Daily briefing
November 9, 2026
Executive summary
Drones and industry dominated today's 45-item feed with 13 articles each, followed by naval and land, while Europe and North America accounted for nearly all coverage. The most consequential thread is the deepening of European naval air defence magazines: France will double Aster capacity from 16 to 32 Sylver cells on all five FDI frigates, Naval Group unveiled an extended FDI carrying up to 16 anti-ship missiles at Euronaval, and the UK awarded MBDA a £1.86 million study on integrating Aster 30 into the MK 41 VLS. France's DGA also awarded an Airbus-led team more than €1.5 billion for two IRIS military imaging satellites, while South Korea's DAPA approved the acquisition strategy for the Jangbogo N nuclear-powered attack submarine, with development starting in 2027. Counter-drone defence cut across domains, from Rheinmetall's 20 Skyranger 30 systems for Belgium's Blue Dome and a five-department US C-UAS memorandum to USAF netting for F-35As at Tyndall and live drone threats in NATO's Dynamic Merlin 26 exercise in the Baltic. F-35 sustainment is a signal to watch, with the GAO flagging record gaps across a $31 billion parts inventory as the UK MoD manages corrosion-driven availability pressures on its F-35B fleet. Industrial mobilization for uncrewed systems also accelerated, led by the Pentagon's $450 million conditional loan to Neros and a $9 million award to Machina for containerized, forward-deployable LUCAS airframe production.
◆ Articles covered
- SpaceDefence BlogRussia launches secret military satellite from Plesetsk
Russia launched a military satellite aboard a Soyuz-2.1b rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in the Arkhangelsk region on 7 November 2026, according to the Russian Ministry of Defence. A crew from the Space Forces of Russia’s Aerospace Forces conducted the launch. The ministry said the spacecraft had separated successfully, reached its assigned orbit and established stable telemetry contact after deployment. Officials described the payload only as a spacecraft launched for the defence ministry and withheld its designation, mission and orbital parameters, leaving the satellite’s specific function undisclosed.
- DronesThe War ZoneLUCAS Drones To Be Built In Containerized Robotic Micro Factories Designed To Be Forward Deployed
The United States Department of Defense awarded California robotics company Machina $9 million to demonstrate containerised production of airframes for the Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System, or LUCAS. The 18-month contract was awarded through the Organic Industrial Base Modernization Challenge and covers a demonstration using Machina’s RoboCraftsman system. The project will assess whether transportable manufacturing equipment can produce the airframes at deployed locations and reduce dependence on distant suppliers for finished structures. The award funds the demonstration, with a separate decision expected on whether to expand production to additional locations after the trial.
- IndustryJanesHanwha WB Advanced System breaks ground for missile plant in Poland
Hanwha WB Advanced System broke ground on 4 November 2026 for a guided missile production plant in Gorzów Wielkopolski, western Poland. The joint venture, owned 51% by Hanwha Aerospace and 49% by WB Electronics, will initially make CGR-080 rounds for Poland’s Homar-K multiple rocket launchers, the local version of the K239 Chunmoo. WB Group expects the first batches for testing and military trials in 2029, with series production under contracts signed in December 2025 expected around the turn of 2029–2030. The venture also intends to supply other Chunmoo customers, particularly in Europe.
- AirDefence Industry EuropeSwedish AI in the cockpit: Saab’s own agent flies Gripen E in beyond-visual-range combat tests
Saab announced on 3 November 2026 that its own artificial intelligence agent had controlled a Gripen E fighter in flight during tests involving simulated engagements beyond visual range. Saab’s Advanced Programs unit developed the agent through its AI Fighter Pilot Academy, where software is trained in simulation and evaluated against mission objectives before it flies. The company previously tested Helsing’s Centaur agent on the Gripen E in 2025 under Project Beyond. Saab plans to evaluate its own agents in more demanding scenarios and use the same development infrastructure for future uncrewed aircraft work.
