The agency’s ultimate goal is to integrate the disparate elements of a vast ballistic missile defense system—including satellites, airborne infrared data and ground- and ship-based radars—into a single network of sensors and shooters functioning seamlessly.

Signature of a contract for 36 Saab JAS 39E/F Gripen fighters for Brazil—covering technology transfer, the development of the JAS 39F two-seater and a substantial role in the program for Embraer and other Brazilian companies—is a turning point in Gripen’s history, Saab officials say.

As France prepares to battle the European Commission over its 2015 spending plan, Paris is under pressure to reduce the nation’s deficit, even as its military takes on new operational commitments in Africa and the Middle East. Pro-defense lawmakers also worry that the six-year military spending plan will collapse if some of the defense ministry’s anticipated funding sources do not materialize as planned.

Impressed with the performance of its first two U.S. MQ-9 Reapers, France is looking forward to a third in early 2015.

The Pentagon’s proposed new strategy—Third Offset—builds on operational challenges faced in the 1950s and 1970s—that took advantage of U.S. technological leadership to overcome operational challenges.

The Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments paper details the roles of new and existing systems in the Third Offset strategy; a larger role for the Long-Range Strike Bomber is one of several systems listed.

This may be the first time you've heard of Third Offset, but it won't be the last.

Ahead of the Zhuhai air show, Aviation Week's International Defense Editor Bill Sweetman talks to Defense Managing Editor Jen DiMascio about the J-20 Chinese fighter.