21T21:17:22.462518-07:00 (2025-10-21T21:17:22.462518-07:00)
The War Zone
• Tyler Rogoway
The Rise of X‑BAT: Shield AI’s VTOL Stealth Drone Aiming to Disrupt Autonomous Combat Aviation
By The War Zone: Shield AI's highly ambitious plan to disrupt the autonomous combat aircraft market with its VTOL stealth drone.
The War Zone
• Joseph Trevithick
Lockheed to Test 'Golden Dome' Space-Based Missile Interceptor in Orbit by 2028
By The War Zone: Space-based interceptors are a key part of the Golden Dome missile defense vision, but are also one of its most challenging.
Boeing
U.S. Army Orders Nine Boeing CH-47F Block II Chinooks
By Boeing: PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 21, 2025 — The U.S. Army is advancing its heavy-lift modernization efforts by ordering nine Boeing [NYSE: BA] CH-47F Block II Chinooks via two contract awards.
Aerospace America
• Marjorie Censer
Northrop Grumman seeks accelerated B-21 production rate
By Aerospace America: Stay Up to Date Submit your email address to receive the latest industry and Aerospace America news. Northrop Grumman is in negotiations with the U.S. Air Force about speeding production of the B-21 Raider aircraft.
Boeing names new leader for Boeing UK & Ireland
By boeing.co.uk: Boeing names new leader for Boeing UK & Ireland - Sir Jeremy Quin will lead Boeing’s operations across the UK and Ireland - Thom Breckenridge appointed managing director of Boeing Defence UK LONDON, Oct.
Reuters
• Utkarsh Shetti; Mike Stone
RTX Raises 2025 Outlook as Strong Missile and Aftermarket Demand Offsets Tariff Headwinds
By Reuters: Aerospace and defense giant RTX raised its full-year profit and revenue forecast on Tuesday, as rising demand for its missiles and aftermarket services bolstered its ability to weather negative fallout from tariffs.
USNI News
• Dzirhan Mahadzir
Chinese Fighter Drops Flares Near Australian P-8 in ‘Unsafe and Unprofessional’ Interaction Over South China Sea
By USNI News: A Chinese fighter jet and a Royal Australian Air Force maritime patrol aircraft had an “unsafe and unprofessional” interaction as the two operated over the waters of the South China Sea, Canberra officials said Monday.
