Robert Wall
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Executive Editor, Defense & Space, Aviation Week - ex The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, IISS
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Articles by Robert Wall
Ariane 6 Logs First GTO Mission
Robert Wall August 28, 2026 Credit: ESA/Arianespace/CNES/ArianeGroup Arianespace has completed the first geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) mission with an Ariane 6, deploying the Thales Alenia Space MTG-I2 weather satellite for European meteorological agency Eumetsat. This is the rocket's farthest mission so far. The two-booster Ariane 62 took off at 5:11 p.m. local... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Russia To Commence New Counter-Drone Radar Production
Robert Wall August 28, 2026 Credit: Ukraine Ministry of Defense Russia says it is starting series production of a new counter-drone radar system optimized to detect swarms of uncrewed aircraft, after a period of Ukraine inflicting extended damage on Russian petrochemical, military and other infrastructure in response to Moscow’s full-scale invasion. Russian... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Astrum Space To Go Public Via Space SPAC
Robert Wall August 28, 2026 Credit: Swissto12 Days after Ursa Major said it would go public by merging with a special purpose acquisition company, Astrum Space announced it plans to pursue a similar path to the public market. El Segundo, California-based Astrum said it would merge with the Black Spade Acquisition III special purpose acquisition... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Canadian Spaceport Secures Additional Capital
Robert Wall August 27, 2026 Credit: NordSpace Canada’s push to build a sovereign space launch facility has secured a further CA$10 million ($7 million) in combined private and public capital, with an eye toward hastening work on the commercial spaceport. NordSpace, the private business behind the Atlantic Spaceport Complex, said it would... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
ESA Awards Contracts To Support European Launcher Startups
Robert Wall August 27, 2026 The European Space Agency (ESA) said it has awarded an initial set of contracts to three European rocket startups to help them evolve their ability to provide Europe with greater launcher diversity. Rocket Factory Augsburg, Isar Aerospace and PLD Space received the initial awards under the European Launcher Challenge, ESA said on Aug. 27, with talks still underway with ArianeGroup’s MaiaSpace.
Switzerland Sharpens C-UAS, Drone Focus
Robert Wall August 27, 2026 Credit: VBS The Swiss government is looking to boost its counter-uncrewed aircraft system, drone and robotic capabilities, identifying the topics as a new focus area for its national defense capabilities. As part of the push, the country’s armed forces will field a drone battalion starting in 2028 to detect and... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Kongsberg Joins Push To Larger Smallsats
Robert Wall August 26, 2026 Credit: Kongsberg Kongsberg's NanoAvionics unit has introduced the MP42D, a larger version of its MP42 microsatellite, reflecting the industry trend toward more capable small satellites as customer demand grows. The MP42D will offer a payload of 250 kg (551 lb.) compared to 100 kg for the baseline MP42, while max... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Lufthansa Group Snags German Air Force Training Work
Robert Wall August 26, 2026 Lufthansa Aviation Training will use Diamond DA40 NG trainers under its contract with the German Air Force. Credit: Lufthansa Group Lufthansa Technik has secured a German Defense Ministry contract to provide a Bombardier Global 6000 to prepare crew for the Pegasus signals intelligence aircraft, while sister unit Aviation Training is taking on initial flight training activities. The German government, in an Aug. 26 contract...
