Daily Report

Feb. 3, 2026

Radar Sweep

Trump’s Golden Dome, a Year in, Is Struggling to Take Shape

POLITICO

President Donald Trump promised the country a stunning missile defense shield that the military would build in record speed. One year and billions of dollars later, his “Golden Dome” dream is no closer to reality. The Pentagon hasn’t started rolling out the vast network of sensors and interceptors because—partly due to the project’s complexity—the White House has yet to release the billions Congress appropriated to build the architecture.

Ones to Watch Application Now Open

AFA

AFA’s Ones to Watch program recognizes emerging companies making an impact in the aerospace and defense community. Eligible small and mid-size businesses are encouraged to apply and gain visibility among industry leaders.

Russia Claims $15 Billion in 2025 Arms Exports, with Focus on Africa

Defense News

Russia earned over $15 billion from arms exports in 2025, supplying military equipment to more than 30 countries despite Western sanctions aimed at isolating Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin announced last week, though questions remain about the number’s validity.

Singapore Acquires Used C-130Hs to Replace Even Older C-130s

Breaking Defense

Singapore has acquired legacy Lockheed-Martin C-130 Hercules transport aircraft to replace older C-130s, its air force chief said. In his traditional media Q&A in the lead up to the Singapore Airshow, Maj. Gen. Kelvin Fan said that delivery of the secondhand C-130Hs to the Republic of Singapore Air Force to replace the C-130Bs in its inventory has begun.

These Planes Are Mimicking Enemy Shahed-136 Drones in US Military War Games

The War Zone

For the past week, two small experimental aircraft have been operating off the coast of Savannah, Ga. Their job is to replicate long-range kamikaze drones similar to the Iranian Shahed-136. These weapons were a steadily growing threat that was overlooked for years. Then the true danger they posed exploded onto the world stage via their widespread use in the war between Russia and Ukraine. Now the U.S. military needs to test and train against these capabilities, including honing the abilities of United States fighter squadrons to track and destroy them.

Gift link

SpaceX, xAI Tie Up, Forming $1.25 Trillion Company

The Wall Street Journal

Elon Musk said SpaceX acquired xAI, a deal that combines his powerful rocket-and-satellite business with his artificial-intelligence startup that is facing steep competition.

GA-ASI and Mitchell Institute Award the 184th Attack Squadron with RPA Squadron of the Year

General Atomics release

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. and the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies presented the 2024 Remotely Piloted Aircraft Squadron of the Year Award to the 184th Attack Squadron from the Ebbing Air National Guard Base. The award was initially announced at the annual Air, Space, and Cyber Conference, but GA-ASI and Mitchell held a formal presentation ceremony on Jan. 30 in Fort Smith, Ark., the home of the 184th, in order to include the entire “Flying Razorbacks” squadron.

One More Thing

Yokota-Born Airman Is Third Generation to Serve at Airlift Hub in Western Tokyo

Stars and Stripes

You could say Leo Plummer, an Air Force technical sergeant who works at this airlift hub in western Tokyo, kept a family tradition alive. He was born on Yokota, where his father, retired Master Sgt. Charles Plummer, was stationed twice, from 1988 to 1993 and again from 1998 to 2005. And Leo’s grandfather, James O’Connor, was also stationed at Yokota as a crew chief on F-105 Delta Daggers from 1959 to 1961 with the 40th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, the Red Devils.