🔎 Defense Tech Signal — Friday

• The U.S. Air Force is weighing an increase to its planned B-21 fleet beyond 100 aircraft in the FY28 budget, signaling potential expansion of long-range stealth strike capacity.
• The U.S. Navy’s FY27 shipbuilding plan calls for 34 new ships, reinforcing fleet growth and industrial base demand amid rising maritime competition.
• The U.S. Army demonstrated additive manufacturing in a live counter-drone exercise in Lithuania, pointing to operational use of 3D printing for rapid sustainment and adaptation in contested environments.

Sources:

1) RealClearDefense — https://www.realcleardefense.com/2026/05/15/air_force_plans_to_set_new_goal_for_b-21_fleet_size_in_2028_budget_1182941.html
2) RealClearDefense — https://www.realcleardefense.com/2026/05/15/us_navy_unveils_fy27_shipbuilding_plan_with_34_new_ships_1182807.html
3) DefenseScoop — https://defensescoop.com/2026/05/14/army-additive-manufacturing-flytrap-counter-drone-exercise/

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