Dutch Navy To Explore Destinus Counter-UAS Munition
Robert Wall August 25, 2026 Credit: Destinus The Dutch Navy plans to operate Destinus counter-uncrewed air system (C-UAS) munitions, with the aim of wrapping up a concept development phase within a year. The Netherlands will be using Destinus’ Hornet B2 interceptor that is intended to have a range of over 150 km (93 mi.) and carries a 3-kg (6... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Ursa Major To Go Public Via SPAC
Robert Wall August 25, 2026 Ursa Major tests a small-diameter solid rocket motor. Credit: Ursa Major Ursa Major Technologies is joining the rush to the public markets, though opting for the route of using a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) rather than an initial public offering. The company says it plans to combine with the Inflection Point Asset Management-backed Bleichroeder Acquisition... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Podcast: How New Dynamics Are Shaping The NRO And Military Space Efforts
Robert Wall Vivienne Machi August 25, 2026 Aviation Week's Military Space Editor Vivienne Machi discusses the latest developments with the National Reconnaissance Office, the Victus Haze rendezvous and proximity operations missions, and what awaits the new slate of U.S. defense and intelligence space leadership. Subscribe Now Don't miss a single episode of the award-winning Check 6. Follow us in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Kongsberg Speeds Maritime Surveillance Constellation Deployment
Robert Wall August 24, 2026 Credit: Kongsberg Kongsberg says it is stepping up the pace of deployment for its N3X maritime surveillance satellite to address Norwegian military demands. The Norwegian defense company says it will double the Arvaker N3X constellation early next year with the addition of three more satellites. The first three... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Hypersonic Developer Polaris Flies Cobra Drone Prototype
Robert Wall August 21, 2026 Credit: Polaris German hypersonic vehicle developer Polaris says it has completed the first flight of a prototype of Cobra, its air-to-air missile-launch uncrewed air vehicle. The “perfectly smooth” flight stretched more than 20 km (12 mi.), the company said Aug. 21, and set the stage for additional flights in the... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Australian Air Force Demos Autonomous Aerial Logistics Aircraft
Robert Wall August 21, 2026 The JabX conducts a test flight over South Australia. Credit: RAAF The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has demonstrated long-range autonomous flight using a modified Jabiru J400 piston-engine aircraft. The JabX aircraft, developed between the RAAF’s Jericho Disruptive Innovation unit and Brisbane-based RF Design, operated for 12 hr., with one weather-induced... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Skyroot Plans 12-Launches-Per-Year Flight Cadence
Robert Wall August 20, 2026 Skyroot loads Stage 3 for shipment to casting facility. Credit: Skyroot Indian launch startup Skyroot says it is ramping up production to support an annual launch cadence of 12 missions by the end of 2027, following its July orbital launch during its first flight test. The Hyderabad-based company aims for a second test flight of its Vikram-1 rocket in the October to... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Musk Eyes Starship Upper Stage Reflight Within Year
Robert Wall August 20, 2026 Starship’s upper stage after splashing down in the Indian Ocean during Integrated Flight Test 13. Credit: SpaceX SpaceX CEO Elon Musk projects the first reflight of a Starship upper stage within the coming months as the launch service provider looks to demonstrate full reusability of its heavy-launch system. “First reflight of the ship will be either end of this year or early next,” Musk said Aug. 20 on social...
Swiss Long-Range Air Defense Project Moves To ‘Red,’ F-35 Improves
Robert Wall August 20, 2026 Switzerland rates its procurement of Patriot systems as "red" in a quarterly review. Credit: VBS-DDPS Switzerland now rates its long-range air defense project as “red,” warning it lacks the ability to get the effort back on track, while the quarterly assessment of major defense projects downgrades the level of risk associated with the purchase of Lockheed Martin F-35A fighters. The adjustment... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Tiberius Aerospace Advances Invictus Ramjet-Powered Strike System
Robert Wall August 20, 2026 Tiberius Aerospace's Invictus is slated to use a ramjet with integration booster to fly at Mach 3. Credit: Tiberius Aerospace Tiberius Aerospace says it is ramping up engineering work on its ramjet-powered Mach 3 Invictus strike missile. The Newport Beach, California-based startup that emerged from stealth a little over a year ago with plans for the Sceptre ramjet-powered artillery shell says Invictus-200 will pair a...
Denmark Taps Terma To Build Country-Wide Counter-Drone Surveillance System
Robert Wall August 19, 2026 DALO Chief Lt. Gen. Per Pugholm Olsen and Terma CEO Henriette H. Thygesen. Credit: Terma Denmark is asking local defense technology champion Terma to build a nationwide counter-drone system as European states grow increasingly anxious about illicit uncrewed aircraft system activity within their borders. “To defend ourselves, we need to be able to eliminate enemy drones in our airspace,”... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Switzerland Seeks More Funds To Speed Air Defense Buys
Robert Wall August 19, 2026 Switzerland is seeking extra funding to enhance its air defenses as it awaits delivery of U.S. Patriot systems (shown). Credit: U.S. Army The Swiss government will ask parliament for a further CHF970 million ($1.2 billion) to speed the fielding of air defense equipment. The extra money is needed now given heightened national security threats and long delivery timelines from equipment providers, the government said Aug. 19. The...
