Defense

The U.S. Space Force is seeking prototype proposals for space-based interceptors.

Taiwan's Thunder Tiger plans to participate in the U.S. Army’s Drone Dominance program.

Lawmakers in the compromise fiscal 2026 defense policy bill are authorizing an increase to the Pentagon’s budget beyond the White House’s request.

While Beijing is criticizing the U.S. pursuit of space-based interceptors as reckless, China’s academic institutions are quietly researching similar concepts.

The much-anticipated first flight of the Boeing MQ-25 Stingray for the U.S. Navy has been pushed to early 2026.

GKN Aerospace Norway and Norwegian Catapult Manufacturing Technology in Kongsberg have signed an agreement.

Canada’s Defense Investment Agency will manage acquisitions of AEW aircraft, ground-based surveillance radars and air transport fleet upgrades.

Beehive says Frenzy test results for performance, ignition at altitude, operability, and durability “met or exceeded challenging Air Force requirements.”

South Korea has approved a KRW65.8 trillion ($45 billion) defense budget for 2026, a 7.5% year-on-year increase.

Gen. Michael Guetlein, Golden Dome program director, said the first batch of contracts for space-based interceptor technology were awarded in November.

The Office of Management and Budget director said the administration views reconciliation as a strategy to fund key defense needs outside of an appropriations process that requires 60 votes in the Senate.

The Pentagon says there is a commitment to deliver a new U.S. Navy fighter even as the F/A-XX source selection process remains stalled and industrial base capacity is uncertain.

After two successful launches in back-to-back months, the third Space Development Agency (SDA) Tranche 1 mission won’t launch until 2026.

The U.S. Space Force expects to release a solicitation for the next batch of new launch providers under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program this month

The California hypersonic missile startup is increasing its overall capital war chest to $464.5 million since emerging from stealth mode nearly two years ago.

The Royal Thai Air Force has awarded Israel Aerospace Industries a contract for its Integrated Air Defense System program, according to a Thai government document seen by Aviation Week.

South Korea has kicked off development of its indigenous Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile-II (SRAAM-II).

Australia will begin in-country production of Lockheed Martin’s Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missiles as a new production line opens.

The author of the 1997 U.S. defense acquisition reform plan critiques Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s new strategy.

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

NASA extends ISS research management accord... RAYTHEON gets MQ-9 PED station order... New security officer for AEROVIRONMENT...

Austria has finally signed a deal with Leonardo for a new fleet of 12 M-346 jet trainers and equipment worth $1.5 billion to replace its Saab 105 trainers.

Losses of Boeing F/A-18s from the USS Harry S. Truman were caused or exacerbated by a lack of training and communication, the U.S. Navy found.

The Royal Navy's Asia-Pacific potential concept of carrier operations has been turned on its head with a more Europe-focused approach.

Antares has raised a $96 million Series B funding round to develop, build and test microreactors, including for use on U.S. Army and NASA lunar bases.