Breaking Defense reports that the AI aircraft debate rages on, with some arguing for human pilot augmentation and others advocating for pilotless aircraft. Aerospace engineer Tory Bruno weighs in on the intersection of automation, AI, and high-reliability systems, suggesting new possibilities for aircraft support.
The US Space Force is expanding its capabilities to address growing concerns about satellite targets. According to Gen.
Singapore Airshow 2026 concluded with record attendance, drawing 125,000 attendees over six days. The event featured aerial demonstrations, static displays of over 30 aircraft, and crucial negotiations between companies.
SCOPA Defense Industries, a Saudi Arabian firm, has relaunched its brand and set up a professional ERP system to cater to defense and security industries. The company aims to become one of the largest privately owned defense firms in the region by 2035.
Dassault Aviation is hosting the Saint-Jean-de-Luz air show, which will celebrate its 29th edition in 2025. Nearly 100 members of the armed forces will participate in the event, showcasing various military units and aerobatic teams.
High-value airborne assets like tankers and cargo aircraft face unprecedented threats from advanced peer and near-peer adversaries. As China and Russia proliferate long-range surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles with extended reach, traditional defensive sanctuaries are disappearing.
The Singapore Airshow is underway at Changi Exhibition Centre, with over 1,000 defense and aviation businesses from around the world participating. Breaking Defense has been providing coverage of the show, including photos and updates on various aircraft displays.
Joby Aviation has completed the first flight of its hybrid turbine-electric demonstrator aircraft, marking a significant expansion of its technology roadmap. The aircraft integrates a hybrid powertrain into its existing electric VTOL platform and is equipped with SuperPilot autonomous flight technology.
Jetcraft has announced the launch of its 'Special Missions' division, aiming to source and prepare pre-owned aircraft for defense and governmental operators. The company's CEO Stéphane Leroy stated that Jetcraft is well-positioned to address the growing demand for Special Missions Aircraft.
The CNAS Pathfinder contest was designed to find new voices on defense issues. Over 150 applicants were considered, and three finalists were selected: Elizabeth Tamte, Juliana Fleming, and Kevin Chen.
2025 was a year of significant change in the defense industry, from the Army's review of contracting to the introduction of executive orders affecting diversity initiatives. The Navy's autonomous drone development program and the controversy surrounding the Small Innovation Research Program fund highlight the challenges facing the industry.
Germany has released its first-ever national security space strategy, which envisions a plethora of new military capabilities to boost Berlin's capacity to act independently in space. The initiative draws heavily on lessons from Ukraine and aims to enhance Germany's deterrence and defense capabilities as well as those of NATO Allies and European partners.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced a €4.2 billion ($4.9 billion) increase in military space spending between 2026 and 2030. The funds will support the launch of counter-space satellites in 2027, as well as the development of early warning capabilities with Germany.
Breaking Defense reports on five stories that surprised the space world in 2025, including the ESA's new defense role, US loosening of counterspace ops rules, and a prize competition for SBI prototypes. The agency's billion-euro funding package signals a significant shift in its capabilities.
Firefly Aerospace has announced the launch of its initial public offering, with the roadshow set to begin soon. The company plans to use the funds raised from the offering to repay outstanding borrowings and for general corporate purposes.
Firefly Aerospace has appointed Deborah Lee James to its advisory board, bringing 30 years of national security experience to the role. Ms.
Experts warn that US space-based interceptors (SBI) will need to be defended from adversary attack. Patrick Binning, Todd Harrison, and Todd Stevens emphasized the importance of passive measures such as stealth technologies and active measures like laser attacks or maneuvering.
The Mitchell Institute recommends that the Defense Department commission an independent review of its roles and missions to ensure clarity on service and agency responsibilities in supporting space superiority. The report also emphasizes the need for investment in cross-domain capabilities, including laser technologies and anti-satellite weapons, as well as joint exercises and education programs focused on space superiority.
