What we’re watching for at AFA 2026
Breaking Defense previews notable topics and announcements expected at the 2026 Air Force Association conference.
September 11, 2026
Why Don’t Airplane Wings Break During Turbulence?
Modern aircraft wings are designed to flex safely during turbulence, with flight computers and gust load alleviation systems providing additional structural protection for airliners.
EKOLOT expands Counter-UAS and mission systems capabilities
Polish defense contractor EKOLOT is expanding its unmanned aircraft systems to include counter-drone capabilities with integrated surveillance, detection, and engagement functions.
On this day in space! Sept. 11, 1985: The International Cometary Explorer makes 1st comet flyby in history for NASA and Europe
On September 11, 1985, NASA and ESA's International Cometary Explorer spacecraft achieved the first-ever flyby of a comet, marking a significant milestone in space exploration history.
Transat A.T. Inc. Reports Results for the Third Quarter of Fiscal 2026
Air Transat reported third-quarter 2026 results showing profitability pressured by sustained elevated fuel costs, a key operational challenge for commercial airlines.
Swisslog automates logistics at Saudi Aviation MRO facility
Swisslog will provide automated warehouse systems for a new aviation MRO facility in Saudi Arabia being developed by Starlinks, supporting maintenance operations in the Middle East.
Vietravel Airlines signs a LOI for 50 Airbus aircraft
Vietnamese leisure carrier Vietravel Airlines has signed a Letter of Intent with Airbus for 50 narrowbody aircraft, comprising 20 A220s and 30 additional jets, to support its fleet modernization.
Space Force picks Texas as US home for trinational DARC space radar network
The U.S. Space Force selected Texas as the location for the final site of the trinational DARC space radar network, with construction expected to complete in 2029 and operations beginning in 2030.
Taylorcraft Crash Caused by Loose Magneto
A Taylorcraft aircraft crashed after experiencing partial engine power loss caused by a loose magneto, resulting in impact with terrain. The accident highlights the importance of proper engine component maintenance in general aviation.
Air Sénégal adds a “new” Boeing 737-800
Air Sénégal unveiled a Boeing 737-800 aircraft at Dakar's Blaise Diagne International Airport in a ceremony attended by government officials and dignitaries.
The 25th Anniversary of 9/11, Part 5: Gander’s ‘Plane People’
Historical retrospective on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 focusing on Gander International Airport in Newfoundland and how air traffic controllers managed the emergency landing of multiple hijacked aircraft on that day.
Volatus Aerospace wins Canadian defence contract for tactical ISR UAS
Canada's Armed Forces has awarded Volatus Aerospace a five-year contract for tactical surveillance drones, with an initial order for 100 uncrewed aircraft systems.
2 private spacecraft zoom within 650 feet of each other to showcase 'advanced capabilities' in orbit (photos)
Two spacecraft operated by Impulse Space successfully demonstrated advanced orbital maneuvering capabilities by conducting a close approach within 650 feet of each other in space.
Antares Wins $161M Award for Space Nuclear Power
Antares received a $161 million Department of Defense contract to develop nuclear power systems for space applications, reportedly the largest DoD space nuclear award to date.
4-Seat All-Electric Cosmic One Embodies New Era of Light Sport Aircraft
Cosmic Aerospace has developed a four-seat all-electric aircraft designed for the light-sport category, leveraging expanded opportunities created by the FAA's MOSAIC regulatory framework.
Kalitta Charters II becomes a new Boeing 757-200F operator
Kalitta Charters II, an on-demand cargo operator, took delivery of its first Boeing 757-200 freighter aircraft, expanding its fleet for commercial air cargo operations.
Zipline Drone Comes Down Under Parachute Near Houston, TSA Delays Part 108 Security Talks, and FCC Proposal Draws 3,829 Comments
Weekly UAS industry update covering a Zipline drone incident near Houston, TSA progress on Part 108 drone regulations, and FCC rulemaking activity for military-grade unmanned systems.
Netherlands signs LoI, Saab GlobalEye
The Netherlands has signed a Letter of Intent with Sweden regarding potential procurement of Saab's GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft for military operations.
“Nobody Else Was Flying”: An F-16 Pilot Recalls the Morning of 9/11
An F-16 pilot from the Michigan Air National Guard recounts his experience on September 11, 2001, when his routine training mission was interrupted by the attacks and his squadron was scrambled to conduct armed combat air patrols over U.S. airspace.
Eric Schmidt Warns Ukraine's Drone Edge Is Gone. He Sells the Fix
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has warned that Ukraine's early technological advantage in drone warfare is diminishing against Russian numerical superiority, while simultaneously promoting his own drone company as a solution.
AESA authorises CATEC to autonomously manage its drone operations
Spain's aviation authority granted CATEC a UAS Light Operator Certificate enabling autonomous management of its drone operations.
Bombardier's Global 8000 cleared to land at London City Airport
Bombardier's Global 8000 business jet received approval to operate at London City Airport, potentially reducing flight times by up to 90 minutes for operators accessing the central London facility.
Transat secures $250-million bailout loan from feds as fuel costs slam bottom line
Air Transat secured a $250 million federal bailout loan as rising fuel costs pressure the airline's financial performance.
Ryanair CEO disputes report that an injured passenger was partly sucked out a shattered window
Ryanair's CEO disputed reports regarding an injured passenger incident involving a window failure on one of the airline's flights.
C-UAS innovation wins US defence department award
A counter-UAS (C-UAS) innovation project has received the Program of the Year Award from the US Department of Defense's APFIT initiative, recognizing advances in drone defense technology.
DHL and Alibaba.com partner to bring AI-powered logistics capabilities to small and medium-sized enterprises worldwide
DHL and Alibaba.com are partnering to integrate AI-powered logistics tools into a shared platform, aiming to streamline international shipping and quotation services for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Singapore Grand Prix 2026 – Business Aviation Guide
Business aviation operators planning for the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix should note airport capacity constraints, with Seletar as primary option and Changi operating under restrictive conditions.
KVE expands advanced composite manufacturing and repair capacity in Netherlands
KVE by Daher is expanding its advanced composite manufacturing and repair capabilities at its Netherlands facility to increase production capacity for aerospace and defence structures.
Sebastián Acuto takes Office as the New VP of Operations and Maintenance at LATAM Airlines Group
LATAM Airlines Group appoints Sebastián Acuto as Vice President of Operations and Maintenance, with responsibility for overseeing operations, maintenance, and fleet management focused on enhancing safety and efficiency.
Virtuix to demonstrate C-UAS training simulator to US defence officials
Virtuix will showcase its AI-powered counter-UAS training simulator to US defence officials, demonstrating the system's capabilities for personnel training.