- DronesDefense DailyHivemind Enabled Drone Teaming for USAF CCA Last Month, Shield AI Says
Shield AI said on 9 November 2026 that its Hivemind autonomy software supported two separate flight demonstrations for the United States Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme within three weeks. One demonstration involved an uncrewed aircraft responding to instructions from an airborne F-22 pilot, while the other involved multiple collaborative aircraft flying together and demonstrating coordinated mission behaviour. The events addressed two aspects of the programme’s test effort, coordination between a crewed fighter and an uncrewed aircraft, and coordination among uncrewed aircraft. Shield AI described the events as demonstrations of its software.
- SpaceDefence Industry EuropeAirbus and Thales Alenia Space to build two French military satellites in deal worth over €1.5 billion
France’s defence procurement agency awarded an Airbus-led team a contract worth more than €1.5 billion for two IRIS military imaging satellites and their supporting ground systems. Airbus Defence and Space will build both spacecraft platforms, supply much of the first imaging payload and lead work on the ground segment, while Thales Alenia Space will develop the second payload and supply components for the first. The satellites will use visible and infrared sensors to image Earth and will also be able to observe objects in orbit. The contract includes orbital operations and maintenance through the end of the 2030s.
- LandDefence Industry EuropeRheinmetall to supply 20 Skyranger 30 air defence systems to protect Belgium’s critical infrastructure
Rheinmetall signed a contract worth several hundred million euros to supply Belgium with 20 Skyranger 30 short-range air defence systems and associated logistics support. Belgium plans to install the 30 mm systems on hooklift platforms for use at fixed positions protecting national territory and critical infrastructure. The equipment will connect to the command and control network of Belgium’s Blue Dome programme, with Belgian technology companies expected to participate in the supply chain. Deliveries are scheduled to begin at the end of 2028, following a procurement process coordinated with the Netherlands.
- AirDefence Industry EuropeSweden receives Taurus cruise missiles from Germany ahead of planned 2028 Gripen C/D upgrade
Sweden’s armed forces have received an undisclosed number of KEPD 350 Taurus air-launched cruise missiles from German military stocks, according to Dagens Industri, which cited the Swedish defence procurement agency FMV on their origin. The missiles appear to be intended for testing and integration, and a test disclosed in August showed a Swedish Air Force Gripen C releasing a combat version of Taurus. Sweden expects to introduce the capability on Gripen C and D aircraft through the MS20 Block 4 upgrade in 2028. It is also pursuing the Taurus Neo for the Gripen E.
- IndustryDefence Industry EuropeLockheed Martin Australia leads Queensland project to build mobile launcher for hypersonic flight tests
Lockheed Martin Australia is leading a Queensland project to develop a mobile platform for early high-speed and hypersonic flight research, backed by a A$6.38 million state government contract. The project brings together Airways Trade Australia, Rocket Technologies International and the University of Queensland under the state’s Sovereign Industry Development Fund. The partners plan to make the platform transportable between test sites so researchers can use it for development, testing and evaluation without relying on one fixed location. The contract funds research infrastructure to support early flight experiments and associated work by local industry and academia.
- DronesNaval NewsFirst ever autonomous Royal Navy squadron launches as part of investment in hybrid operations
The Royal Navy commissioned its 1st Autonomous Squadron at His Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth on 5 November 2026 to operate uncrewed surface vessels. The ceremony included a harbour demonstration in which personnel operated Kraken and Rattler craft from a control hub. Based in Portsmouth, the squadron has about 180 personnel organised into two watches to sustain operations around the clock, and it takes over from Project Beehive, which trialled crewless boats. The unit is intended to operate vessels independently and alongside naval task groups as part of a £1.5 billion, four-year investment in hybrid operations.
- LandDefence Industry EuropeIsrael Weapon Industries and AIA plan new Dutch factory for ARAD 5 and NEGEV UX production
Artillerie Inrichtingen Armaments and Israel Weapon Industries have outlined a proposed partnership to manufacture the ARAD 5 rifle and NEGEV UX in the Netherlands. The Dutch company would establish the factory, handle manufacture and assembly, and take responsibility for deliveries and support throughout the equipment’s service life. Israel Weapon Industries, which designed both products, would contribute manufacturing expertise and technology under the proposed division of work. The companies described a plan for local production and support but did not announce a factory opening date, a production volume or a customer order.
