Army awards contracts to four companies to boost Hydra-70 rocket production
Published: August 6, 2026 18:30
The four companies, which will specifically supply the M151 warheads for the rockets, are Firehawk, iRocket, Nammo Perry and Albers.
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Top cover and clear metrics: How to make the new PAE structure work
Published: August 6, 2026 17:44
Two moves, made in the right order, will break portfolios — and eventually the acquisition system as a whole — out of the compliance trap, writes Timothy Cooke in this op-ed.
Australian commits to buying secretive AIM-260 JATM missiles, first non-US user
Published: August 6, 2026 16:37
Canberra separately announced the successfully test of an indigenous solid fuel rocket motor for guided munitions.
Air Force signs off on production of long-range JDAM
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/08/air-force-signs-off-on-production-of-long-range-jdam/
Published: August 6, 2026 15:45
The first kits of the JDAM LR will go to the US Navy, according to manufacturer Boeing.
Acquisition reform at the speed of war
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/08/acquisition-reform-at-the-speed-of-war/
Published: August 6, 2026 15:16
[Sponsored] As part of the DoW’s acquisition transformation, streamlined processes must be extended to all companies in the defense industrial base.
Navy creates new robotic and autonomous systems DRPM
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/08/navy-creates-new-robotic-and-autonomous-systems-drpm/
Published: August 6, 2026 14:35
Chris Miller will serve as acting DRPM RAS and PAE RAS the service announced.
Rheinmetall projects $346 million naval loss after F126 frigate cancellation
Published: August 6, 2026 13:51
The loss was a blow to Rheinmetall’s new naval ambitions, but the rest of the European giant saw a large rise in revenue.
How Ukraine tries to intercept Russian drones more effectively — and affordably
Published: August 6, 2026 12:37
Since last year, Kyiv has turned to Western fighter jets to shoot down aerial threats, but also rely on dispersed air defense teams and other modified aircraft.
Japanese MoD report highlights push to bolster defense industry
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/08/japanese-mod-report-highlights-push-to-bolster-defense-industry/
Published: August 6, 2026 10:46
The latest defense white paper, accompanied by an anime-style summary video, also pledges continued industrial cooperation with American firms.
First Trump-class battleship could cost more than $23B: CBO
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/08/first-battleship-could-cost-more-than-23-billion-cbo-says/
Published: August 5, 2026 21:21
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 15 nuclear-powered battleships would cost $275 billion.
NRO issues 3 SAR satellite data providers ‘rigorous’ new contracts
Published: August 5, 2026 20:28
The new Radar Commercial Augmentation contracts reflect the companies’ successful demonstration of their capabilities under previous NRO study contracts, according to the spy satellite agency.
Space Force awards 3 firms $615M to track airborne targets
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/08/space-force-awards-3-firms-615m-to-track-airborne-targets/
Published: August 5, 2026 19:56
The task orders come under an ID/IQ with an undisclosed value granted to nine firms in April, and follow a first order to SpaceX in May worth $4.6 billion.
Command overseeing Air Force operations in Middle East gets new boss amid Iran war
Published: August 5, 2026 18:30
In what was a scheduled change-of-command, Lt. Gen. Daniel Lasica will now lead US Air Forces Central at a consequential time for American forces in the Middle East.
Army launches search for counter-drone missile priced under $150K
Published: August 5, 2026 17:38
The interceptor, dubbed the Next Generation C-sUAS Missile, must be compatible with Raytheon’s Coyote launcher, per the RFI.
Everyone is learning the wrong lessons from Ukraine’s drone war
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/08/everyone-is-learning-the-wrong-lessons-from-ukraines-drone-war/
Published: August 5, 2026 16:27
Everyone is focused on Ukraine’s drones. They should be focused on Ukraine’s ability to adapt.
How ITAR concerns are affecting US defense sales abroad
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/08/how-itar-concerns-are-affecting-us-defense-sales-abroad/
Published: August 5, 2026 13:43
US arms-sale regulations are causing some European firms to reassess their approach toward military modernization.
