Defense & Space Industry Briefing — 2026-07-15

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Global Defense Space Developments

$1.75B Missile-Tracking Satellite Contract Awarded

L3Harris and Sierra Space have been awarded a combined $1.75 billion contract to build 36 missile-tracking satellites for the Space Development Agency's (SDA) Tracking Layer constellation, part of President Trump's "Golden Dome" missile defense initiative. The satellites will detect hypersonic and ballistic missiles from low Earth orbit, with first launches scheduled for 2028. Sierra Space alone received a $798 million contract as part of this effort, marking the second time the company has been selected to build satellites for the SDA's missile-tracking network. The company operates a defense-focused factory in Centennial, Colorado opened last year.

Philippines Military Plans Space Arm with First Satellites by 2028

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is establishing a Space Center that will eventually evolve into a larger military organization as it aims to field its first military satellites by 2028.

Germany Expands Military Space Capabilities

Defense officials announced a plan to field protected military satellites—the SATCOMBw system—aimed at securing communications and reinforcing NATO ties by 2030. The German Armed Forces plan to modernize the country's space capabilities by introducing new satellite systems.

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Strategic Policy & Regulation

European Space Spending Surges on Defense Priorities

European government space spending jumped 12% to 13.5 billion euros in 2025, according to a July 13 European Space Agency report, bucking a 3% global decline on the back of rising national defense budgets.

Pentagon Space Acquisition and National Reconnaissance Office Nominees Face Senate Scrutiny

Space acquisition and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) nominees are undergoing Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearings to address Pentagon space acquisition reform and the NRO's expanding role within the defense space enterprise.

Akin Gump Tracks July 2026 Space Policy Developments

Space policy watchers continue monitoring significant regulatory and legislative shifts as the Senate and House debate the 2027 defense budget request, with persistent activity in space-related policy despite typical summer slowdowns in Washington.

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Industry Analysis & Trends

Cohort Defense Portfolio Strength Continues

UK defense contractor Cohort posted record H2 2026 results, with management noting strong growth in communications, intelligence, sonar, counter-drone, and satellite capabilities. The company recommended a 10% dividend increase, continuing its progressive payout policy as defense demand remains elevated.

Defense Industrial Base Strengthening for Wartime Production

The U.S. industrial base is becoming stronger for wartime production, according to a recent study. However, "it will take several years of enduring effort for the United States and its allies to build, scale, and sustain the production capacity of these key defense inputs," highlighting ongoing supply-chain vulnerabilities despite improvements.

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Upcoming Confirmed Events & Milestones

• SDA Tracking Layer Satellite Launches: First constellation launches scheduled for 2028 per L3Harris/Sierra Space contracts.
• Philippines Military Space Operations: Armed Forces of the Philippines targeting first military satellite operations by 2028.
• German SATCOMBw Deployment: SATCOMBw military satellite system targeted for operational status by 2030.