- DronesArmy RecognitionOshkosh Defense to produce Grid Aero's Lifter long-range cargo drone to improve US military logistics
Oshkosh Defense and Grid Aero announced a strategic partnership to prepare Grid Aero’s Lifter uncrewed cargo aircraft for large-scale production. Grid Aero supplies the aircraft design, while Oshkosh will contribute manufacturing engineering, production planning and supply-chain support through its Wisconsin industrial base. Lifter is a piston-powered aircraft designed to carry modular payloads over long distances for military logistics, including deliveries to distributed forces. The announcement describes the companies’ plan to move the aircraft toward repeatable manufacture, with Oshkosh expected to build it at scale once the design and production arrangements are ready.
- LandArmy RecognitionPortugal Launches €82M Leopard 2A6 Tank Modernization to Restore Armored Combat Readiness
Portugal authorised its army to spend up to €82.35 million before VAT on modernising the Leopard 2A6 main battle tank fleet under a cabinet resolution published on 2 November 2026. The programme is intended to restore vehicle availability and keep the army’s heavy armoured capability supportable as equipment ages. The resolution establishes annual spending ceilings through 2031 and allows unused balances to carry forward into later years within the approved period. It assigns the expenditure to the army’s budget, with the allocation representing authorisation for the programme rather than a supplier award.
- NavalArmy RecognitionUS Navy's first San Antonio Flight II amphibious warship USS Harrisburg completes sea trials with over 200 design changes
HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding announced on 3 November 2026 that Harrisburg, hull LPD 30, had completed builder’s sea trials as the first Flight II San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock. The ship incorporates more than 200 design changes from the earlier configuration, and the multi-day trials evaluated propulsion, steering, ship controls, communications and mission and combat systems integration. Harrisburg returned to Ingalls after meeting its major test objectives and will prepare for separate acceptance trials before delivery. HII expected to hand the ship over to the United States Navy later in 2026.
- LandDefence Industry EuropeRaytheon fires multiple DeepStrike JR3 training rockets in third successful flight test for U.S. Army
Raytheon fired several DeepStrike JR3 training rockets in succession at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona during the design’s third successful flight test. The RTX business developed JR3 as a proposed successor to the United States Army’s Reduced Range Practice Rocket through a rapid prototyping programme. The trial assessed flight performance and marker visibility and evaluated a reusable launch pod designed to hold 24 training rounds in an existing Multiple Launch Rocket System family container. Raytheon and its industry and government partners are preparing further flight tests before the design moves to qualification.
- IndustryNaval NewsMBDA on contract to study Aster 30 missile integration in MK 41 VLS
The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence awarded MBDA a £1.86 million contract to study whether the Aster 30 surface-to-air missile can be integrated with Lockheed Martin’s MK 41 vertical launch system. The single-source study runs for 10 months, through the end of August 2027, and will inform future choices about naval air defence and launcher standardisation. The Royal Navy currently fields Aster 30 through Sea Viper aboard Type 45 destroyers, which use Naval Group’s SYLVER launch system. The award funds a feasibility assessment ahead of any decision to integrate or qualify the missile on MK 41.
- Industrymilitarytimes.comNeros to expand domestic drone production with $450M Pentagon loan
The Pentagon’s Office of Strategic Capital made a conditional $450 million loan commitment to Neros Technologies to expand United States manufacturing of small drone components. The California company said it would put a further $165 million into the expansion, bringing the planned investment to $615 million. The financing is aimed at increasing domestic production capacity in a supply chain that has relied heavily on components made in China. Neros is also competing to supply small drones to the Defense Department, while the conditional loan concerns manufacturing investment and remains subject to closing requirements.
- LandDefense WarRoomPoland Receives Dozens of South Korean K2 Tanks and K9 Howitzers for Division Facing Kaliningrad
Poland’s Armament Agency said on 9 November 2026 that the country’s final South Korean heavy equipment shipment of the year had arrived, carrying dozens of K2 tanks and K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers for the 16th Mechanized Division. The agency gave no exact breakdown of the vehicles in the shipment. The equipment was supplied under the $6.5 billion K2 contract signed in August 2025 and the $2.6 billion K9 contract signed in December 2023. The K2s are Hyundai Rotem’s K2GF version, which Poland is receiving ahead of deliveries of the customised K2PL configuration.