The reasons why Group 2 drones are right-sized for the fight
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/08/the-reasons-why-group-2-drones-are-right-sized-for-the-fight/
Published: August 5, 2026 12:30
[Sponsored] Fuel cell technology lets smaller, more versatile VTOLs handle tasks previously reserved for larger drones.
Defense execs feel good about Pentagon spending despite uncertainty on FY27 budget
Published: August 4, 2026 19:30
“I know there’s lots of discussions on budget amounts and mechanics, but what I can tell you, as we engage with Congress, is there’s a bipartisan support for increased munitions,” RTX CEO Chris Calio said during a July earnings call.
Telesat wins $1.6B for Canadian Arctic MILSATCOM
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/08/telesat-wins-1-6b-for-canadian-arctic-milsatcom/
Published: August 4, 2026 18:13
The contract is just the first step in a broader MoD plan to develop a secure Arctic communications grid.
Colombia buys 2 KC-390s from Embraer in $336 million deal
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/08/colombia-buys-2-kc-390s-from-embraer-in-336-million-deal/
Published: August 4, 2026 17:14
The Colombian Aerospace Force said the first aircraft is expected for delivery in 2029, and that a second will follow in 2030.
Italy’s controversial Gulf military mission enters public spotlight
Published: August 4, 2026 16:15
“This is certainly one of Italy’s most significant deployments to the Gulf in many years — its importance lies not only in the number of personnel, but, above all, in the quality and scarcity of capabilities sent,” one Italian analyst said.
The confidence deficit in space
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/08/the-confidence-deficit-in-space/
Published: August 4, 2026 16:00
Satellite operators make decisions based on the quality and confidence of orbital data they receive. But new research indicates that data can be improved, argues Dan Oltrogge.
Farnborough last looks, plus how the Iran war is affecting arms sales
Published: August 4, 2026 14:55
We review a few final insights and observations from this year’s Farnborough International Airshow.
Europe wants ITAR-free weapons. US firms are trying to adjust.
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/08/europe-wants-itar-free-weapons-us-firms-are-trying-to-adjust/
Published: August 4, 2026 13:47
Skepticism surrounding US-European relations has led to a serious push on the continent to move away from buying weapons that are subject to US arms traffic regulations.
Navy renews Saildrone’s counter-drug mission in the Caribbean, Eastern Pacific
Published: August 4, 2026 09:05
The task order extension will keep Voyager USVs operating in the Caribbean and the Eastern Pacific.
K2 tapped to host Space Force satellite laser links tests
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/08/k2-tapped-to-host-space-force-satellite-laser-links-tests/
Published: August 3, 2026 20:21
Satellite-to-satellite communications via optical laser-light links is at the heart of the Space Force’s future missile warning/ tracking architecture, and in turn the Trump administration’s Golden Dome missile defense shield.
With Hormuz in the spotlight, the Navy can do better
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/08/with-hormuz-in-the-spotlight-the-navy-can-do-better/
Published: August 3, 2026 18:10
CSIS’s Mark Cancian responds to a recent op-ed in Breaking Defense about the relative standstill at the strait.
Rheinmetall unveils new guided-missile frigate projected for North American tender
Published: August 3, 2026 17:38
The German GMF 140 is envisioned to integrate US-sourced radar options, hypersonic weapons and ballistic missiles, the AEGIS Combat System, and 64 Strike-Length Vertical Launch System cells.
Senate’s stopgap funding bill rejects special requests for Trump battleship, munitions
Published: August 3, 2026 16:00
If passed by the Senate and House, the continuing resolution would extend federal funding until Dec. 11.
Northrop gets $3B framework deal to increase motor production for PAC-3, THAAD
Published: August 3, 2026 12:18
The deal will allow Northrop to stand up production as a second supplier of solid rocket motors for the PAC-3 interceptor.
Multinational RIMPAC exercise played ‘primary laboratory’ for cutting edge tech
Published: August 3, 2026 11:33
Experiments involving 3D printing and launching missiles from uncrewed vessels were expected to take place among high-end warfighting training.
