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
Edge Group Jeniah UCAV Set For Fielding Within Four Years
Robert Wall November 12, 2026 Credit: Edge Group ABU DHABI—Edge Group has cut metal for the first operationally representative Jeniah uncrewed combat air vehicle (UCAV), which it aims to use for flight tests and bring into service around the end of the decade. “Within the next two years, it should start the flight campaign,” said Khaled Al Zaabi... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Edge Group Fast-Tracked Equipment Development To Counter Iranian Threat
Robert Wall November 12, 2026 Edge Group, which has been working on the Skyknight air defense missile (shown), added work on a simpler system to counter Iranian drones. Credit: Edge Group ABU DHABI—Edge Group stood up several efforts after the outbreak of hostilities in the Gulf earlier this year to help the United Arab Emirates (UAE) counter Iranian drones and other related threats. “We did not change our priorities,” Edge Managing Director Hamad Al Marar said. “We accelerated our...
Guardian Dynamics Sees Warden Flying Before 2028
Robert Wall November 12, 2026 Credit: Guardian Dynamics Guardian Dynamics, the Dutch weapons startup looking to develop a homegrown short-range air-defense interceptor, expects the system to be in flight tests within about a year and ready for operational service the year after. Flight trials of the Warden interceptor are due to start in the third or... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
European Space-Cloud Startup OwlO Targets 2030 For Initial Service
Robert Wall November 12, 2026 Credit: OwlO European space-cloud services startup OwlO has emerged from stealth with plans to deploy an initial constellation of low-Earth-orbit data-crunching satellites. The initial constellation encompasses 10 satellites and is due to be operational in 2030, CEO Jason Aspiotis says in an interview. “There... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Edge Eyes Supersonic Test Track In XRange Enhancement Drive
Robert Wall November 11, 2026 Credit: Edge Group ABU AL ABYAD, United Arab Emirates—Edge Group’s test and evaluation unit is looking to add a high-speed test track at its XRange facility here as part of a range of enhancements to help capture overseas business and service UAE weapons development needs. The business, known as Ramaya, has been... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Guardian Dynamics Pushes Dutch Air Defense Interceptor Concept
Robert Wall November 11, 2026 Credit: Guardian Dynamics Dutch startup Guardian Dynamics says it has assembled a local industrial team to push the idea of developing a low-cost short-range air defense interceptor called Warden. The company says it plans to work with Dutch applied science and technology organization TNO, Demcon and Axienty Systems on the... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Powertech Nears PJ120 Turbojet First Flight
Robert Wall November 11, 2026 Credit: Edge Group ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates—Powertech is gearing up to begin flight trials of its PJ120 turbojet missile and drone engine, with efforts to scale production already underway. The Edge Group propulsion unit has several platform-engine integration efforts now underway, with first flight due in a... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Rafael unveils Super Ice missile with fourfold heavier warhead
Rafael says Super Ice carries a 1,000-pound warhead and launches from air, land and sea, but publishes no range, weight, customer or test schedule. SN How Streamline reports this story Build your reading streak0/3 today·Counts at 25% No sign-in required. Choose up to two. This captures your response to the story—it is not a vote on whether the reporting is true. 4 source references Sources linked in this article’s evidence ledger.
