The big news out of AFA, plus a guided tour of the show floor
From weapons in space to the search for more affordable drones, here's a look at the highlights from AFA 2026.
Space Force’s GMTI program gets a name, with Northrop as prime: General
Separately, the Space Force plans to issue the first operational contracts for space domain awareness to commercial firms “very soon,” according to Space Force Col. Timothy Tremailo.
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Why Bigger Fences Aren’t Enough in the Age of Drones
Traditional thinking about how to protect facilities must adapt to new threats such as drones or downstream attacks.
Budget impasse imperils 1 in 10 Space Force programs, new chief says
“We’re thankful that we have a [continuing resolution] going into October [1], but I would really be more thankful if we had a budget,” said Chief of Space Operations Gen. Doug Schiess.
Space Force has ‘space control weapons’ on orbit, Air Force secretary reveals
Troy Meink didn't elaborate on what "weapons" the US deployed, but revealed new info on other space and unmanned Air Force programs.
Qatari Air Force One will be taken offline for ‘maxed out’ upgrades: Trump
The forthcoming modifications follow concerns that the 747 jumbo jet rapidly modified by defense contractor L3Harris lacked security measures typical for transporting the US president.
Senate Dems seek Air Force, contractor answers on Qatari-gifted Air Force One conversion
The lawmakers allege they've been "stonewalled" when asked for more detailed information about the controversial "bridge" aircraft.
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Biodefense is force protection: Ready today, prepared for tomorrow
A decorated combat aviator and biotech CEO advocates preparing for novel viral threats before the next crisis.
‘Not an option’: Top Senate defense appropriator says third reconciliation bill unlikely
Two top appropriators — Sens. Mitch McConnell and Susan Collins — expressed doubt that a third reconciliation bill with defense funding will pass.
DAF study finds new space launch site ‘probably’ required
Lt. Gen. David Miller, Space Force deputy for Strategy, Plans, Programs and Requirements, said on Tuesday that the service alone is looking at some 1,000 launches between fiscal 2027 and 2031.
Air Force eyes massive boost for F-15EX fleet
The service’s fiscal 2027 budget shows boosts for other aircraft like the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, while slowing retirements of platforms like the A-10 Warthog.
Air Force secretary eyes multi-year deals for satellites, aircraft
Pentagon officials are seeking lawmakers’ authorization to buy weapon systems through multi-year deals “across the board, not only with munitions, but actually with the production of aircraft, with the production of spacecraft,” said Air Force Secretary Troy Meink.
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.
9 firms win orbital AMTI deals, Space Force says
The Space Force did not disclose when the contracts were awarded or their individual dollar values.
Air Force kicks off AMTI program with competition for first ‘increment’
Awards will be issued “fairly shortly” for the first operational satellites that can track aircraft and from space, according to Air Force Secretary Troy Meink.
Space Force plans to establish HQ staff group as surrogate Futures Command
CSO Gen. Chance Saltzman has signed a memo, obtained by Breaking Defense, initiating the creation of SF/S9 to coordinate future force planning. However, the change has yet to be approved by Air Force Secretary Troy Meink.
‘Ringleader’: Department of Air Force to start all-encompassing sensor fusion experiments
Separately, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said the Air Force will continue work on two rapid prototypes for the E-7 Wedgetail, though he did not appear to fully commit to the program.