AFA’s 2026 Air, Space & Cyber Conference kicks off
From unmanned fighter jets to scale-model satellites, here are some of the sights from around the expo floor at the Gaylord National Resort and Conference Center.
Netherlands to purchase its own GlobalEye aircraft, on top of NATO’s order
The plane, which would be delivered in 2031, would be owned directly by the Netherlands.
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Island surge: the Army’s Next Generation Command and Control in action
Lightning Surge exercises are turning soldier feedback on NGC2 into operational software changes in days, not years.
Saab shows off loyal wingman drone it hopes to offer Swedish Air Force
The A3, which Saab says may become the sales product, could enter service within ten years if the government decides to proceed with the aircraft.
Sweden eyes additional batch of Gripen E jets to replace Ukraine-bound aircraft
The Nordic nation's future order will take its fleet of the multirole aircraft to 72 units.
From GlobalEye to Triton, first wave of NATO Summit deals bet big on aerial capabilities
The air power shift also comes as allies attempt to come to terms with the US opting to scale back some of its military assets in Europe and as they brace for Trump’s Summit address where he will reportedly urge them to increase defense spending.
NATO to acquire ‘up to’ 10 Saab GlobalEyes for E-3 replacement, says Secretary General
The selection decision in favor of the Swedish aircraft comes after NATO axed plans to acquire Boeing E-7 Wedgetail surveillance planes.
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In the age of drones, a bigger fence around your facility doesn’t protect you anymore
Traditional thinking about how to protect facilities must adapt to new threats such as drones or downstream attacks.
Ukraine signs $2.5 billion contract with Sweden for Gripen E deliveries by 2029
The deal is a first step in Kyiv’s planned ambition to purchase up to 150 of the advanced combat jets, noted Swedish Minister of Defense Pål Jonson on social media.
Poland signs $4.8 billion contract for Saab-made A26 submarines
Two other defense agreements between Warsaw and Stockholm were signed as well.
As demand rises, Embraer readies for greater Gripen workshare
While Embraer is partnered with Saab to manufacture the Swedish jet, Embraer CEO Francisco Gomes Neto said the fighter market “is not a place that we want to go to,” adding that the company is “studying other segments first.”
Swedish opposition party, ahead in polls, could push for state ownership in Saab
"So I think state part-ownership in Saab would be natural, while at the same time signaling strong Swedish team-building in international contexts," said Peter Hultquist, whose party is poised to win big in September elections.
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Physics AI is different and changes the way defense systems are designed
Models that replicate real-world physics streamline design, testing and iteration processes.
Brazil plans to buy 20 more Gripen fighters
Gen. Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, the Brazilian air chief, told Breaking Defense that the need for extra jets was born from a serious look at Brazil’s air power.
Ukraine to acquire up to 20 Gripen fighter jets, on track to receive batch of older models
In a statement announcing both moves, Stockholm said that Kyiv "plans to allocate" €2.5 billion ($2.9 billion) from the European Union's Ukraine Support Loan to fund the package for the more modern Gripen combat aircraft.
Canada enters talks with Saab for GlobalEye purchase
While no deal is finalized, Sweden's Prime Minister stated that he looks forward to “welcoming Canada into the GlobalEye family.”
Saab CEO optimistic Ukraine Gripen deal could be finalized this year
A top Ukrainian official said Kyiv was "ready" for the big fighter jet deal, but Sweden's defense minister suggested challenges remain.