- IndustryDefense WarRoomUS AeroVironment Wins $315 Million Award Under $940 Million IDIQ From Customer It Cannot Name
AeroVironment announced on 9 November 2026 that an unnamed United States customer had placed an initial award worth approximately $315 million under a multiyear indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract. The first award covers product deliveries and associated support, and the overall agreement has a $940 million ceiling. The ceiling sets the maximum that can be ordered over the life of the agreement, with subsequent spending dependent on additional orders. AeroVironment withheld the customer and programme identities under operational security rules and disclosed neither the systems involved nor the precise duration of the ordering period.
- IndustryDefence Industry EuropeL3Harris says it received $157 million in orders for U.S. Army vehicle radios and satellite terminals
L3Harris Technologies announced two United States Army communications equipment orders worth a combined $157 million in early November 2026. Production orders worth $121 million cover the company’s Low-Cost Data Radio, which fits existing vehicle installation kits and supports narrowband, wideband and mobile ad hoc networks for Army command and control applications. A separate $36 million order covers Hawkeye 4 Lite satellite communications terminals under the Army’s Command and Control Network Optimized for Warfighting initiative. The terminals are intended to improve secure communications with United States and NATO partners and use components that crews can exchange in the field.
- IndustryJanesHII wins out for UK's MHC Block 2 UUV procurement
The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence selected HII Mission Technologies to supply REMUS 620 uncrewed underwater vehicles for the Royal Navy’s Mine Hunting Capability Block 2 programme. The ministry announced the selection on 3 November 2026 and expected to award a £303 million contract around 16 November, after a standstill period. The planned purchase covers eight mission systems, each consisting of three vehicles and launch and recovery equipment, with the vehicles carrying Thales SAMDIS 600 sonar. The proposed contract includes support through May 2031 and an option to acquire up to 12 additional mission systems.
- DronesDefence BlogU.S. Marine Corps buys RIPSAW M3 uncrewed ground vehicles
The United States Marine Corps is acquiring two RIPSAW M3 uncrewed ground vehicles from Textron Systems and its subsidiary Howe & Howe for the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory in Quantico, Virginia. The laboratory will use the tracked vehicles to evaluate sensors, interchangeable payloads and different mission concepts, with the results informing requirements for future ground robots. Textron rates the M3’s payload at more than 5,000 pounds, and its open architecture is designed to accommodate equipment from different suppliers. The acquisition was made through an Other Transaction agreement with the National Advanced Mobility Consortium.
- IndustryDefence Industry EuropeCanada’s Top Aces to help deliver Red Air training for France under deal worth up to €450 million
France awarded an SDTS-led consortium a contract worth up to €450 million to provide simulated adversary air missions for its armed forces. The consortium includes Babcock France and Top Aces France, the local subsidiary of the Canadian training company, and the contract runs for six years with an option for two more. Top Aces France will supply Alpha Jets and upgraded A-4N Skyhawks equipped to represent advanced threats, flown by French nationals. The aircraft will operate from locations around France so air force, navy and army units can train near their bases.
- DronesDefense WarRoomNorway's Kongsberg and Spain's Navantia Sign MoU to Put HUGIN AUV Drones on Conventional Submarines
Kongsberg and Navantia signed a memorandum of understanding at Euronaval in Paris on 4 November 2026 to explore integrating HUGIN autonomous underwater vehicles and sonar technologies into conventionally powered submarines. Kongsberg will contribute expertise in underwater autonomy and sonar, while Navantia will lead the work on integrating the equipment with the submarines. The agreement covers potential applications to future designs, modernisation programmes and new production batches. Kongsberg announced the memorandum on 9 November, without naming a host submarine class or HUGIN variant or giving a budget or integration timetable.