Terma, Airbus Explore Helicopter-Related MRO Partnership
Robert Wall August 19, 2026 Danish defense technology provider Terma says it has signed an agreement with Airbus targeting potential helicopter-related maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) work with an eye on future business opportunities in the country. A cornerstone of the agreement is the focus on localized MRO capabilities to “guarantee maximum operational readiness for the Danish Armed Forces,” Terma said in a statement.
Sovereign Military Satellite Projects Advance
Robert Wall August 19, 2026 Europe aims to begin operating the IRIS² constellation in 2030. Credit: Safran Western efforts to deploy sovereign, proliferated space communications networks for military use are moving from the concept phase and toward implementation as governments look to field the capabilities before the decade’s end. The European Union (EU) on Aug. 7 agreed to move forward with the IRIS²... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
France Adopts Boosted Military Spending Law
Robert Wall August 18, 2026 Air defense is an investment priority in France’s updated military programming law. Credit: DGA France has formally adopted an updated military programming law that adds €36 billion ($42 billion) over the 2026-30 period. The enhanced financial commitment, first proposed in April, aims to replenish ammunition stocks and rearm the military, among other goals, the French government said Aug. 18... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Podcast: What Were The Golden Nuggets At SMD 26?
Robert Wall Brian Everstine August 18, 2026 Robert Wall and Brian Everstine discuss the annual Space and Missile Defense Conference in Huntsville and focus on the major themes that emerged there. Subscribe Now Don't miss a single episode of the award-winning Check 6. Follow us in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Debrief: Why SpaceX May Not Be The Place For Space Investors
Robert Wall August 17, 2026 SpaceX and Tesla broke ground on the Terafab chip production site in Texas. Credit: SpaceX For years, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's talk of getting humans to Mars and making the species interplanetary—coupled with the rapid success of the Falcon 9 rocket and Starlink constellation—has made his missives somewhat gospel for space enthusiasts. That sentiment helped propel SpaceX’s initial public... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Ukraine Strikes Roscosmos Rocket Facility
Robert Wall August 17, 2026 Credit: Ukraine Government Ukraine has struck one of Russian space agency Roscosmos’ key facilities in the latest of a series of long-range strikes as part of Kyiv’s defense to Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The attack hit the Rocket and Space Center in Samara at a range of about 900 km (560 mi.), Ukrainian President... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Defense Tech VC Liquidity Surged In Q2, Not Just From SpaceX IPO
Robert Wall August 17, 2026 Credit: HawkEye 360 The second quarter generated the largest total value ever for venture capital (VC) shifting from illiquid investments in startups into stock or an outright company sale, not least from SpaceX’s blockbuster initial public offering (IPO), according to Pitchbook. The combined exit value in the April... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
HawkEye 360 Plans Space-Based Angle-of-Arrival Detection Demo in 2027
Robert Wall August 14, 2026 HawkEye 360 is working on two new satellite designs. Credit: HawkEye 360 Signals intelligence satellite specialist HawkEye 360 plans to launch an angle-of-arrival detection prototype payload next year as it looks to expand and expedite data delivery. The mission will help shape how the company looks to deploy the capability more widely, CEO John Serafini said. “Once we... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Pentagon Picks D-Orbit, Firefly, Katalyst In Deorbit-As-A-Service Push
Robert Wall August 14, 2026 Credit: Firefly The Pentagon has picked D-Orbit, Firefly Aerospace and Katalyst Space for an initial set of awards as it looks to foster a deorbit-as-a-service (DaaS) industry. The three companies, selected by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and Space Development Agency, are now supposed to begin preliminary... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Intuitive Machines Lunar Communication Satellite Launch Plans Change
Robert Wall August 13, 2026 Credit: Intuitive Machines Intuitive Machines projects the launch of its first lunar communications relay satellite in the first quarter of next year, having previously forecast a 2026 mission, while completion of the network is now due faster. The Altus-1 satellite that is part of NASA's Near Space Network Services program... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Pentagon Wants Lighter Directed-Energy Weapons For Airborne Use
Robert Wall August 13, 2026 The Pentagon is looking for more compact directed-energy systems to apply the technology more widely, including in airborne applications. “Smaller. Lighter. More efficient,” said Mike Dodd, the Pentagon’s assistant secretary for critical technologies, in a social media post.