Facing a lack of kit, Space Force creates $981M pool to buy training capabilities
Published: July 31, 2026 20:01
Gen. Greg Gagnon, head of Space Force Combat Forces Command, said a number of key mission areas face a serious lack of simulators needed for training Guardians.
Marine Corps F-35 suffers crash in California
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/07/marine-corps-f-35-suffers-crash-in-california/
Published: July 31, 2026 19:36
The pilot ejected and is receiving medial treatment for non-life-threatening injuries, according to the service.
Key B-52 upgrades face cost, schedule risks: GAO
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/07/key-b-52-upgrades-face-cost-schedule-risks-gao/
Published: July 31, 2026 19:09
A new audit from the Government Accountability Office found concerns with the Air Force’s modernization of the B-52 Stratofortress, which is planned to fly through the middle of the century.
GCAP timeline could shrink ‘by a couple of years,’ Leonardo CEO says
Published: July 31, 2026 15:26
Lorenzo Mariani said the sixth-gen fighter could enter service two years ahead of its 2035 target date, but only if some requirements for the “initial version” were altered.
The devil was in the waivers: How new minerals procurement rules will change the game
Published: July 31, 2026 14:27
Establishing durable domestic mineral supply chains will likely require closer coordination between US defense primes as well as small businesses and new entrants, says Abigail Hunter.
Light at the end of M-code’s tunnel? Receivers for ships, planes to finish tests by 2027
Published: July 31, 2026 12:08
An Air Force office recently took over the sprawling M-Code project, meant to give jam- and spoof-proof GPS receivers to potentially a million pieces of tech.
JIATF-401 awards CACI $500M for non-kinetic cUAS
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/07/jiatf-401-awards-caci-500m-for-non-kinetic-cuas/
Published: July 30, 2026 21:20
JIATF-401 also awarded AeroVironment (AV) a $500 million three-year contract earlier this month.
How the Pentagon plans to help mitigate industry concerns over critical mineral EO
Published: July 30, 2026 19:40
An executive order on sourcing critical minerals could shake up supply chains for industry.
Senate confirms Hurst as Pentagon comptroller after 1.5-year vacancy
Published: July 30, 2026 18:36
Lawmakers also confirmed nominees for space acquisitions and to lead one of the national security space spy agencies.
Fixing the Achilles’ heel of air-and-missile defense with solid rocket motors
Published: July 30, 2026 17:43
Resupply of SRMs during a high-tempo engagement like Iran could take years without procurement changes.
L3Harris postpones missile unit IPO until mid-2027
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/07/l3harris-postpones-missile-unit-ipo-until-mid-2027/
Published: July 30, 2026 17:10
CEO Chris Kubasik told investors that “market conditions do not reflect the value we’re building,” and it would be better to wait for them to “settle down.”
Army opens new testing hub for further air defense integration
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/07/army-opens-new-testing-hub-for-further-air-defense-integration/
Published: July 30, 2026 16:02
The test hub will serve as a “permanent hackathon environment,” the Army stated, by which they mean eliminating manufacturer software restrictions on air defense systems.
Leonardo DRS to acquire software company Raft
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/07/leonardo-drs-to-acquire-software-company-raft/
Published: July 30, 2026 15:31
The $450 million all-cash offer seeks to improve DRS’s ability to offer a wider range of technologies to customers.
Airpower opened Iran’s skies. Why hasn’t it reopened Hormuz?
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/07/airpower-opened-irans-skies-why-hasnt-it-reopened-hormuz/
Published: July 30, 2026 14:51
The hardest lesson of the Iran war for a US military “that has dominated the blue skies for generations,” two Stimson Center experts argue, “may be that the decisive contest has moved below.”
Rafael CEO eyes IPO by end of year, plans to attend French defense shows in future
Published: July 30, 2026 12:59
In an interview with Breaking Defense, Yoav Tourgeman acknowledged that questions remain about how exactly the Israeli defense giant would go public.
Addressing the ‘four tyrannies’ of the Pacific to keep logistics flowing
Published: July 30, 2026 12:26
[Sponsored] Predictive artificial intelligence and autonomy will reshape how forces are sustained across the Pacific.