Rafael Unveils Super Ice Cruise Missile Featuring Larger Warhead
Robert Wall November 11, 2026 Credit: Rafael Rafael is adding to its cruise missile offering with a system it calls Super Ice, which is capable of delivering a 1,000-lb. warhead. The missile would feature greater range and increased destructive power over other systems Rafael has put into the market, such as the Ice Breaker and Sea Breaker... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Hensoldt Lists Airborne Electronic Attack As Large Opportunity
Robert Wall November 10, 2026 Hensoldt partnered with Dronamics to demonstrate advanced sensors. Credit: Hensoldt Hensoldt says the LuWES airborne electronic attack in Germany the company has been chasing represents a more than €3 billion ($3.4 billion) business opportunity. The company, in a Nov. 10 investor update, says the request for proposals is in hand for the program. LuWES includes stand-in jamming... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Edge Group Sees Munitions Export Opportunities Through Rafale
Robert Wall November 10, 2026 Credit: Al Tariq Edge Group units developing air-to-ground munitions expect a boost in export opportunities from the integration of their weapons on the Dassault Aviation Rafale fighter. Both Halcon and the Al Tariq joint venture are now undergoing weapons trials on Rafale to integrate their systems on the fighter... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Debrief: Why Higher Interest Rates May Spur More Defense And Space M&A
Robert Wall November 10, 2026 Voyager Technologies continues its hunt for acquisitions after buying lunar technology maker Astrobotic Technology. Credit: Voyager Technologies High interest rates are emerging as a new driver of defense and space company deal-making. Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities have enjoyed multiple drivers in recent months. Among them are legacy companies looking to boost supply chain resilience, expand their technology portfolio, or buy...
AST SpaceMobile Eyes Own Blacklift Lauch Sites
Robert Wall November 10, 2026 AST SpaceMobile plans to use Firefly’s Miranda rocket as part of the Blacklift rocket. Credit: Firefly AST SpaceMobile expects to use partner Firefly’s launch facility in Wallops, Virginia, for the new Blacklift rocket and augment that with its own launch sites in the U.S., CEO Abel Avellan says. “We are also working on two additional locations, a part of the execution of Blacklift,” Avellan told... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
United Arab Emirates’ Dark Wing Missile Enters Production
Robert Wall November 09, 2026 Credit: Edge Group ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates—Edge Group’s Dark Wing cruise missile is entering production, with the first delivery of the weapons to take place within the next couple months. The weapon—which can be canister- or rail-launched in its ground application, or air launched—has been tested and... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Edge Group Completes Sirb SAR Satellite Design Review
Robert Wall November 09, 2026 Credit: Edge Group ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates—Edge Group’s Fada space unit has completed the system-level critical design review for its synthetic aperture radar satellite as the company looks to launch the spacecraft in 2028. With the review done, the company is now looking to secure a launch slot. “We are... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
NASA Updates Moon Base Plan Spanning Rover to Rides
Robert Wall November 08, 2026 Credit: NASA NASA is firming up how to deliver the promised Moon base, naming vendors to help deliver payloads and services to the lunar surface through contracts potentially valued at more than $11 billion. The activities include, for instance, a nuclear-powered rover and demonstrations to connectivity at the... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
AST SpaceMobile Expands Into Launch With Firefly Engine Deal
Robert Wall November 06, 2026 Credit: AST SpaceMobile AST SpaceMobile is getting into the launch business with plans for a 20-ton rocket as it looks for greater surety about access to orbit. The company that has been deploying a direct-to-device satellite communication system said it plans for its Blacklift rocket to commence flying in late 2028. The... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Anduril Ramps Up European Drone Operations
Robert Wall November 06, 2026 Anduril tests a visual-based navigation system on its Ghost-X drone. Credit: Robert Wall/Aviation Week LLANBEDR, Wales—Anduril is ramping up its activities at its European Test and Training Site here as the company starts bringing in more European users to the facility to train and test systems. The company initially took a 1-year lease at the site on the western coast of the country, once home to... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Podcast: What Do The Midterm Results Mean For Pentagon Spending?
Robert Wall Brian Everstine November 06, 2026 Editors are joined by Gen. Lee Levy to try and answer the trillion dollar-plus question of what the outcome of the midterm elections really means for the U.S. defense budget. 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.
