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Pentagon may ‘sacrifice’ traditional weapons to buy more drones if reconciliation fails: CTO
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/pentagon-may-sacrifice-traditional-weapons-to-buy-more-drones-if-reconciliation-fails-cto/
Published: June 12, 2026 19:28
“We just make other trade-offs, like against exquisite weapons and systems: How much of those are we willing to sacrifice in place of low-cost autonomous weapons,” Emil Michael said.
Tiny drones making a buzz at the Berlin Air Show
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/tiny-drones-making-a-buzz-at-the-berlin-air-show/
Published: June 12, 2026 19:00
The Breaking Defense team wraps up the last day of the Berlin Air Show.
Boeing bows out of Navy’s new trainer jet competition
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/boeing-bows-out-of-navys-new-trainer-jet-competition/
Published: June 12, 2026 18:00
Boeing said the T-7A Red Hawk training jet they are producing for the Air Force doesn’t fulfill Navy requirements.
Poland intends to buy two more squads of F-35s, minister says
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/poland-intends-to-buy-two-more-squads-of-f-35s-minister-says/
Published: June 12, 2026 17:36
Two extra squadrons of F-35s would double the existing order, from 32 to 64.
Better collaboration needed on SOCOM programs, says government watchdog
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/better-collaboration-needed-on-socom-programs-says-government-watchdog/
Published: June 12, 2026 16:44
“We found that these [civilian] officials can’t effectively carry out the office’s oversight responsibilities as they can’t always get access to relevant program information or meetings,” GAO said while listing three recommendations.
Israeli startup unveils laser system it says can kill drones in seconds
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/israeli-startup-unveils-laser-system-it-says-can-kill-drones-in-seconds/
Published: June 12, 2026 14:29
“It’s a game changer. It’s smaller, uses only 4kWh, can be connected to a vehicle, and is three to four times less expensive than current laser or microwave systems,” Erex Riahi, the CEO of Esh-Tech, said.
‘The threat is there’: Germany to pair P-8s with MQ-9 drones to keep an eye on Russian subs
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/the-threat-is-there-germany-to-pair-p-8s-with-mq-9-drones-to-keep-an-eye-on-russian-subs/
Published: June 12, 2026 11:33
“The MQ-9B will be the first [unmanned] system we operate with it — the idea is to have those working closely with the aircraft, but step by step,” said Capt. Broder Nielsen, head of the German Naval Aviation Command.
PHOTOS: The sights of Berlin Air Show 2026 on Day 3
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/photos-the-sights-of-berlin-air-show-2026-on-day-3/
Published: June 12, 2026 10:05
A selection of photos from the Breaking Defense team on the ground in Berlin.
Leonardo in ‘advanced’ talks to expand Italian Army’s AW-249 combat helicopter fleet
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/leonardo-in-advanced-talks-to-expand-italian-armys-aw-249-combat-helicopter-fleet/
Published: June 12, 2026 08:54
One of the use-cases envisaged for the platform could be to “fly at high-speed and low-level in order to penetrate deep into enemy territory,” Marco Marinoni, head of the AH-249 acquisition program in the Italian Army, said.
Israel’s Elbit Systems, Germany’s Diehl Defence team on SkyStriker pitch for Berlin
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/israels-elbit-systems-germanys-diehl-defence-team-on-skystriker-pitch-for-berlin/
Published: June 12, 2026 07:39
Elbit said that the deal will include local manufacturing and assembly of the system with Diehl, to support “the development of sovereign capabilities and strengthening the German defense industry.”
As F-35 readiness lags, Pentagon seeks $13.7 billion boost: GAO
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/as-f-35-readiness-lags-pentagon-seeks-13-7-billion-boost-gao/
Published: June 12, 2026 00:01
The F-35’s full mission capable rate fell to to 25 percent in FY25, the government watchdog found.
