Defense

Russia’s Progress 61 resupply capsule sprinted toward an Oct. 1 rendezvous and docking with the International Space Station following a successful liftoff.

A CR lasting longer than the one now in place until Dec. 11 would slice the number of F-35s the Pentagon plans to buy in its next production lot.

While Chinese leaders say they will not use artificially bolstered islands in the South China Sea for military purposes, simply maintaining control of those places may lead to even more tension in the region, CSIS says.

India wants to have a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle that is entirely manufactured, assembled and launched by industry over the next three to four years.

Interest in a multinational European purchase of a pooled fleet of Airbus Defense and Space A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transports (MRTT) is growing.

U.S. and allied forces were given “one or two hours’ notice” on Sept. 30 of Russia’s intention to launch air attacks in Syria, a U.S. Air Force general says.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe has issued requirements for a new fleet of UAVs to support its monitoring mission in Ukraine.

European launch consortium Arianespace lifted two communications satellites to orbit Sept. 30 atop an Ariane 5 ECA rocket,

Seattle-based Spaceflight has booked a SpaceX Falcon 9 for a “dedicated rideshare” flight in 2017.

Space-science managers at NASA have picked spacecraft aimed at Venus and a variety of asteroids and other small objects for more study.

A new U.S. report names Airbus and France as potentially rich targets for small manufacturers looking to goose exports.

Space Fence clears critical design review; U.S.-India seal a helicopter deal; U.S. Army launches enormous engine competition; a general hopes for an LRS-B award within months.

With the first KC-46 flight under its belt, Boeing looks forward to extending boom, conducting fuel transfers with a bevy of receivers.

Industry wants a fair and open competition if Britain gets back into the maritime patrol business.

The Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) issued a formal and final request for proposals (RFP) for the first GPS III launch Sept. 30.

Pentagon delays in picking a winner in the Long-Range Strike Bomber contest are imposing heavy costs on contractors.

Russia has officially launched combat operations against Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria.

French parliamentarians on Sept. 29 protested a government agreement with Moscow on indemnification for two naval ships initially destined for Russia but now bound for Egypt.

Boeing will continue to provide sustained engineering in support of the International Space Station (ISS) under a $1.18 billion, five-year NASA contract.

Poland may be close to finalizing a multinational deal with European countries for Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transports (MRTTs).

The U.S. and Russia are using their respective militaries to re-establish better communication — a liaison role that is nothing new for the Pentagon.

Blue Origin has achieved “a key milestone” in its development of the BE-4 engine for ULA's proposed Vulcan launch vehicle, and its own orbital launch vehicle.

AgustaWestland has certified its Limited Ice Protection System (LIPS) on its AW189 super-medium, twin-engine helicopter.

AgustaWestland has certified its Limited Ice Protection System (LIPS) on its AW189 super-medium, twin-engine helicopter.

As Boeing works to repair deficiencies in the KC-46 tanker’s fuel management system design, U.S. Air Force officials are undergoing a major review of the project’s master plan.