Defense

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.

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

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

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.

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.

With the launch of Northrop Grumman’s Mission Robotic Vehicle, in-space servicing finally appears to be on the brink of a breakout moment.

Balancing its military and business aviation activities and organizing its production sites by specialties helps the airframer weather crises.

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.

SAAB announced SEK10.1b order from an unidentified Middle East country for two GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft, based on BOMBARDIER-built Global 6500, for delivery in 2030.

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.

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.

Saab says it has secured an order for an additional two GlobalEye airborne early warning aircraft, with deliveries due in 2030.

Days after France said it was working to rapidly press the Airbus A400M airlifter into firefighting duty, the French government said it had commenced those operations over the weekend.

NATO’s decision to buy as many as 10 Saab GlobalEye airborne early warning systems could spur more orders within the alliance, says Global 6500 platform provider Bombardier.

Hensoldt says it has secured the first application for its Compact Infrared Reconnaissance and Alert (Cairas) missile warning system.