After FCAS’s fall, Airbus and ‘Team Gen 6’ line up for new future fighter
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/after-fcass-fall-airbus-and-team-gen-6-line-up-for-new-future-fighter/
Published: June 11, 2026 19:33
Jean-Brice Dumont, head of airpower at Airbus Defence and Space told reporters today that despite the FCAS fighter collapse, “we have not wasted our time,” stressing that technologies linked to the defunct plane can be reused.
Saronic, Castelion to pair Marauder MUSV with Blackbeard hypersonic capability
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/saronic-castelion-to-pair-marauder-musv-with-blackbeard-hypersonic-capability/
Published: June 11, 2026 19:01
The firms said a maritime launch demonstration is slated for 2027.
Talking Italian attack helos and skyrocketing air defense demand at the Berlin Air Show
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/talking-italian-attack-helos-and-skyrocketing-air-defense-demand-at-the-berlin-air-show/
Published: June 11, 2026 18:35
Breaking Defense’s Tim Martin and Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo cover Day 2 of the German aerospace expo.
SASC’s $1.14T defense policy bill creates combatant command for drones
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/sascs-1-14t-defense-policy-bill-creates-combatant-command-for-drones/
Published: June 11, 2026 17:44
SASC members voted the bill through committee in a 18-9 vote on Wednesday.
Europe facing ‘Catch-22’ over US weapon sales, top Polish general warns
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/europe-facing-catch-22-over-us-weapon-sales-top-polish-general-warns/
Published: June 11, 2026 15:48
“When they come to the US and say, ‘We would like to buy the system’ …they are told, ‘Okay, but [it will be delivered in ] 2029-2030 and you know, it still could be delayed,’” said Poland’s Military Representative to NATO, Lieutenant General Piotr…
UAE’s EDGE Group launches European arm out of Paris
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/uaes-edge-group-launches-european-arm-out-of-paris/
Published: June 11, 2026 15:18
EDGE Europe will have two sites: a head office in Chaillot in central Paris focusing on government interactions and investments, and a manufacturing site in Bordeaux for design, integration and development of platforms, per the company’s statement.
MBDA showcases hybrid high-energy laser, interceptor counter-drone system
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/mbda-showcases-hybrid-high-energy-laser-interceptor-counter-drone-system/
Published: June 11, 2026 13:36
The European missile house says that the hybrid platform, which could enter service with Germany before the end of the decade, has been designed to address the “growing challenge of small, fast, and low-cost unmanned aerial threats.”
British defense secretary John Healey resigns over defense funding
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/british-defense-secretary-john-healey-resigns-over-defense-funding/
Published: June 11, 2026 11:56
Healey said lack of sufficient funding in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan could endanger UK security.
PHOTOS: The sights of Berlin Air Show 2026 on Day 2
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/photos-the-sights-of-berlin-air-show-2026-on-day-2/
Published: June 11, 2026 09:07
A selection of photos from the second day of Germany’s largest aerospace expo.
CCA showdown and FCAS fallout, as Berlin Air Show gets underway
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/cca-showdown-and-fcas-fallout-as-berlin-air-show-gets-underway/
Published: June 10, 2026 20:12
Catch what’s new on the first day of the sprawling defense expo outside the German capital.
LeoLab’s new, mobile space-watch radar to participate in Valiant Shield exercise
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/leolabs-new-mobile-space-watch-radar-to-participate-in-valiant-shield-exercise/
Published: June 10, 2026 18:42
The new Scout-S radar will remain operational after Valiant Shield ends July 1, and already is contributing data to LeoLab’s space monitoring network, the company said.
ICEYE, Rheinmetall form German joint venture for space-based ISR
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/iceye-rhenmetall-form-german-joint-venture-for-space-based-isr/
Published: June 10, 2026 16:57
The new venture, Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions, includes four German space startups as “initial” partners.
House appropriators release $1 trillion defense bill for FY27
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/house-appropriators-release-1-trillion-defense-bill-for-fy27/
Published: June 10, 2026 15:47
The bill also restores funding for the E-7 Wedgetail after Defense Department leaders signaled their intent to continue the program.