- Dronesscmp.comFresh GJ-11 footage gives glimpse of weapon bay on China’s next-gen drone
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV showed the internal weapons bay of the GJ-11 uncrewed aircraft in footage released ahead of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s 77th anniversary. The report gave a close view of the bay and its serrated edges, an externally visible feature of the aircraft’s low-observable design. The footage also showed the flying-wing aircraft’s shielded exhaust and a faceted optical window beneath its nose. China first displayed the GJ-11 publicly at a military parade in 2019, and the aircraft entered operational service by 2025, although the footage did not identify the weapons it is qualified to carry.
- NavalJanesNaval Group proposes extended FDI variant with up to 16 anti-ship missiles
Naval Group presented an extended version of its FDI frigate at Euronaval 2026 in Paris, proposing to lengthen the hull by nine metres to accommodate additional equipment. The concept could carry as many as 16 anti-ship missiles, double the eight on the baseline design, or use the extra space for additional air defence launch cells or other mission equipment. Naval Group also outlined the possibility of expanding the ship’s command facilities within the longer hull. The company presented the design as an option for prospective customers, without announcing a buyer or construction order.
- NavalJanesMBDA, Terma teaming puts new life into SPIMM containerised self-protection system
MBDA resumed development of its Self-Protection Integrated Mistral 3 Module through a cooperation agreement signed with Danish defence company Terma in June 2026. The containerised system, known as SPIMM, combines MBDA’s Simbad-RC4 launcher and Mistral 3 missiles with surveillance sensors and a dedicated combat management system. The package is intended for ships and land sites that need a relocatable short-range air defence system, including vessels without a built-in combat system. The agreement continues work on a concept MBDA first marketed in 2019, with the partners pursuing development of the module under the new arrangement.
- IndustryJanesEuronaval 2026: HGH reveals French Navy contract for Spynel-F
HGH announced at Euronaval 2026 that it would supply three Spynel-F panoramic infrared imaging systems to the French Navy for evaluation by the Maritime Gendarmerie. The camera provides a 180-degree horizontal field of view and a 30 Hz frame rate, with digital stabilisation and the option to combine modules for full panoramic coverage. The naval staff’s innovation office is sponsoring tests expected to span four types of vessels to assess interoperability. The purchase follows a first phase of trials in January 2026 and supports evaluation of the camera for navigation, collision avoidance and search and rescue.
- Airaviationweek.comCorrosion Adds To UK F-35 Availability Pressures
The United Kingdom’s F-35 Lightning Force is adapting its maintenance procedures as corrosion adds to availability pressures on its F-35B fleet, which operates from land and Royal Navy aircraft carriers. The National Audit Office found that corrosion in maritime environments was more extensive than expected, alongside slow maintenance and shortages of spare parts that were already reducing aircraft availability. In a parliamentary answer, the Ministry of Defence said corrosion inspections were under way in line with maintenance policy set by the F-35 Joint Program Office. The ministry expects inspection and maintenance to continue throughout the fleet’s service life.
- Dronesbairdmaritime.comUS firm delivers two USVs to Philippine Marine Corps, opens local support centre
United States manufacturer Maritime Tactical Systems delivered two uncrewed surface vessels to the Philippine Marine Corps and announced a local support centre on 9 November 2026. The company identified Subic Bay as the location of the centre, which will train Marine Corps personnel, service the vessels and hold spare parts in the Philippines. The facility is intended to keep the craft available as Philippine operators build experience with the systems. The delivery follows a separate shipment of five company vessels to the Armed Forces of the Philippines in mid-2024, including four smaller all-electric craft.
- Industryaviationweek.comMarine Corps Orders UC-12W+ Amid Plan To Grow Fleet
Naval Air Systems Command awarded Textron Aviation an $18.6 million firm-fixed-price contract on 28 September 2026 for one additional UC-12W+ aircraft and an initial package of spare parts for the United States Marine Corps. The UC-12W+ is the military designation for the Beechcraft King Air 360CER ordered under the contract. The twin-engine turboprop will support passenger and cargo transport, as part of a broader Marine Corps plan to expand its UC-12 utility fleet. Textron disclosed the award in November and said the aircraft was scheduled for delivery in 2028, with the initial spares included in the same purchase.