Europe's Prometheus Reusable Rocket Engine Renews Hot-Fire Test
Robert Wall November 06, 2026 Credit: ArianeGroup ArianeGroup has commenced a new round of trials of the Prometheus rocket engine intended to help Europe close the gap in reusable launchers. The Oct. 29 hot-fire test, conducted at the P5 test bench at the German Aerospace Center’s Lampoldshausen, Germany, facility, was the first to use a combustion... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
France Plans Upgraded MBDA Naval Cruise Missile Order
Robert Wall November 06, 2026 Credit: MBDA French defense armaments agency DGA says it plans to place an order with MBDA for the latest version of its naval cruise missile. The deal is for the MdCN Mk 2, the French government said Nov. 6. The missile is due for use on FREMM multi-mission frigates using the Sylver A70 launcher and Suffren... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
UK Launches One-Way Effector From Carrier
Robert Wall November 05, 2026 Credit: BAE Systems The UK has undertaken a series of launches of a BAE Systems one-way effector design from the deck of its HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier, expanding the number of launch platforms for the system. The trial of the one-way attack drone took place as part of the Exercise Neptune Reach B. Four Nyan... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Rheinmetall Talks With Destinus On Missile JV In Doubt
Robert Wall November 05, 2026 Credit: Destinus Rheinmetall has signaled that previously disclosed plans to establish a joint venture (JV) with European missile startup Destinus may be at risk of falling apart. Destinus and Germany defense startup Helsing last month announced a commercial tie-up. Under the agreement, Helsing said it would take a... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
France To Order More Exocet Missiles, Boost Aster On Frigates
Robert Wall November 05, 2026 Credit: MBDA France's defense armaments agency, DGA, is planning to order Exocet MM40 B3c anti-ship and land-attack missiles from MBDA for the navy and potentially other buyers, while seeking to boost air defense on the country's frigates. The missiles, the newest version of the Exocet, are due for delivery... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Germany OKs Funding To Arm Heron TP, Upgrade Eurofighter Radar
Robert Wall November 05, 2026 Credit: BMVg After years of back-and-forth, German legislators have approved funding to arm the country’s Israel Aerospace Industries Heron TP medium-altitude, long-endurance drones. Lawmakers gave the green light Nov. 4 as they signed off on a half-dozen defense procurement initiatives, each with a value of... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
UK Resets Kick-Off For Next Generation Red Air Competition
Robert Wall November 05, 2026 Credit: Draken The UK next year plans to initiate the process to select a vendor for new red-air services starting in the coming decade. The Next Generation Red Air timeline, detailed Nov. 4, represents a delay from that presented two years ago when the UK Royal Air Force said it was seeking a 15-year service from... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
OHB To Build Next European Sentinel Topography Satellite
Robert Wall November 04, 2026 Credit: OHB OHB has landed a €554 million ($622 million) contract for the Sentinel-3 Next-Generation Topography (S3-NGT) satellite with an option for a second. The spacecraft are due to replace the pair of existing Sentinel-3 topography satellites, offering higher revisit rates and greater precision at sea... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Germany Takes Delivery Of Helsing Combat Fighter System Nucleus Code
Robert Wall November 04, 2026 Credit: Helsing The German Defense Ministry says it has taken delivery of Helsing-provided source code underpinning its plans for a software system that will integrate uncrewed aircraft and sensors. German defense armaments agency BAAINBw has taken delivery of the so-called Mission Operating System Bundeswehr, or... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
France Flies SyLEx Rocket For Nuclear SLBM Development
Robert Wall November 04, 2026 Credit: DGA France has used the second flight of ArianeGroup’s SyLEx sounding rocket to validate technology for its nuclear deterrent, French defense armament agency DGA said Nov. 4. The Nov. 4 mission at the Biscarrosse test range “marks a significant technological milestone in the development of the payload... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Voyager Technologies Sees Strong 2027 Top-Line Growth
Robert Wall November 03, 2026 Credit: Voyager Technologies Voyager Technologies expects to deliver strong sales growth next year, bolstered by its acquisition of Astrobotic Technology and with more deals in the pipeline. Astrobotic, which Voyager in June said it was buying, should boost the company’s top line by $150-200 million in the coming year, CFO Phil... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Embraer Picks Fokker For Dutch KC-390 Support
Robert Wall November 03, 2026 Credit: Embraer Embraer has picked Dutch aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) shop Fokker Services to work on the KC-390 tanker/transport aircraft the Royal Netherlands Air Force will receive. Under the agreement announced Nov. 3, Fokker will provide field service representatives and support to help ease the service entry of the new platform, the companies said.