Navy awards $76.6B in contracts for new Virginia, Columbia-class subs
Published: July 29, 2026 23:10
General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding jointly build the Virginia and Columbia-class submarines.
Army adds $54B to Lockheed PAC-3 agreement, totaling $59B
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/07/army-adds-54b-to-lockheed-pac-3-agreement-totaling-59b/
Published: July 29, 2026 22:47
The contract is undefinitized, meaning dollar values and quantities could change as negotiations continue.
SpaceX wins $1.6B to launch Space Force ‘sensing and targeting’ sats
Published: July 29, 2026 20:55
The SpaceX task order is the first to be awarded since the Space Force’s July 17 massive $11.4 billion plus-up to the NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 contract vehicle ceiling,
Localizing tactical communications for sovereign, NATO-ready C3I
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/07/localizing-tactical-communications-for-sovereign-nato-ready-c3i/
Published: July 29, 2026 17:19
[Sponsored] Beyond foreign sales, Rafael’s model enables tech transfer, local engineering, and is a template for NATO partners.
Air Force plans downselect for second CCA batch next year
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/07/air-force-plans-downselect-for-second-cca-batch-next-year/
Published: July 29, 2026 17:15
A separate competition to replace the MQ-9A Reaper is expected to kick off a concept refinement stage early in the next fiscal year, according to an Air Force official.
Ukraine, NATO launch new funding program to counter Russian drones
Published: July 29, 2026 16:05
Five areas were listed by Brave1 as of high interest: active protection systems against FPVS; affordable counter-shaded systems; electromagnetic support for signals intelligence; electromagnetic attack technology against FPVs; and high-altitude platforms.
Leidos subsidiary selected to design Australian nuclear submarine dry dock
Published: July 29, 2026 16:02
The contingency dry dock “is a critical pre-condition of Australia receiving its first Virginia class submarine” under AUKUS, the Australian government said.
Protecting America’s troops on the digital battlefield: Rep. Jackson
Published: July 29, 2026 15:00
Rep. Ronny Jackson lays out his concerns about ubiquitous technical surveillance, or UTS, in this new op-ed.
Building a predictive defense industrial base begins with artificial intelligence
Published: July 29, 2026 14:04
[Sponsored] AI-enabled workflows accelerate production, but cybersecurity and governance remain central.
Pentagon weighing options to license Patriot production to Ukraine: DoD official
Published: July 29, 2026 13:32
“We’re evaluating a set of [courses of action] right now, which include a mix of domestic and international sourcing for end units, where they’re going to be located, how we’re going to build it, [and] which variant,” Michael Cadenazzi, the assistant…
How DARPA plans to get nuclear power in the size of a ‘AA battery’
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/07/how-darpa-plans-to-get-nuclear-power-in-the-size-of-aa-battery/
Published: July 29, 2026 12:00
Seven teams are competing as part of DARPA’s Rads to Watts program to create a new kind of miniature power cell that last for years or decades without recharging.
Marine Corps accepts last Osprey aircraft
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/07/marine-corps-accepts-last-osprey-aircraft/
Published: July 28, 2026 21:01
The Marine Corps received its 359th Osprey aircraft today, completing the program of record.
Boeing’s Air Force One replacement racks up $280M charge
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/07/boeings-air-force-one-replacement-racks-up-280m-charge/
Published: July 28, 2026 18:45
“While the charge is disappointing, we recognize how critical schedule performance is to our customer and we are investing accordingly to maintain our commitment to deliver the airplane in 2028,” CEO Kelly Ortberg said.
CENTCOM announces US-UAE task force on AI
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/07/centcom-announces-us-uae-task-force-on-ai/
Published: July 28, 2026 18:03
“It sounds good on paper,” a former senior defense official told Breaking Defense. “My biggest questions revolve around classified information sharing.”
Commerce aims to speed advocacy timelines for foreign weapon sales
Published: July 28, 2026 17:13
Commerce Undersecretary William Kimmitt was at the Farnborough Airshow to develop a list of “high priority” potential sales, he told Breaking Defense.