The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) has unveiled a new cloud environment designed to speed the delivery of services to forces. According to Nolan Brown, technical director for DISA's Hybrid Cloud Solutions, this 'smart cloud journey' will provide tailored solutions to specific locations and missions.
The Army plans to harness more of America's cutting-edge companies to focus their talent and technologies on national-security problems. However, a provision under consideration in the 2026 NDAA could undermine this effort by establishing government-owned production facilities for drones.
Breaking Defense is releasing an eBook featuring a curated roundup of its most consequential stories from 2025, plus a reporting-driven outlook on what's next for global defense in 2026. The publication explores key issues such as acquisition reform and drone warfare, which will shape the direction of the US military.
The US defense industry is shifting towards agentic AI as demand for complex products increases. Suppliers are feeling pressure, but AI can help sort through data to pinpoint requirements, run simulations, and spot more efficient logistics paths.
For the September-October-November 2025 issue, Dassault Aviation's 'Planète Aéro' magazine focuses on defense and innovation, with the Rafale as its central theme. The French Defense Procurement Agency introduces a feature on innovation in defense, while other major topics include record sales for the Airbus A320 and the withdrawal of Boeing C-135s from the French Air and Space Force fleet.
Dassault Aviation and the French Agency for Artificial Intelligence in Defence (AMIAD) have signed a memorandum of understanding to initiate research and development work on several air combat use cases. The collaboration aims to demonstrate the relevance of 'Doing with' and strengthen France's national defense capability.
Congressional leaders are poised to increase the fiscal 2026 defense budget by approximately $8 billion above the president's Pentagon request as they finalize the National Defense Authorization Act. House Armed Services Committee ranking Democrat Adam Smith indicated only "three or four issues" remain before compromise language is completed.
Experts warn that the recent use of Claude Code AI by Chinese hackers may drive demand for AI cyber defense solutions. The AI-powered attack was able to conduct cyber operations at speeds 'physically impossible' for humans, highlighting the need for agentic cyber defenses.
Breaking Defense reports that China will likely dominate defense and security headlines in 2026, given ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. Expect standoffs and encounters between Chinese ships and Philippine counterparts, as well as increased PLAN presence in Japan's waters.
Chapman Freeborn, a global air charter specialist, has a 53-year track record of continuous evolution. The company's adaptable business model enables it to cater to diverse verticals and meet changing customer needs.
The British Army has partnered with the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering to launch a new drone degree, starting in September 2026. The three-year course will train 15 civilian students and up to five soldiers each year as drone technology specialists.
In 2025, Breaking Defense covered several high-profile stories that resonated with its audience, including the Army secretary's views on prime contractors, a canceled wearable solicitation, AFRICOM chief warnings about China's efforts to replicate US assistance, potential termination of General Dynamics' oversight of 155mm production lines, and questions surrounding future Gripen sales. These stories reflect the shifting landscape of defense spending and policy changes in 2025.
Bombardier has published its financial results for 2025, indicating an upbeat outlook despite recent external shocks. The company successfully completed its five-year turnaround plan, with full-year revenues surpassing guidance.
Machinists at Boeing's defense factories have ratified a new five-year contract after a 101-day strike. The agreement includes a 24% pay increase over five years, as well as $6,000 signing bonuses.
The US Army has announced plans to establish a new space career field, dubbed 40D Tactical Space Operations Specialist. Col.
The US Army is expanding its high-altitude balloon swarm experiment with more platforms and help from NORAD. The experiment aims to use swarms as an intel-gathering tool at scale, with a focus on creating mass disruption for an adversary.
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury sought to lower tensions around the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) fighter pillar, cautioning against an overly aggressive bet on an unmanned-only future. Faury emphasized that cooperation at scale is key to Europe's competitiveness in defense.
Fitch Ratings has upgraded its outlook for the aerospace and defense industry, citing record aircraft backlogs, rising defense spending, and supply chains showing signs of recovery. Airlines are flying more passengers and long-haul travel has rebounded, giving manufacturers clearer visibility into production.