Julien Mercier, Author at DEFENSE-AEROSPACE

Northrop Grumman and USSF Run First Coherent Multi-Antenna DARC Demo to Track Multiple GEO Satellites

Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Space Force achieved a first for the Deep-Space Advanced Radar Capability at Site 1 in Western Australia, synchronizing multiple ground antennas to act as one radar and track several satellites in geosynchronous orbit. Program officials described a

August 27, 2025

AI & Autonomy

RAF Expands Loyal Wingman Program with New UK ACP Tranche 2 Requirements

The UK has officially moved its Loyal Wingman program from talk to action. A new notice for Autonomous Collaborative Platforms, Tranche 2, spells out what the Ministry of Defence wants, how much it's planning to spend, and when contracts are expected. It

August 13, 2025

Contracts & Deals

Defense Ministers Agree to Resolve FCAS Work‑Share Dispute by December

Boris Pistorius and Sébastien Lecornu closed their latest meeting in Osnabrück with a single-line instruction for staff: settle the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) work-share fight by the end of December. Pistorius called the deadline “non-negotiable”. Lecornu warned that further delays would

August 1, 2025

Industrial Partnerships

Lockheed Pledges Swift Typhon Strike Launcher Build Pending FMS Approval

Lockheed Martin concluded two days of discussions in Cologne with a plan that would see Germany's first Typhon launchers at the Meppen range by December 2026. Lockheed Martin program manager Edward Dobeck told visiting lawmakers the company's facility in Moorestown, New Jersey,

July 30, 2025

Middle East

US State Department Approves $4.7B NASAMS Sale for Egypt’s Air-Defense Upgrade

The U.S. State Department approved a $4.67 billion NASAMS sale to Egypt on July 24, 2025. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency sent the notice to Congress that day. The package cover radars, missiles, launchers, support gear, training, and sustainment. It stands among

July 25, 2025

Defense Budgets / Policy

Belgium to Order 11 Additional F-35 Jets and Boost Air Defense in Major NATO Catch-Up

Belgium signed off on a new defense strategy Friday that ramps up it's fighter jet numbers, rebuilds ground-based air defenses, and adds a third anti-submarine frigate - moves meant to plug serious gaps after years of lagging behind on NATO spending.

July 22, 2025

Defense Budgets / Policy

House passes $832 billion defense budget for FY 2026, sending it to the Senate amid a close 221-209 vote

The House wrapped up final paperwork Sunday night on its $832 billion defense-spending bill and sent the text to the Senate, beating the gavel-out by a few minutes and keeping the measure on track before the August recess. Leaders now have ten

July 21, 2025

Defense Budgets / Policy

HASC Votes to Fund Two Virginia‑Class Submarines and Boost Ukraine Aid in FY 26 Bill

The House Armed Services Committee ended a fourteen-hour markup late Tuesday by approving its Fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, 55-2. The bill injects an extra $1 billion into the Virginia-class submarine program, raises Ukraine military aid to $400 million, blocks any

July 16, 2025

Advanced Propulsion Systems

DARPA Cancels Liberty Lifter WIG Seaplane Project Over Cost and Certification Hurdles

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has shut down its three-year effort to build the Liberty Lifter, a heavy-lift seaplane that would skim above waves on a cushion of air. According to industry sources, the agency notified performers on July 12 that

July 11, 2025

Russia-Ukraine War

Pentagon Resumes 155 mm Shell and GMLRS Rocket Deliveries to Ukraine

The Pentagon has restarted selected arms deliveries to Ukraine only days after a sudden halt triggered a frantic check of U.S. stockpiles. Defense officials confirm that 155 mm artillery rounds and Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System missiles (GMLRS) crossed NATO borders late

July 10, 2025

Julien Mercier

Northrop Grumman and USSF Run First Coherent Multi-Antenna DARC Demo to Track Multiple GEO Satellites

RAF Expands Loyal Wingman Program with New UK ACP Tranche 2 Requirements

Defense Ministers Agree to Resolve FCAS Work‑Share Dispute by December

Lockheed Pledges Swift Typhon Strike Launcher Build Pending FMS Approval

US State Department Approves $4.7B NASAMS Sale for Egypt’s Air-Defense Upgrade

Belgium to Order 11 Additional F-35 Jets and Boost Air Defense in Major NATO Catch-Up

House passes $832 billion defense budget for FY 2026, sending it to the Senate amid a close 221-209 vote

HASC Votes to Fund Two Virginia‑Class Submarines and Boost Ukraine Aid in FY 26 Bill

DARPA Cancels Liberty Lifter WIG Seaplane Project Over Cost and Certification Hurdles

Pentagon Resumes 155 mm Shell and GMLRS Rocket Deliveries to Ukraine

Authors

Julien Mercier

Clara Nguyen

Priya Shah

Michael Adler

Lena Kovacs

Diego Ramos

Peter Johansson

Lucas Meyer