Switzerland Plans Tax Hike To Finance Defense Modernization
Robert Wall August 12, 2026 Credit: U.S. Army The Swiss government has signed off on a plan to hike value added tax rates to raise funds to cover security needs. The move is among the clearest signs of how governments expect to confront higher defense outlays for the foreseeable future and wrestling with how to cover those bills. It comes after... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
General Atomics Offers Enhanced Do228 NXT Surveillance Package
Robert Wall August 12, 2026 Credit: General Atomics-ATS General Atomics has struck a teaming arrangement with Sweden’s Trakka Systems to offer an enhanced sensor package for the Do228 NXT. The corporation's AeroTec Systems unit in Germany is trying to revive the fortunes of the Dornier product, which was introduced 45 years ago and has gone through... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Elbit CEO Sees Helicopter Laser System Operational Shortly
Robert Wall August 11, 2026 Elbit says its helicopter laser system (rendering) is in advanced development. Credit: Elbit Systems Elbit Systems’ CEO Bezhalel Machlis said a helicopter-transported, high-energy laser system the company is developing for Israel will be operational “in a relatively short period of time.” “We are very advanced with the development,” Machlis said on Aug. 11 as the company posted second-quarter... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
South Korea Seeks Enhanced Launch Services
Robert Wall August 11, 2026 Credit: KASA South Korea's space agency KASA is looking to bolster the country’s launch capacity by adding domestic infrastructure and refining approval processes. On Aug. 11, the government agreed to make changes to its Space Development Promotion Act to foster the industry. The measures include providing batch... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Embraer CEO Sees Defense Campaigns Accelerating
Robert Wall August 10, 2026 Credit: Embraer Geopolitical uncertainties have led defense planners to speed up decision cycles, Embraer CEO Francisco Gomes Neto says, as the Brazilian aircraft-maker looks to add to its backlog for the KC-390 tanker/transport. “We have seen countries accelerating sales campaigns,” he said on Embraer’s second-quarter earnings call, pointing to decisions in the United Arab Emirates and Colombia, and a Greek plan to buy three of the aircraft through Portugal.
Musk: Starlink To Grow Beyond 100,000 Satellites With Higher Throughput
Robert Wall August 10, 2026 Credit: SpaceX SpaceX will grow the Starlink satellite constellation to more than 100,000 satellites, including the spacecraft to provide direct-to-device connectivity, CEO Elon Musk says. The constellation would expand with the higher throughput V3 satellites due for deployment on the Starship heavy-launch system... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
China Long March 7A Suffers Launch Failure
Robert Wall August 10, 2026 A still image from footage showing the incident. Credit: TSDG Wenchang China suffered the loss of a Long March 7A rocket on launch in a rare setback for the country’s launch operations. The Long March 7A exploded less than 90 sec. after launch at 8:10 a.m. ET Aug. 10 from the Wenchang spaceport on the island of Hainan. The first stage is powered by two YF-100 engines... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
ULA Completes LEO-Optimized Vulcan Wet Dress
Robert Wall August 07, 2026 Credit: ULA United Launch Alliance says it has wrapped up a wet dress rehearsal of the Vulcan rocket and a Centaur V upper stage tweaked to better support Amazon Leo constellation deployment. The trial took place Aug. 6 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex-41. It consisted of launch-day... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
IRIS² Enters Operational Phase After Review Completed: Eutelsat CEO
Robert Wall August 07, 2026 Credit: Spacerise The European Union’s flagship IRIS 2 broadband satellite constellation process has passed the so-called Rendezvous One review, allowing the program to progress to its operational phase, Eutelsat CEO Jean-François Fallacher says. The go-ahead for the system that will mix low-Earth-orbit (LEO) and... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Israel Doubles Defense Order Outlays With Tech Firms