Air Force mulls ‘maybe’ pulling B-52s from retirement
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/07/air-force-eyes-maybe-pulling-b-52s-from-retirement/
Published: July 28, 2026 15:48
A program to upgrade the radar for the Eisenhower-era bomber suffered a tragic setback after a fatal crash in California.
AIA chief Eric Fanning on the budget and the health of America’s defense industry
Published: July 28, 2026 15:00
Fanning also gave The Break Out his take on the state of foreign military sales and the room for reform.
PACAF looks to reduce exercise participation to preserve ‘readiness’: Commander
Published: July 28, 2026 14:08
“I think we’ve done a pretty good job of identifying, amongst commanders, where we’re going to take risk or how we manage the risks as we prioritize… [efforts] in the CENTCOM region right now and what are those things that you know we are able to absorb as…
Time to decide: A critical moment in Japan-US missile defense cooperation
Published: July 28, 2026 13:30
In the face of growing air and missile threats in the Pacific, robust radar coverage and command networks will be critical to US and Japanese defense objectives, Tom Karako writes.
Leonardo UK CEO sees potential CCA role, but wary of funding
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/07/leonardo-uk-ceo-sees-potential-cca-role-but-wary-of-funding/
Published: July 28, 2026 12:32
Clive Higgins told Breaking Defense the firm would likely pitch its experience in sensors and EW, but also saw an opening for drones developed with a Turkish partner.
Air Force eyes next-gen engine ‘integration’ by 2030
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/07/air-force-eyes-next-gen-engine-integration-by-2030/
Published: July 28, 2026 00:30
An engine with so-called adaptive turbofan technologies “could” go on the forthcoming F-47 stealth fighter, John Sneden, the chief of the Air Force’s propulsion directorate said, though he emphasized no final decisions have been made.
How industry views Congress’ continuing resolution plans
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/07/how-industry-views-congress-continuing-resolution-plans/
Published: July 27, 2026 20:30
Eric Fanning, chief of the Aerospace Industries Association, talks industry’s view on the potential continuing resolution working its way through Congress.
Army picks GM Defense, Ford and BC Customs to build nine ISV-Heavy prototypes
Published: July 27, 2026 19:32
The prototype vehicles are expected to be provided to the Army by March 30, 2027.
Coast Guard searching for tech to defeat unmanned underwater vehicles
Published: July 27, 2026 19:12
The Coast Guard said there are few “tested and fielded” solutions equipped to defeat UUVs, according to a new notice.
Pentagon inks deal with L3Harris to ramp rocket motor production
Published: July 27, 2026 17:40
The seven-year deals have yet to be finalized, but will allow L3Harris to scale up motor production for PAC-3 and THAAD interceptors.
America’s fighter force is running out of margin: Rep. Biggs
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/07/americas-fighter-force-is-running-out-of-margin-rep-biggs/
Published: July 27, 2026 17:00
The current demand signal for US air power abroad is not sustainable without significantly growing the force, argues Rep. Sheri Biggs, R-S.C.
Laser air defenses will be operational before decade’s end, Lockheed exec says
Published: July 27, 2026 16:00
In a nod to a common refrain that laser systems are always just five years away, Lockheed Martin’s Stephanie Hill said, “Not anymore.”
CAE hopes Canada’s new GCAP status brings industry business
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/07/cae-hopes-canadas-new-gcap-status-brings-industry-business/
Published: July 27, 2026 14:44
Official announcements were circumspect about any active role for Ottawa in the sixth-gen fighter program, but that could change.
Pentagon’s special ops office hosts first Shark Tank-style Accelerator Event
Published: July 27, 2026 12:10
SO/LIC officials said they solicited responses from industry for problems drawn directly from operational commands, whittling 700 proposals down to 15 finalists.
UK selects Tekever AR5 surveillance drones to succeed Watchkeeper
Published: July 27, 2026 11:54
The acquisition is slated to see up to 24 aircraft delivered to the British Army by 2029.