Why the US is talking about space weapons now
We recap leading headlines from day one of this year's conference.
Swarm Aero debuts Gamera drone in bid to succeed Reaper
“What we've done cuts against the conventional wisdom,” Swarm co-founder and chief revenue officer Oliver Palmer told Breaking Defense. “And what we've done instead is create a very simple, non-stealthy aircraft that's optimized for extreme range.”
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What we’re watching for at AFA 2026
Breaking Defense's Aaron Mehta and Michael Marrow preview anticipated developments at this year's AFA conference.
General Atomics unveils ‘Wildfire’ drone to replace Reaper
Pitched for the Massed Modular Aircraft program run by the Air Force and Defense Innovation Unit, General Atomics says its new drone design can exceed requirements set by the Pentagon to succeed the MQ-9A Reaper.
After ‘concerning’ losses, Air Force pushes to replace Reaper faster
“There's no doubt if we try and pursue the exact same approach that we had with things like the MQ-9, we're going to get something that costs about the same as an MQ-9,” said Air Force Lt. Gen. Christopher Niemi.
Air Force plans downselect for second CCA batch next year
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.
Building logistics networks for contested environments
Explore how software, edge AI and resilient connectivity can strengthen military logistics in contested environments. Join Breaking Defense on Oct. 21 and earn 1 CPE credit.
General Atomics-ASI CEO throws shade at cost target for new drone
“I believe they put a silly goal in here for a low end [cost],” Dave Alexander told Breaking Defense. “Anybody that bids that number is very suspicious.”
DIU seeks cheaper drones to carry out Reaper missions
The notice comes after nearly 30 Reapers were reportedly lost in combat against Iran.
Air Force greenlights requirements for MQ-9A Reaper drone replacement
“There is, I think, a burgeoning interest across the broader defense industrial base on what comes next,” said Air Force Lt. Gen. Luke Cropsey.
US F-15E fighter jet downed by Iran
The loss of an American fighter jet over Iran would appear to be the first manned American aircraft downed over Iran during Operation Epic Fury.
The Army’s Digital Transformation
AI is reshaping the Army’s approach to cyber, electronic warfare and command and control. At TechNet Augusta 2026, leaders outlined how they’re turning emerging technology into capabilities for the battlefield.
PHOTOS: Sights from the 2026 Singapore Airshow
A collection of photos from the first few days on the ground at the Singapore Airshow.
‘No decision’ yet on AFRICOM’s future, as terror groups become ‘more cohesive’: Official
A senior AFRICOM official told Breaking Defense the command is still looking to shore up ISR capabilities after the 2024 Niger exit.
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DARPA aims to make defense firms ‘much, much harder’ to hack with ‘formal methods’ push
Right now, DARPA's Kathleen Fisher said, much of the defense industrial base is "choosing to leave the doors open, leave the windows up and not use the locks" in cyberspace.