Drone wingmen face off at Berlin Air Show in race for German CCA
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/drone-wingmen-face-off-at-berlin-air-show-in-race-for-german-cca/
Published: June 10, 2026 15:19
Several full-sized CCA aircraft or models are on display here, with company officials eager to talk up the latest updates.
More F-35s? ‘Fifth-gen-plus’? Germany explores fighter options after FCAS collapse
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/more-f-35s-fifth-gen-plus-germany-explores-fighter-options-after-fcas-collapse/
Published: June 10, 2026 13:43
At the Berlin Air Show, Germany’s air force chief said Germany will need to “pick up” a fifth-gen-plus system by 2035.
PHOTOS: The sights of Berlin Air Show 2026 on Day 1
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/photos-the-sights-of-berlin-air-show-2026-on-day-1/
Published: June 10, 2026 10:18
The Berlin Air Show has officially kicked off, with plenty to see.
Lockheed pitches HIMARS for France, with 18-month timeline offer
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/lockheed-pitches-himars-for-france-with-18-month-timeline-offer/
Published: June 10, 2026 06:15
France has allocated approximately €600 million ($692 million) to replace its legacy LRU launchers.
Space Force contracts Viasat, Intelsat for first of new anti-jam communication sats
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/space-force-contracts-viasat-intelsat-for-first-of-new-anti-jam-communication-sats/
Published: June 9, 2026 21:17
The two awards are collectively worth $437.7 million, according to the Space Systems Command press release.
In memo to CENTCOM leaders, Cooper warns of duty to protect civilians
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/in-memo-to-centcom-commanders-cooper-warns-of-duty-to-protect-civilians/
Published: June 9, 2026 20:04
“Our commitment to the law of armed conflict is not a constraint on our lethality,” Adm. Brad Cooper, the CENTCOM head, wrote in a memo.
Coast Guard, Saildrone team up in northern waters to boost border security, surveillance
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/coast-guard-saildrone-team-up-in-northern-waters-to-boost-border-security-surveillance/
Published: June 9, 2026 19:20
The Voyager is equipped to conduct persistent coastal surveillance and nearshore mapping missions while remaining at sea for roughly 100 days at a time.
‘Not an option’: Top Senate defense appropriator says third reconciliation bill unlikely
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/not-an-option-top-senate-defense-appropriator-says-third-reconciliation-bill-unlikely/
Published: June 9, 2026 18:49
Two top appropriators — Sens. Mitch McConnell and Susan Collins — expressed doubt that a third reconciliation bill with defense funding will pass.
Oshkosh eyes potential Marine JLTV deal, citing growing readiness gaps under current contract
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/oshkosh-eyes-potential-marine-jltv-deal-citing-growing-readiness-gaps-under-current-contract/
Published: June 9, 2026 18:12
The Marine Corps didn’t provide specifics on why the service was possibly seeking another JLTV supplier, but told Breaking Defense in a statement that it “continuously evaluates acquisition options to ensure it can meet approved JLTV requirements, preserve…
NRO funds BlackSky for new satellites, AI-optimized image detection system
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/nro-funds-blacksky-for-new-satellites-ai-optimized-image-detection-system/
Published: June 9, 2026 17:07
“The NRO is at the forefront of integrating AI into space-based ISR,” a spysat agency spokesperson told Breaking Defense.
Naval carrier set to deploy with a drone, while Marines say goodbye to the Harrier
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/naval-carrier-set-to-deploy-with-a-drone-while-marines-say-goodbye-to-the-harrier/
Published: June 9, 2026 16:28
This week on The Break Out, a Seahawk drone is set to join aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt, and a legendary aircraft took its final flight.
Breaking Defense adds Kyle Rempfer as additional editor, amid continued growth
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/breaking-defense-adds-kyle-rempfer-as-additional-editor-amid-continued-growth/
Published: June 9, 2026 13:58
Kyle Rempfer to join the world’s largest news organization dedicated to defense.