- SpaceDefense DailyBridenstine: First Quantum Space Delivery ‘Will Be Well Ahead’ Of 2031 First Task Order Due Date Under Andromeda
Quantum Space chief executive Jim Bridenstine said on 9 November 2026 that the company expects its spacecraft to be ready well ahead of the initial 2031 delivery date anticipated by the United States Space Force. Andromeda is a 10-year contracting vehicle with a shared ceiling of about $6.2 billion across awardees. Quantum Space is eligible to compete for orders under the programme. The company is developing its Ranger spacecraft for operations across different orbits, including rendezvous and proximity missions.
- DronesDefense DailyDoD, Federal Partners Expanding C-UAS Collaboration In Homeland
Five United States federal departments announced on 9 November 2026 that they had agreed to coordinate the evaluation, testing and deployment of domestic counter-drone systems. The memorandum brings together the Pentagon and the departments of Transportation, Homeland Security, Energy and Justice, with the Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Communications Commission advising on aviation and communications requirements. The participating agencies will share technical requirements and testing data, and the aviation regulator will assess potential risks to aircraft operations and navigation equipment. The White House Task Force to Restore American Airspace Sovereignty led the agreement.
- InstitutionalDefence Industry EuropeGaps in Pentagon records for $31 billion in F-35 parts could make it harder to buy the right spares
The United States Government Accountability Office reported on 9 November 2026 that incomplete Pentagon records make it difficult to determine what F-35 spare parts are available and where they are held. The Defense Department estimates the shared inventory at 26 million parts worth about $31 billion across more than 700 facilities worldwide. In March 2026, roughly 17,000 parts undergoing maintenance or repair, valued at about $1.3 billion, were missing from official property records. The auditors warned that these gaps could complicate purchasing decisions as the Pentagon plans about $13.7 billion in additional sustainment spending.
- Navalukdefencejournal.org.ukNATO sub hunters in Baltic exercise to face drone attacks
NATO scheduled Exercise Dynamic Merlin 26 from 9 to 13 November 2026 off Sweden, combining anti-submarine warfare training with live counter-drone activity and simulated missile threats. German and Swedish submarines are participating alongside Allied surface ships and maritime patrol aircraft, with the Dutch support ship HNLMS Den Helder serving as flagship for Standing NATO Maritime Group One. The exercise brings together naval and aviation units to practise detecting and tracking submarines in the Baltic. Commanders also plan to use the drone scenarios to assess the performance of equipment already fitted to participating ships.
- DronesDefence BlogRussian firm claims first drone kill with barrage balloon
Russian aviation design bureau Pervyi Dirizhabl claimed that its Barrier PAK barrage-balloon system brought down a fixed-wing drone weighing about 100 kilograms and measuring roughly four metres across the wings. The system uses small aerostats to hold a physical barrier aloft as a passive defence against uncrewed aircraft. The company first presented the design in July 2024, and earlier footage showed tests of the system. The company gave no date or location for the claimed interception and did not identify the aircraft’s operator, and the reported result has not been independently confirmed.
- DronesDefence BlogU.S. Army tests FireAnt UGVs for resupply in Hawaii
United States Army soldiers from the 25th Division Sustainment Brigade tested Swarmbotics AI’s FireAnt uncrewed ground vehicles in a long-distance movement trial on Oahu on 8 November 2026. The trial took place at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows during an Accelerated Capability Event run by the Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate with United States Army Pacific. FireAnt is a small ground vehicle designed to operate in groups under one operator. The broader event evaluated commercial systems for resupply and casualty evacuation, including their performance when satellite navigation and communications are disrupted.
- DronesDefence BlogAustralian uncrewed ground vehicle joins U.S. Army trials in Hawaii
The United States Army evaluated Australian manufacturer BIA5’s All Terrain Robot (ATR) at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows on Oahu on 7 November 2026. The vehicle carried cameras and a remotely controlled monitor and was assessed ahead of a casualty evacuation exercise. The trial formed part of an Accelerated Capability Event run by the Army’s Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate with United States Army Pacific. The wider event also examined autonomous resupply and performance under disrupted satellite navigation and communications.