German-UK Cooperation To Expand To Military Space
Robert Wall November 03, 2026 From left, defense ministers Boris Pistorius (Germany) and Wes Streeting (UK). Credit: BMVg The German and UK defense ministers have pledged to deepen cooperation, including greater partnership in military space activities. “We intend to deepen our strategic defense space relationship,” Germany’s Boris Pistorius and his UK counterpart, Wes Streeting, said in a joint statement. “We will use... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
JAXA Backs Interstellar Zero Launcher
Robert Wall November 03, 2026 Credit: Interstellar Technologies Japanese launcher startup Interstellar Technologies has secured Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) backing for its Zero rocket program. The company said JAXA has selected it as part of its Acceleration of Commercial Rocket Launch Demonstration program, under the Space Strategic Fund. The... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
MBDA Secures German Airborne Laser Demo
Robert Wall November 02, 2026 Credit: MBDA MBDA says it has received a contract from the German defense procurement agency for an airborne laser demonstration. The goal is to advance technology for a potential laser weapon, the European missile joint venture said Nov. 2. MBDA said that under the contract from BAAINBw, the company is supposed... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
France Prepares Rafale Test Aircraft For F5 Trials
Robert Wall November 02, 2026 Credit: DGA French armaments agency DGA has delivered a Dassault Aviation Rafale to its flight test center to support trials of the future F5 standard of the twin-engine fighter. The aircraft, delivered in the F4.1 standard under a contract awarded in 2021, will be heavily modified to support work on the follow... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Hypersonica To Accelerate Testing Pace With Funding Boost
Robert Wall November 02, 2026 Credit: Hypersonica/Nick Frank European startup Hypersonica has leveraged the first flight test of its hypersonic missile demonstrator to secure €100 million ($112 million) in financing it plans to parlay into accelerated testing. The Series B funding round will also support expanding industrial operations, the company said in a... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Switzerland To Get First Patriot System Elements By Mid-2027
Robert Wall October 30, 2026 Patriot missile launcher. Credit: VBS Switzerland will receive the first components for its Patriot air and missile defense system in 2027, Defense Minister Martin Pfister said Oct. 30. The U.S. Embassy notified the government in Bern this week that, by mid-2027, Switzerland will receive elements of its first fire unit, comprising a... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Kongsberg Focuses Zone 5 Activity On Scaling Up
Robert Wall October 30, 2026 Credit: Kongsberg Kongsberg says the focus for recently acquired missile maker Zone 5 Technologies in the coming year will be expanding operations in the U.S. and abroad, even as the company looks to improve profitability toward the end of the decade. “Kongsberg's priority for Zone 5 in 2027 is to continue to scale... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Germany Prepares To Address NATO CCA Requirement
Robert Wall October 30, 2026 German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (right) during a visit at Airbus’ facility in Manching, Germany. Credit: German Defense Ministry Germany has committed to providing collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) air-to-ground capabilities to NATO, according to the German Defense Ministry. The alliance has set the requirement to have such capabilities available to attack well-defended targets from 2035, the ministry said, noting it also...
