US defense industry

President Donald Trump has granted Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot missiles domestically, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. The announcement, reported by the Jerusalem Post, would mark a significant step in Ukraine's push to produce advanced air defense systems at home as it faces continued Russian missile and drone attacks. The move is being read as a major boost to Ukraine's defense industry and air defense capacity.

Northrop Grumman has completed delivery of 21 data-relay satellites for a US military constellation, according to SpaceNews. The satellites are designed to pass communications and sensor data between spacecraft and ground forces, forming part of the Pentagon's push for resilient, proliferated orbital networks. The delivery marks a production milestone for defense space programs at a time of growing investment in military satellite constellations.

Foreign Affairs publishes a piece arguing that the United States must fundamentally restructure its defense industrial base to sustain weapons production at the scale great-power competition demands. The argument reflects a wider debate in Washington over whether American manufacturing can supply Ukraine, Israel, and a possible Pacific conflict simultaneously without deep reform of procurement and production.

A US startup is pursuing a drone concept that would carry a 300-kilowatt-class laser weapon. The idea would pair high-power directed energy with an airborne platform, potentially offering extended reach against drones or other targets. Details on funding, partners and timelines remain limited, but the concept highlights growing interest in mounting lasers on unmanned aircraft.