Aerospace Daily & Defense Report

The USAF is set to kick off an analysis of alternatives for a future airlifter to replace the Boeing C-17 and Lockheed Martin C-5, but the familiar study will be conducted completely differently.

USAF officials and Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg on July 28 hailed progress made on addressing a long list of costly problems hanging over the KC-46 tanker program.

IBM will acquire HRL Laboratories to expand its quantum computing capabilities and long-term advanced technology research.

Katalyst's LINK servicing spacecraft suffered attitude-control problems, delaying NASA's planned Swift Observatory reboost mission.

RTX/Pratt & Whitney has $53.8m U.S. Navy order for nonrecurring engineering for the F135 engine program for the F-35.

Rocket Factory Augsburg delayed RFA One hotfire testing after discovering unspecified issues during launch pad preparations.

U.S. Air Force seeks a reusable rocket-powered VTOL strike aircraft prototype for future high-speed bomber missions.

Boeing's Kelly Ortberg agrees that commercial airframers and their suppliers could change the business model if they build a next-generation air transport, but it will not happen during the current generation of single aisles.

Boeing reported another VC-25B charge but says broader defense programs are improving and reducing overall risk.

NATO and Ukraine launched a joint program to accelerate counter-drone technologies from development to combat deployment.

China built its drone dominance through electronics manufacturing, automation, competition and stable industrial policy, executives say.

Textron will temporarily fund work on the MV-75 tiltrotor aircraft to maintain schedule while awaiting congressional approval of Army reprogramming.

Philippine Air Force debuts upgraded FA-50s at Pitch Black exercise in Australia while evaluating future fighters and force-enablement capabilities.

Aerospace companies including ArianeGroup, Dassault and Thales have had to close sites near Bordeaux in southwest France as wildfires continue to burn in the region.

Safran says it continues to look for acquisition opportunities in defense electronics after its failed bid to land Exail Technologies.

The U.S. Air Force plans to launch a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)-style concept refinement phase by year's end.

TransDigm Group on July 27 announced a deal to acquire Prince & Izant, a manufacturer of highly engineered brazing alloys and specialty metal components for several industries.

TRANSDIGM GROUP buys P&I... COLLINS gets Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System award... New CEO for ISRAEL AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES...

The Pentagon on July 27 announced another new agreement with key companies to expand munition production.

USAF Pacific commander calls for enhanced air defense command-and-control at austere locations as dispersed operations increase.

A B-52 crash has delayed a radar upgrade program as the U.S. Air Force searches for replacement test aircraft, while a second modified bomber awaits late 2027 availability.

Vietnam is finalizing a contract for 18 Yak-130M advanced trainers in what would be the platform's first export deal.

Ellsworth AFB is preparing infrastructure for B-21 testing as the Air Force readies the bomber's arrival.

Amazon has requested FCC approval for a 5,105-satellite D2D constellation to provide direct-to-device connectivity, with service expected to start in 2028.

Hensoldt says it has secured the first application for its Compact Infrared Reconnaissance and Alert missile warning system with planned use on the Helsing CA-1 Europa CCA.