Debrief: Not Everything Is Solid In the Solid Rocket Motor Boom
Robert Wall Steve Trimble October 29, 2026 Credit: L3Harris It is now a given that solid rocket motor (SRM) demand remains far ahead of supply. What is not certain is that companies can deliver on their bulging orderbooks and what the financial returns will be long term. One of the places this uncertainty is playing out is at L3 Harris, where then-CEO Chris... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Finland Taps VR Firm Varjo To Train Troops Against Drone Threats
Robert Wall October 29, 2026 Credit: Varjo Finland is exploring the use of virtual reality technology to train troops in how best to counter uncrewed air systems. An innovation unit in the Finnish Defense Forces will work with local virtual reality technology provider Varjo to devise training to deal with these threats, the defense research... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
NASA Extends Global Hawk Use To Support Strong SkyRange Demand
Robert Wall October 29, 2026 Credit: NASA NASA has boosted funding to Northrop Grumman to support the agency’s SkyRange program and extend the use of the RQ-4A Global Hawk aircraft given strong demand for the activities. “Over the past five years and eight months, the SkyRange project has expanded, requiring additional support from... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Indra Charts Space Growth After IRIS² Commitments
Robert Wall October 29, 2026 Credit: Indra Spanish defense and aerospace supplier Indra says its decision last year to bolster its space portfolio is starting to pay dividends, in part by securing a key role in the European IRIS 2 secure satellite communications program. “The integration of Hispasat and Hisdesat has significantly expanded... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Airbus Wants Decision Soon On Future Fighter Plan
Robert Wall October 28, 2026 Credit: Airbus Airbus will take the lead from the German and Spanish governments on the path forward on a next-generation fighter partnership approach but is pushing for a decision soon. Germany in particular has started talks with potential partners, including the British-Italian-Japanese Global Combat Air... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Switzerland Shortlists Barak MX, SAMP/T NG In Air Defense Contest
Robert Wall October 28, 2026 Credit: IAI Switzerland has narrowed the field of contestants in its effort to buy a second long-range missile defense system to augment the delayed U.S. Patriot system it eventually expects to field. The Swiss government, on Oct. 28, said it has instructed defense armament agency VBS to limit its consideration... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
Lufthansa Technik's TAP Takeover Remains Work In Progress
Robert Wall October 28, 2026 AMSTERDAM—Lufthansa may have won the bidding to become a major shareholder in TAP Air Portugal, but combining the two companies’ maintenance, repair and overhaul operations is still far off. Multiple steps, some not yet decided, remain to be completed before Lufthansa Technik can start taking control of TAP Maintenance and Engineering. Closing the deal is just the first step, and that alone could take 18-24 months. Even then, it will not trigger consolidation.
GomSpace Deploys Communications Satellite Testbed For Ukraine
Robert Wall October 27, 2026 Credit: GomSpace Danish satellite maker GomSpace says it has deployed a satellite in partnership with Ukraine’s Himera as a test asset to provide Ukraine an independent communications network. The satellite, Obria Nano, was launched during the SpaceX Transponder 18 mission on Oct. 1. Ukraine has been looking to... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
KLM Mobilizes Military MRO Activities
Robert Wall October 27, 2026 AMSTERDAM—KLM has inducted its first maintenance technicians into a program to learn how to maintain Royal Netherlands Air Force Boeing helicopters, as part of a multiyear effort to build up its military maintenance, repair and overhaul operation. The first few staff began the familiarization training process this week, said Gijs van Rooijen, KLM Engineering and Maintenance’s defense MRO program director.
Pentagon TF34 Parts Demand Hits Commercial MROs
Robert Wall October 27, 2026 Credit: U.S. Air Force AMSTERDAM—The Pentagon’s demand for TF34 engine spare parts is hurting the ability of commercial maintenance, repair and overhaul shops to service CF34 customer needs, says Lufthansa Technik Vice President Corporate Strategy David Doyle. The U.S. military, under the defense production act, can prioritize its access to such components and has done so, Doyle said at Aviation Week’s MRO Europe annual conference and exhibition.
Cowboy Space Details 'Big Iron' Launcher Plans
Robert Wall October 27, 2026 Credit: Cowboy Space Cowboy Space has started to provide details around the launcher that it plans to loft before the end of 2028. The rocket it calls “Big Iron” is slated to be 86 m (282 ft.) tall and 4.7 m in diameter, the company said on social media. The first stage would be powered by nine of its in-house developed... Robert Wall Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space.
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