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Ukraine Tests German-Joint Interceptors and AI Turrets Against Fast Russian Drones
1 day ago•Source: Ukrinform
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2.55 min•1 day ago
Zelenskyy Urges Fire Point to Accelerate FP-9 Missile Production for Autumn Deployment
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on October 3, 2026, that the domestically developed FP-9 ballistic missile will be ready this fall. The weapon, produced by Fire Point, has a range of 855 kilometers and can reach Moscow. Zelenskyy personally contacted the manufacturer to speed up production following the first combat use of the shorter-range FP-7 missile. Ukraine plans to intensify strikes on Russian oil refineries in response to Moscow’s attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
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Army Creates FASCOM to Accelerate Autonomous Warfare Amid Pentagon Contract Controversy
Breaking Defense•2 days ago
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Boeing Secures $20B Contract for Navy's Next-Gen F/A-XX Fighter
On September 29, 2026, the U.S. Department of War and Navy awarded Boeing a $20 billion contract to develop the F/A-XX, a 6th-generation carrier-based fighter. This decision moves the program into the developmental phase, with the aircraft set to replace F/A-18 Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers in the 2030s.
defense3 days ago
Army Establishes New Autonomous Command Amid Controversial Pentagon Commission
The U.S. Army has created a new command to accelerate autonomous systems, following Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s announcement of a controversial advisory commission led by tech billionaires Elon Musk and Palmer Luckey.
Air Force Shortlists Seven Firms for $10M Reaper Replacement, Including Exotic Otto Aerospace
The U.S. Air Force and Defense Innovation Unit have narrowed the field to seven companies for the Massed Modular Aircraft (MMA) program, a low-cost successor to the MQ-9 Reaper. The shortlist includes established drone makers and unexpected entrants like Otto Aerospace. The Air Force aims to field 500 units by 2032 at a target cost of $10 million each, driven by recent Reaper losses in Iran.
Taiwan Receives First New-Build F-16s After Seven-Year Delay
Two F-16C Block 70 fighters arrived at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung on October 2, 2026, marking the first new-build fighter delivery to Taiwan in 25 years. The aircraft, serials 6727 and 6728, are part of a 66-jet order worth $8 billion. Deliveries were delayed by production shifts, supply chain issues, and electronic warfare system development. The jets will join the 7th Tactical Fighter Wing, enhancing Taiwan's air defense against China.
defense4 days ago
Ukraine Confirms First Combat Launch of Indigenous FP-7 Ballistic Missile
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on October 1, 2026, that Ukraine has conducted its first combat use of the domestically produced FP-7 tactical ballistic missile. Developed by defense contractor Fire Point, the weapon has a range of approximately 200 kilometers and is significantly cheaper than the US-made ATACMS. While Zelenskyy shared video footage of the launch, he did not disclose the specific target or location. This milestone marks a shift from testing to operational use, occurring amidst intensified Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and ongoing Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries.
Pentagon’s Cyber Pay Overhaul Triggers Immediate Cuts and Morale Crisis
The Pentagon’s new Cyber Mastery Incentive Pay (C-MIP) program, launched October 1, 2026, aims to standardize cyber compensation but has triggered immediate pay cuts for many service members. While designed to reward advanced skills, the shift from legacy models like the Army’s Cyber Assignment Incentive Pay has left basic and senior-level operators with reduced or zero incentives. The Army is implementing a temporary protection policy to mitigate losses, while other services struggle with unclear rollout guidance. Critics argue the move undermines morale and retention in a critical domain, despite Pentagon assurances that the system incentivizes skill progression.
Pentagon Awards Raytheon $20.7B to Double AMRAAM Output
The U.S. Department of Defense awarded Raytheon a multiyear contract worth up to $20.7 billion to nearly double production of Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM). The deal, part of the 'Arsenal of Freedom' initiative, aims to replenish stockpiles depleted by recent conflicts and support allies. While the contract was signed in September, full funding remains pending congressional approval, raising concerns about industry investment delays.
Seven Firms Shortlisted for Air Force's $10M Drone to Replace Lost Reapers
The U.S. Air Force and Defense Innovation Unit have narrowed the field to seven companies for the Massed Modular Aircraft (MMA) program, a low-cost drone initiative designed to replace the MQ-9 Reaper. The Air Force aims to field 500 units by 2032 at a target cost of $10 million per airframe, a fraction of the $30 million+ cost of current platforms. This push follows significant Reaper losses during operations against Iran, prompting a shift toward attritable, mass-producible systems.
UK PM Burnham Confirms Iranian Involvement in RAF Fairford Terror Plot
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated on Wednesday that there are 'strong indications' Iran was involved in a weekend incident at RAF Fairford, where five men were arrested on suspicion of terrorism. The suspects, all British nationals in their 20s, were released on bail after police found petrol but no explosives near the base, which hosts US Air Force personnel. While Washington and London link the plot to Tehran, Iranian officials have categorically denied involvement, calling the accusations 'barking up the wrong tree.'
Army Reopens PrSM Increment 4 Competition with Five New Prototype Awards
The U.S. Army has selected five companies to develop prototypes for the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 4, restarting the competition for its next long-range strike weapon. Anduril, Castelion, Lockheed Martin, RTX, and Mach Industries received Other Transaction Authority agreements to build missiles capable of hitting moving targets at ranges exceeding 1,000 km. The program aims to double the range of the baseline PrSM and requires compatibility with the M142 HIMARS launcher and open systems architecture. A competitive fly-off is scheduled for fiscal 2027, with a final selection potentially occurring by fiscal 2030. This move follows the recent award of a $1.2 billion contract for PrSM Increment 2 and comes after the Army used PrSM systems in combat in Iran.