- DronesThe War ZoneNetting To Shield F-35s At Tyndall AFB From Drone Attacks Eyed By USAF
The United States Air Force is seeking information from contractors about installing protective netting around six aircraft sunshades at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida. The 325th Contracting Squadron’s market research covers potential suppliers able to design and install barriers to protect parked F-35As against small uncrewed aircraft. Tyndall supports regular F-35 operations and hosts large-force training exercises with other United States and allied units. The notice is an early procurement step to identify qualified suppliers, and the Air Force has yet to finalise the project or award a contract for the work.
- Industryaviationweek.comElectra.aero Wins New Air Force Award For Light Transport Testing
The United States Air Force Research Laboratory awarded Electra Defense a $4.7 million research and development contract for ground and flight testing of its hybrid-electric EL9 light transport aircraft. Electra announced the award on 9 November 2026, saying the work would evaluate the preproduction aircraft and generate data on its propulsion system, flight performance and acoustic characteristics. The laboratory will use those results to assess the potential of ultra-short takeoff and landing aircraft for distributed military logistics. The award follows a 2023 funding agreement worth up to $85 million that supported development of the full-scale aircraft.
- NavalJanesSouth Korea advances nuclear submarine programme
South Korea has approved the basic acquisition strategy for Jangbogo N, a programme to develop a domestically designed nuclear-powered attack submarine. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced the decision on 9 November 2026, after a committee meeting on 6 November, and said development work would begin in 2027. The project, also designated KSS-III Batch III, is intended to give the navy greater submerged endurance than its existing diesel-electric boats. The Ministry of National Defence outlined the programme in May, with domestic shipbuilding and nuclear engineering expected to support the boats throughout their service lives.
- IndustryDefence Industry EuropePentagon says Defense Logistics Agency directed $2 billion to stockpile critical materials
The United States Defense Logistics Agency committed $2 billion in fiscal 2026 to acquire strategic and critical materials for the National Defense Stockpile. The reserve is intended to cover shortages when commercial suppliers cannot meet military and essential civilian demand during a national emergency, with materials such as high-purity aluminium and vanadium pentoxide supporting aerospace, shipbuilding and communications. The agency directed most of its critical mineral contracts toward supporting domestic production through more predictable demand. It also identified domestic recovery and recycling as possible sources where they are technically and economically viable.
- NavalJanesFrance doubles up on Aster missile numbers for FDI frigates
France will double Aster missile capacity from 16 to 32 cells on each of its five Amiral Ronarc’h-class FDI frigates, the Directorate General of Armaments announced on 5 November 2026. Arrangements with Naval Group and MBDA provide for two additional eight-cell Sylver A50 vertical launch modules per ship, increasing capacity for Aster 15 and Aster 30 air defence missiles. Amiral Nomy and Amiral Cabanier will receive the 32-cell configuration before delivery. The navy will retrofit the additional modules to the first three ships, Amiral Ronarc’h, Amiral Louzeau and Amiral Castex.
- AirDefence Industry EuropeBAE Systems says front fuselage assembly is underway on the first of Türkiye’s 20 Eurofighter Typhoons
BAE Systems said on 5 November 2026 that it had begun assembling the front fuselage of Türkiye’s first Eurofighter Typhoon at Samlesbury in Lancashire. The October 2025 agreement covered 20 aircraft and an associated weapons and integration package worth about £5.4 billion. The wider deal, including a separate training and support agreement signed in March 2026, was valued at up to £8 billion. The centre fuselage is being built in Germany, and the first aircraft is expected to be delivered in 2030.
- IndustryDefence Industry EuropeFrance, Cyprus and Sweden sign Akeron MP missile framework, plan to use EU SAFE initiative funding
France, Cyprus and Sweden signed a framework agreement to procure MBDA’s Akeron MP anti-tank missile jointly, France’s Directorate General of Armaments announced at Euronaval on 6 November 2026. The countries intend to use financing from the European Union’s Security Action for Europe initiative to help fund the purchases. The agency said the agreement is intended to lower procurement costs and support equipment compatibility, and other European countries can join it. France and Sweden had already acquired the missile separately, and the announcement gave no quantities, contract value or delivery dates for the joint purchases.