Aerospace & Defense

New York – September 23, 2026 -- Boeing and Turkish Airlines finalized an order for up to 150 737 MAX aircraft, the flag carrier's largest single-aisle purchase from the U.S. planemaker.

Turkish Airlines locks in 100 firm 737-8 jets plus 50 options

The agreement covers 100 firm 737-8 airplanes and options for an additional 50 737 MAX jets. Turkish Airlines also secured substitution rights allowing it to swap orders for the 737-10, the largest MAX variant, giving the carrier flexibility to add capacity across its route network.

Deal signed in presence of Turkish President Erdoğan

The order was concluded in the presence of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, following discussions the two companies initiated in 2025. The purchase extends a partnership that already includes a 2025 order for up to 75 787 Dreamliners.

Newington, New Hampshire – September 23, 2026 -- SIG SAUER unveiled the P385 pistol at its invitation-only SIG NEXT event, claiming a 20 percent or greater reduction in muzzle rise depending on the model variant.

New Recoil System Cuts Muzzle Rise Across Five Model Variants

The P385 integrates a new SIG Recoil Dampening System, a low bore axis, and a precision-cut carbon steel barrel engineered for accuracy. The striker-fired pistol will ship in five configurations -- P385-MACH3D, P385-COMP, P385-FULL, P385-CARRY, and P385-COMPACT -- available in black and coyote brown finishes starting this fall and into early winter.

Reston, Va. – September 22, 2026 -- Rafael Systems Global Sustainment, LLC (RSGS), a U.S.-based subsidiary of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, has secured an agreement through the Aviation & Missile Technology Consortium (AMTC) to advance U.S. qualification of the SPIKE SR shoulder-launched, EO-guided missile system.

RSGS to lead U.S. qualification and adaptation of SPIKE SR for American forces

Under the agreement, RSGS and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will handle adaptation, integration, and testing of the SPIKE SR to align the system with U.S. military requirements. The work targets a lightweight, man-portable precision missile capability for dismounted forces operating in contested environments.

Daytona Beach – September 22, 2026 -- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University secured eight top-five rankings and 11 top-10 honors in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, published Sept. 22, reinforcing its position as a primary talent pipeline for aerospace, defense and aviation employers.

Daytona Beach and Prescott campuses both rank No. 2 in their regions

The Daytona Beach, Florida campus and the Prescott, Arizona campus each earned the No. 2 Overall Rank among regional colleges in the South and West, respectively, according to the rankings. Daytona Beach also took No. 1 in the Top Private Colleges list and No. 3 in Most Innovative Schools, while ranking No. 2 for veteran-focused programs.

Reston, Va. – September 22, 2026 -- Leidos Holdings (NYSE: LDOS) secured a U.S. Army contract worth up to $127 million to continue operating the Airborne Reconnaissance and Targeting Exploitation Multi-Mission Intelligence System (ARTEMIS) through summer 2027, with two additional option years.

Contract extends airborne ISR coverage across U.S. European Command area

The award keeps ARTEMIS flying rapidly deployable intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions within the EUCOM area of responsibility, with capacity to shift to other regions when required. Leidos has run the mission since 2020, supplying commanders with real-time data to detect threats and speed operational decisions.

Kennedy Space Center, Fla. – September 22, 2026 -- The International Space Station National Laboratory's Orbital Edge Accelerator has expanded its second-year cohort to eight startups, up from six in 2025, while raising available per-startup funding to a range of $500,000 to $750,000, up from a prior cap of $500,000.

Investment partners drive higher funding ceiling for space startups

A network of global investment partners -- CIRI, Context Ventures, Draper Associates, Draper University, E2MC, and Stellar Ventures -- backed the increased capital pool, according to the ISS National Lab. The expanded funding and cohort size reflect strengthened investor engagement in space-enabled technology ventures targeting low Earth orbit.

Ottawa, ON – September 22, 2026 -- The Federal Aviation Administration has extended its partnership with Solace to modernize SWIM, the national data network that has distributed real-time flight plans, surveillance data, weather events and airspace notices since 2011.

FAA rolls out Enhanced SWIM Cloud Services built on the Solace Platform

The extension supports delivery of Enhanced SWIM Cloud Services (ESCS), an overhaul of SWIM's developer experience and data exchange model. ESCS will enable bidirectional data flow, allowing FAA Data Partners to publish data back into the network and participate directly in collaborative decision-making rather than only receiving feeds.

Victor, N.Y. – September 22, 2026 -- Lite Coms has been selected by Boeing Defence Australia to supply tactical satellite communications terminals for the LAND 4140 Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) SATCOM program, part of the Australian Defence Force's LAND C4 Modernization effort.

Lite Coms will deliver its LITE SAT 1.3A terminals for the ADF's beyond line-of-sight network

The LITE SAT 1.3A is a lightweight, rugged, auto-acquire satellite terminal built with a carbon fiber reflector and designed for tool-free deployment. The system is engineered to establish secure, resilient satellite links for military and government operations in austere environments.

Norwalk, Conn. – September 22, 2026 -- Heartwood Partners has made a growth investment in The Xtreme Group (TXG), a Miami-based aviation MRO platform, in partnership with the company's existing management team, the private equity firm announced. The transaction closed on May 29, 2026.

TXG operates a full-service MRO platform across three subsidiaries

Founded in 2013, TXG runs Xtreme Aviation LLC, an FAA Part 145 certificated provider of airframe maintenance and line maintenance across major U.S. airports; Ignite Aero Engines, which specializes in CFM56 and CFM34 turbine engine overhaul; and Aventus Air Leasing II, which handles acquisition, refurbishment, and leasing of aircraft and engines. The company serves cargo, commercial, and charter operators from its Miami headquarters.

Elmhurst, N.Y. – September 21, 2026 -- Century Fasteners Corp. will exhibit at the 2026 International Fastener Expo in Phoenix, Arizona, from October 7-9, presenting its authorized distributor relationship with Cherry Aerospace at Booth 2756.

Century Fasteners expands aerospace fastener access through Cherry Aerospace distribution deal

Century Fasteners Corp., an authorized distributor for Cherry Aerospace, said the partnership broadens availability of Cherry's fastening systems to distributors and OEMs. Cherry Aerospace, headquartered in Santa Ana, California, is a member of the SPS Fastener Division of Precision Castparts Corp. and manufactures the CherryMax line of rivets, widely used across the aerospace industry alongside blind bolts, rivetless nut plates, shear pin fasteners and installation tools.