A range of concepts are in the mix as the U.S. Air Force considers options for a new bomber, including one that can take off and land vertically.

Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

The U.S. Air Force returned a damaged Boeing C-17 to service with a new robotic technology it used for the first time, and says the system is now being utilized for aircraft that likely were damaged in combat.

The U.S. Navy has acquired a new cruise missile with a $75 million order for the Boeing GBU-75, a turbojet-powered version of the 500-lb. version of the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), Boeing says.

UK-based Hill Helicopters has completed the first successful runs of its in-house-developed GT50 turboshaft engine.

U.S. startup Impact Drones has launched out of stealth offering drone interceptors as a service to protect data centers, airports, power grids and other infrastructure.

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force is exploring dispersed operating concepts for its Lockheed Martin F-35A fleet.

Germany’s naval air arm has retired its last Westland Lynx helicopters as it turns to the NHIndustries’ NH90 for the shipborne anti-submarine warfare mission.