Aviation Week Defense Editor Steve Trimble attended the newly opened factory on the Skunk Works complex. Listen in as he talks with fellow editor Guy Norris about what he saw and what it means for the next wave of military aircraft production.

Sound Air looks ahead to electric regional flying, James Webb observations to probe mysteries of early universe, researchers develop cheaper route to SAF and more. A roundup of aerospace, space and defense news.

The chaotic events and deteriorating security environment at Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport also has underlined the importance of ensuring that militaries retain the ability to conduct such operations in situations not permissive to commercial options.

Supported by the UK’s Future Flight Challenge, the SATE project is establishing a low-carbon aviation test center at Kirkwall.

Ampaire completes trial flights with hybrid-electric testbed on regional airline route in Scotland.

JetBlue is looking to disrupt the U.S.-UK market, but recent history has been unkind to long-haul low-cost carriers.

The Defense supply chain is under new pressure. Not only is COVID-19 contributing to ongoing logistical issues and program delays, it is severely stressing the commercial aerospace supply chain, a source of strength for the whole industry since the end of the Cold War. Meanwhile, new cybersecurity and supply chain integrity requirements are taking hold while the industry faces incremental political and defense budget risk. While defense spending is expected to remain at current levels, the industry is facing changing Pentagon acquisition and strategic priorities.

A panel of industry leaders at the upcoming Aviation Week DefenseChain Conference will review the state of change and how these challenges are affecting the supply chain and their investment outlook.