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Magazine Issue

Aerospace Daily & Defense Report, February 26, 2026

VOL. 295 NO. 38 February 26, 2026
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Programs

Boeing KC-46 on runway
article

USAF Tanker Plans Focus On KC-46 And Mods Amid NGAS Push

Feb 25, 2026
The U.S. Air Force is focused on near-term tanker recapitalization—extending purchases of the Boeing KC-46 and planning minor situational awareness upgrades.
eab
article

Repackaged Compass Call Kit Revives Distributed Attack Concept

Feb 24, 2026
BAE Systems repackaged the EA-37B Compass Call’s advanced electronic attack systems into a pod that could be carried by a large uncrewed aircraft system.
merlin helicopter
article

UK Royal Navy Mulling Concepts For Post-2040 Crewed Rotorcraft

Feb 25, 2026
The UK Royal Navy has begun exploring ideas for a future crewed platform that would replace its Leonardo Merlin and Wildcat helicopters on its warships.
F130 in test cell at AEDC
article

Rolls Set For Final Round Of B-52J Dual Pod Inlet Tests

Feb 24, 2026
Rolls-Royce is advancing F130 engine testing for the B-52J program, refining design and preparing production for strategic missions starting in 2027.
frenzy afa engine
article

U.S. Air Force Rounds Out CCA Increment 2 Engine Awards

Feb 25, 2026
The U.S. Air Force has confirmed that four engine-makers have been awarded initial conceptual design awards for the second increment of CCA.
Leonardo Helicopters UK
article

Leonardo CEO Signals Verdict Near For UK Medium Helo Program

Feb 25, 2026
Leonardo nears UK decision on AW149 helicopter deal, with CEO Cingolani signaling imminent resolution to long-pending NMH procurement that could safeguard Yeovil operations.
nagal
article

USAF’s Mobility Command Presses To Speed Up C-17, C-5 Replacement

Feb 24, 2026
The USAF needs to press forward on modernizing its airlift fleet after being too slow on progress to replace its C-17 and C-5 fleet, a top official argues.
Credit: USAF
article

Collaborative Combat Aircraft Prototypes Progress On Autonomy Tests

Feb 25, 2026
Both of the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft prototypes are flying with mission autonomy as the service is preparing both for more intensive tests and production decisions.
artist's rendering of a high-altitude balloon
article

U.S. Army Updates Timing For Balloon Payload Competition

Feb 25, 2026
An electronic warfare payload for a new class of high-altitude balloons is moving forward after a six-month pause for the U.S. Army to review the requirements.
Airbus H160
article

Airbus Confident In H160 Market Share Against Leonardo’s AW139

Feb 23, 2026
Airbus Helicopters officials say they are confident their H160 twin-engine medium helicopter can maintain its market share against Leonardo’s AW139.
GBU MOP
article

Tail Kit Technology Sought For Next-Generation Penetrator

Feb 24, 2026
An RFI about tail kit tech adds a new angle to the USAF's continued pursuit of a new weapon to replace the Dynetics/Boeing GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator.
airbus helicopters lakota connector concept
article

Airbus Exploring European-Developed Aerial Connector

Feb 25, 2026
Airbus Helicopters is actively exploring a European derivative of the H145-based autonomous Lakota connector aircraft it is developing for the U.S. Marine Corps.

Daily Briefs

In Brief

Operations

A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan rocket
article

USSF: Vulcan NSSL Launches Paused Until Anomaly Is Resolved

Feb 25, 2026
USSF halts Vulcan launches amid anomaly review, weighs options for GPS III satellite deployment.
Artemis II Returns to Hangar
article

Artemis II Returns To Hangar

Feb 25, 2026
NASA rolls Artemis II moon rocket back to hangar after upper stage helium system malfunction during prelaunch testing.
Astronaut Fincke reveals medical issue that ended the mission early.
article

Crew 11 Astronaut Fincke Discloses Medical Situation

Feb 25, 2026
Fincke reveals medical event cut Crew-11 mission short; praises crew and NASA for swift response during ISS emergency.

Business

starfighters space founder Rick Svetkoff
article

Starfighters Space Founding CEO Retires As Company Expands

Feb 26, 2026
Potential suborbital space launch provider Starfighters Space announced that founder Rick Svetkoff has resigned as chairman, CEO, president and director.
aselsan tech
article

Aselsan Nearly Doubles Exports

Feb 25, 2026
Turkish defense electronics specialist Aselsan grew export sales 89% last year to $958 million and booked over $2 billion in new contracts from buyers abroad.

The Debrief

Soldiers attached a Conex box to a CH-47 Chinook.
article

Debrief: Could the Pentagon Put Warehouses in Space?

Feb 25, 2026
The U.S. military explores space-based warehouses for future logistics needs as cislunar and Mars missions grow, with AFRL studying orbital cargo depots.

Funding & Policy

Soldiers in field with UAV
article

Germany Advances Loitering Munitions Buy; NH90, ESSM Upgrades

Feb 25, 2026
Germany approves €810M arms deal for loitering munitions, ESSM upgrades and NH90 enhancements to bolster NATO defenses.