Editor’s Note
The Daily Report will not run Wednesday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day. We'll be back in your inboxes Thursday, Nov. 12.
New Report: More Than 1 Million F-35 Spare Parts Remain Missing
The F-35 Joint Program Office is struggling to keep track of billions of dollars worth of spare parts for the fifth-generation fighter, government auditors said in a new report—and it still can’t find $85 million in parts that have been lost for years.
After Midterms, Congress Returns to Reckon with Defense Funding, NDAA
Following a historic win for Democrats in the midterm elections, Congress returned to Washington, D.C., Nov. 9. Between now and Jan. 3, 2027, when the midterm winners are sworn in, lawmakers are staring down major unfinished business, including defense legislation stalled for months leading up to the election.
In First, Two CCAs Fly Air Combat Maneuvers Using Autonomy Software
Two of the Air Force’s semi-autonomous drones flew air combat maneuvers coordinated by an “AI pilot,” or mission autonomy software, in a test Oct. 26, a first for the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.
Space Force Taps Viasat for $450M Ops Center to Harmonize Data Network
Space Systems Command recently awarded Viasat a contract with a $450 million ceiling to design and field a mission operations center for the command’s burgeoning Space Data Network.
Radar Sweep
Security Levels at US Bases in England Raised Without Explanation
The War Zone
At least two bases in England hosting U.S. Air Force aircraft are operating under beefed-up security protocols, a U.S. official told us on the afternoon of Nov. 9. The official was responding to our questions about what appeared to be unusual aircraft movements out of RAF Mildenhall.
US Air Force Seeks Anti-Drone Nets for F-35 Shelters at Tyndall
AeroTime
The U.S. Air Force is looking at enclosing six F-35A parking shelters at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, with protective netting designed to keep small drones away from parked fighters and the personnel working on them.
Hegseth Orders Major Revamp of Military Education
The Hill
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Nov. 9 ordered sweeping changes to the U.S. military’s professional education system, prioritizing skills that will win wars—an overhaul that comes as the Pentagon chief faces mounting calls for his impeachment.
Trump Says He’d ‘Stand By’ Hegseth Even if He’s Impeached
ABC News
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the House floor on the afternoon of Nov. 9. ... The House must take up the measure, since impeachment is a privileged matter, within two legislative days—forcing Republicans to go on the record after suffering major losses in the 2026 midterm elections. Calls to impeach Hegseth have grown as several Republicans have attributed the GOP's sweeping midterm losses to the Iran war.
Agencies Agree to Counter Unauthorized Drones Without Compromising Civilian Safety, Under New MOU
DefenseScoop
The second Trump administration firmed up an agreement that will further expand ongoing interagency efforts to safely counter and intercept rogue drone threats in civilian airspace.
Trump’s War Against Iran Not ‘Necessarily Popular’ but Needed to Stop a Nuclear Threat, Rubio Says
Associated Press
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Nov. 8 that President Donald Trump launched the war against Iran even if it was not “necessarily popular” to safeguard the world from the country’s nuclear ambitions.
Defense Industry Takes Aim at ‘Right to Repair’ as NDAA Decision Looms
Breaking Defense
When Congress returns this week, leaders of the armed services committees will face a looming decision on “right to repair” legislation aimed at giving troops the ability to fix their equipment while deployed, but industry groups say the measure could have grave implications for intellectual property.
Korean Air Aerospace Pushes Forward with Collaborative Combat Aircraft Plans
Breaking Defense
Korean Air Aerospace Division is readying its Low Observable Wingman Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle System loyal wingman drone to make its first flight by the end of this year, the company has announced.
Trump Envoys Aim to Persuade Russia to Include Europe in Negotiations on Ending War with Ukraine
Associated Press
The White House aims to use this week’s talks with Ukrainian and Russian officials in part to persuade Moscow to agree to broader negotiations that would include key European officials on how to end nearly five years of war, U.S. officials said Nov. 9.
Air Force Veteran Takes a Ride of a Lifetime
VTDigger
On Oct. 2, Shelburne resident Lucille Malaney began a journey she would never forget. The 83-year-old, a United States Air Force veteran who served during the Vietnam War, joined around 30 other veterans for a flight from Plattsburgh, New York, to Washington, D.C.