Robert Wall August 06, 2026 Credit: Israeli Defense Ministry Israel says it has doubled the money it is spending with defense tech suppliers over the past year as it looks to incentivize businesses to help the country maintain its military equipment edge. The Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development, known as Mafat, spent NIS1... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Daily Memo: When NGSA Is A Three-Body Problem
Robert Wall August 05, 2026 Airbus next-generation, single-aisle aircraft renderings Credit: Airbus SAS 2025 Many of the looming decisions around the next-generation single aisle (NGSA) market are effectively binary: Who moves first—Airbus or Boeing? Will the engine be open rotor or ducted fan? How many engine suppliers will each offering have—one or two? But for some suppliers, the calculus is more... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
SES Seeks Regulatory Relief Over O3b Deployment As Plans Change
Robert Wall August 05, 2026 Credit: SpaceX SES is asking regulators to extend a regulatory waiver for an additional nine months linked to development problems with its latest O3b mPower satellite, while noting it is scrapping plans for circular-inclined O3bI spacecraft. The company faces an Aug. 7 deadline to have 50% of the system deployed... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Aselsan Almost Triples Capex In Expansion, Steel Dome Push
Robert Wall August 05, 2026 Credit: Aselsan Turkish defense electronics specialist Aselsan says it has almost tripled capital outlays to grow production capacity, with its backlog swelling to record levels. The sensor-maker's capital investments rose 195% with its backlog now at $23.2 billion, 45% above the prior-year level and more than 13%... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Elon Musk Sees SpaceX Achieving Daily Starship Flights In 2027
Robert Wall August 04, 2026 Credit: SpaceX SpaceX will drastically pick up the pace of Starship flights, CEO Elon Musk says, as the company prepares to potentially attempt to catch the vehicle’s upper stage on the coming mission. “We expect the cadence of flights to be increasing rapidly. And probably a year from now we will be doing at... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Elon Musk Sees SpaceX Achieving Daily Starship Flights In 2027
SpaceX will drastically pick up the pace of Starship flights, CEO Elon Musk says, as the company prepares to potentially attempt to catch the vehicle’s upper stage on the coming mission. “We expect the cadence of flights to be increasing rapidly. And probably a year from now we will be doing at least one flight a day, possibly more,” Musk, known for his optimistic projections, told analysts and investors Aug. 4 during the company’s first quarterly results call.
Voyager Reports Space-Based Interceptor Sales Matching NGI
Robert Wall August 04, 2026 Next Generation Interceptor concept. Credit: Lockheed Martin Voyager Technologies says it is seeing a rapid pickup in space-based interceptor (SBI) activities linked to the U.S. Golden Dome missile defense endeavor, with sales already matching its revenue from work on the Lockheed Martin Next-Generation Interceptor (NGI). “We actually had the same amount of... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Telesat To Expand Lightspeed For Canadian Military Arctic Connectivity
Robert Wall August 04, 2026 Credit: MDA Space Canadian satellite services provider Telesat has signed a C$2.3 billion ($1.6 billion) deal with the Canadian government to expand its Lightspeed network and provide Ka-band service to the armed forces. The total contract value with the Canadian Defense Investment Agency could grow to C$2.7 billion... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Podcast: The Latest On Trump Force One, CCAs & More
Robert Wall Brian Everstine Steve Trimble August 04, 2026 Editors discuss the Pentagon’s modernization priorities, including the Air Force’s collaborative combat aircraft program, Air Force One modification issues and the Navy’s efforts to advance a more modular missile defense architecture. Thank you to our sponsor, GE Aerospace. GE Aerospace is uniquely positioned to support the Defense sector, providing reliable high performance, innovative military engines, systems and services.
Launch Site Shortage Troubles Western Military Space Leaders
Launcher scarcity may be today’s capacity concern for space operators, but Western military leaders increasingly worry about the state of range infrastructure as they look to put spacecraft to orbit quickly in times of crises.
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