Aerospace Daily & Defense Report

Australian counter-drone specialist Electro Optic Systems is nearing a contract to launch the highest-power version yet of its Apollo high-energy laser system.

Elbit Systems’ plan to equip the Israeli Air Force and potentially others with airborne high-power lasers is starting to take shape.

Hensoldt says it is offering a mobile jammer for satellite-based navigation signals with an eye on critical infrastructure protection.

Shield AI’s proposed X-Bat already stands out as an autonomous, jet-powered, vertical-takeoff-and-landing, long-range strike aircraft, but company President Ryan Tseng adds another distinction.

Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic unveiled the first in a series of midsize lunar landers, with the aim of flying in the fourth quarter of 2026.

LOCKHEED gets $2.3b F-35 sustainment award... HONEYWELL’s board approves spinoff... New CEO for PIAGGIO AEROSPACE...

The French government has signed an eight-year contract with Eutelsat to assure for Eutelsat OneWeb services to bridge to the European IRIS2 secure satellite. communications systems and add capacity.

The Week Ahead In Aerospace & Defense

A Boeing B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff June 15 for a test flight at Edwards AFB, California, with eight crewmembers aboard.

Union workers on Lockheed Martin’s F-35 program in Fort Worth reached a new contract agreement, ensuring higher wage increases and bonuses.

JetZero breaks ground on its North Carolina blended wing body factory, targeting early 2030s production with plans to reach 20 aircraft monthly by mid-2030s.

The war in Iran that has drawn in the wider Gulf region has also become somewhat of a testing ground for Edge Group.

Latvia’s Border Guard has placed orders for three Leonardo AW139 medium twin-engine helicopters funded through the European Security Action for Europe loans.

Doncasters is pursuing a $4 billion IPO on the New York Stock Exchange, driven by surging demand in aerospace, defense and AI-powered data centers.

ZeroAvia shifted to defense during funding struggles but maintains its civil aviation mission while certifying its hydrogen fuel cell technology.

A small French aviation startup unveiled a partnership with Taiwan’s state-owned aerospace manufacturer on the opening day of the Eurosatory trade show June 15.

Diehl Defense and Spanish Missile Systems have agreed to continue their relationship should their hypersonic defense weapon concept be selected for the next step in an EU-funded program.

Munitions assisted by Shield AI’s Hivemind software strike targets at a rate of 75% or higher in real conflicts, company President Ryan Tseng tells Aviation Week.

Avincis orders 30 Airbus and Leonardo helicopters for EMS, search and rescue and offshore operations across Europe.

At some point in 2027, Israel is scheduled to start producing a new workhorse for the Arrow Weapon System.

OHB says it is looking to raise about €500 million with an eye on expansion and potential acquisitions amid strong demand in Europe for space systems.

Edge Group subsidiary Powertech launched serial production a month ago of the PJ120, the UAE-based company’s first move into jet propulsion, Powertech CEO Marian Lubieniecki tells Aviation Week.

MBDA said it plans to have a land-based version of its MdCN naval cruise missile available for customers by the end of the decade.

The German defense procurement agency BAAINBw is poised to formally issue a request for proposals to buy a Bombardier Global 8000-based airborne standoff jamming aircraft.

The UK is indicating it will award a contract for the GCAP program this month in a show of support for the tri-national combat aircraft program.