After the fall of FCAS fighter, Germany eyes ‘realistic’ future projects with France
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/after-the-fall-of-fcas-fighter-germany-eyes-realistic-future-projects-with-france/
Published: June 9, 2026 09:40
After years of squabbles over the development of the sixth-gen fighter jet, the centerpiece of the projected $115 billion effort, Berlin said the companies involved “cannot reach an agreement.”
What to expect at the Berlin Air Show
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/what-to-expect-at-the-berlin-air-show/
Published: June 8, 2026 19:30
Aaron Mehta and Tim Martin walk through what they’re looking for at the 2026 Berlin Air Show.
How defense teams can scale AI without increasing data risk
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/how-defense-teams-can-scale-ai-without-increasing-data-risk/
Published: June 8, 2026 19:05
[Sponsored] AI is expanding the mission data footprint across defense environments, increasing the need for scalable, layered data-at-rest (DAR) protection.
Trump memo on AI aims to avoid repeat of Anthropic debacle
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/trump-memo-on-ai-aims-to-avoid-repeat-of-anthropic-debacle/
Published: June 8, 2026 18:28
The “National Security Presidential Memorandum” urges closer collaboration with AI companies — as long as they’re compliant with Pentagon demands — and orders a sweeping revision of Biden-era guardrails on military AI.
Franco-German-Spanish FCAS fighter program dead: Reports
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/franco-german-spanish-fcas-fighter-program-dead-reports/
Published: June 8, 2026 17:36
The German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, would have proposed that the two nations, along with Spain, which is also involved as a partner, continue to jointly develop the so-called combat cloud communication network.
State Department approves FMS agreements with New Zealand, South Korea
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/state-department-approves-fms-agreements-with-new-zealand-south-korea/
Published: June 8, 2026 16:08
New Zealand could receive five Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk helicopters as well as airborne low-frequency sonars.
FCAS uncertainty and transatlantic upheaval: What to expect at the Berlin Air Show
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/fcas-uncertainty-and-transatlantic-upheaval-what-to-expect-at-the-berlin-air-show/
Published: June 8, 2026 14:45
Over 750 exhibitors from 37 countries are expected to display their equipment, say organizers, but the New Generation Fighter (NGF) aircraft, the centerpiece of FCAS, is not scheduled to make an appearance.
The future of defense manufacturing will be distributed, autonomous and software-defined
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/the-future-of-defense-manufacturing-will-be-distributed-autonomous-and-software-defined/
Published: June 8, 2026 13:50
[Sponsored] How Roboze is helping transform additive manufacturing from a prototyping tool into production infrastructure for defense and critical industries.
US approves $2B sale of Anduril counter-drone systems to Kuwait
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/us-approves-2b-sale-of-anduril-counter-drone-systems-to-kuwait/
Published: June 8, 2026 13:36
The potential FMS announcement came just days Iran attacked Kuwait’s airport with missiles and drones, killing one person, damaging airport facilities and halting flights.
Airbus unveils U145 autonomous helicopter drone for cargo supply ops
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/airbus-unveils-u145-autonomous-helicopter-drone-for-cargo-supply-ops/
Published: June 8, 2026 12:09
Other military roles for the drone cover armed scouting, surveillance, crewed-uncrewed teaming as well as acting as a “mothership” for air launched effects, according to the European prime.
Palladyne AI partners with IAI to bring Israeli Harpy, Harop drones to US
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/palladyne-ai-partners-with-iai-to-bring-israeli-harpy-harop-drones-to-us/
Published: June 8, 2026 11:00
Palladyne plans to put new AI swarming software on the battle-proven Israeli drones and compete for contracts like the Army’s Long-Range Precision Munition (LRPM), CEO Ben Wolff told Breaking Defense.
Macron’s nuclear pact expands across Scandinavia as global forces surges
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/06/macrons-nuclear-pact-expands-across-scandinavia-as-global-forces-surges/
Published: June 8, 2026 05:00
Norway is just the latest ally to open discussions with Paris about France’s extended nuclear deterrence initiative.