Hegseth calls for extensive reforms to Pentagon drone-buying practices
The memo directs the military services to create active duty formations by September, built for the sole purpose of scaling the use of drones across DOD.
Europe
France asks FCAS partners to ‘rethink’ work share on fighter project
“The principle and details of this redesigned cooperation are currently being discussed with the partners," French armaments agency DGA told Defense News.
DARPA ends cargo seaplane program, eyes new uses for tech
Liberty Lifter was intended to design and build a seaplane with the cargo capacity of a C-17 Globemaster, that could take off and land in rough seas.
Pentagon trials drone-spotting air traffic suite at US bases worldwide
The Air Force Research Laboratory's CLUE system could help military and civil agencies better integrate drone operations into the airspace.
Fighter pilots integrate drones into air combat training
The drones served in a "loyal wingman" role to the pilots, marking “a major leap in human-machine teaming," the Air Force said.
Former Air Force chiefs sound alarm about planned F-35, E-7 cuts
Nearly 20 retired Air Force general officers, including six former chiefs of staff, urged lawmakers to reverse Pentagon plans to cut the E-7 and F-35s.
French push for greater say in FCAS program roils partners: reports
The prospect of raising Dassault’s clout in some parts of the program risks opening fresh wounds in a program sustained mostly by political will.
Dutch, Norwegian F-35s to guard Ukraine supply lines in Poland
The jets will operate under direct NATO command following a transfer of authority for the duration of the deployment.
‘Made-in-America’ drone maker Neros awaits its big Pentagon break
The company aims to increase its production capacity from 1,500 drones per month to 10,000 by the end of this year.
US Air Force to retire all A-10s, cancel E-7 under 2026 spending plan
The Air Force wants to retire hundreds of older aircraft, including the entire Warthog fleet, to free up money for future planes.
French military plants seed money to ‘master’ near-space operations
French defense leaders expect the near-space domain to become increasingly contested, similar to low Earth orbit and the ocean floor.
UK F-35 buy paves way for a return to warplane-based nuclear deterrent
A dozen jets of the A variant will bring dual-capable aircraft to the Royal Air Force, allowing Britain to partake in NATO's airborne nuclear deterrent.
Japan conducts first domestic missile test
The test comes as the country accelerates its military buildup to deter increasingly assertive China.
Saab taps Anduril to build rocket motors for ground-launched bomb
Saab has picked Anduril to produce solid rocket motors for the Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb it produces with Boeing.
Eurofighter vendor targets ‘combat mass’ over next-gen buzz
The idea of producing “combat mass” for Europe, as the CEO called it, follows the urgency of recent conflicts sprung on the continent and its environs.
Airbus mulls boosting tanker production on ‘very high’ demand
“With the signals we’re getting from the customers, we are studying a rate increase of the MRTT,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, head of air power at Airbus.
Unmanned Leonardo jet trainers could take GCAP drone role, CEO says
The program’s focus for the next five years lies primarily on the main aircraft, but partner nations are free to explore unmanned companions on their own.
