GovTech News · Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026
Air Force chief wants the service to run all its own bases
By Tiatun Tiatun
With Democrats taking over Congress in January, Pentagon efforts like the Golden Fleet and Autonomous Warfare Command could lose their funding. Here's the news we're following today:
In this issue:
- Air Force wants to run its own bases
- Navy jet trainer down to one bidder
- Navy and Marines favor new amphibious ships
- Navy weighs Seawolf repairs with Fairbanks Morse
- Jobs in government contracting
Defense stocks
| S&P 500 | 7,376.86 | +0.31% |
|---|---|---|
| Defense ETF ITA | $68.98 | +1.28% |
| Lockheed Martin LMT | $567.08 | −1.58% |
| RTX RTX | $189.53 | −1.22% |
| Northrop Grumman NOC | $525.01 | −0.05% |
| General Dynamics GD | $354.06 | −0.64% |
| L3Harris LHX | $259.89 | +0.69% |
| Huntington Ingalls HII | $288.74 | −0.23% |
| Boeing BA | $173.40 | +0.52% |
Closing prices for Nov. 6, 2026, from Nasdaq.com. Not investment advice.
Lockheed Martin moved most, down 1.58%.
In the air
Air Force chief wants the service to run all its own bases
Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, the Air Force chief of staff, said on Nov. 6 that the service wants to "own and run" more of its air bases. He spoke at an airlift and tanker symposium. His remarks point to a possible rework of the joint base program, in which several services share an installation. If the change goes ahead, base operations, services and construction work could be bought differently, so contractors who support installations should watch for details. Read more at Air & Space Forces
Navy jet trainer contest narrows to one bidder after SNC exits
Sierra Nevada Corporation has decided not to bid for the Navy's Undergraduate Jet Training System. That leaves the Textron and Leonardo team, with its M-346N, as the only competitor. The program would replace the T-45 Goshawk. A separate commentary calls it a major test of the Pentagon's acquisition reform goals. For companies that bid on Navy work, it shows how a thin field can change the buyer's choices. Read more at The Aviationist
- The Air Force Research Lab gave IonQ a $7.5 million follow-on contract to move quantum technology toward field use.
- Investigators blamed maintenance errors for a loose actuator pin that led to the May T-38C crash in Alabama.
At sea
Navy and Marines favor buying new amphibious ships over faster repairs
The Navy and Marine Corps say the average amphibious ship is out of service more than half the time. Rather than speed up repairs on older vessels, the services have drawn up a plan to add nine more ships. Defense One reports the choice was seen as easier than fixing the maintenance backlog. For shipbuilders and repair yards, the plan points to possible new demand, though funding still has to be approved. Read more at Defense One
Fairbanks Morse Defense in talks with Navy on Seawolf-class repairs
Fairbanks Morse Defense is talking with the Navy about repairs to Seawolf-class submarines. The company already repairs Ohio-class and Los Angeles-class boats. No agreement has been announced. The talks show the Navy looking at more suppliers to help keep its submarine fleet in service. Smaller firms with submarine maintenance skills may find openings as that work grows. Read more at Breaking Defense
On land
Democratic House win sets up a defense spending debate
Defense One reports that a reconciliation bill is likely off the table after the midterm elections. The presumed chair of the House Armed Services Committee is talking about a $1 trillion cap on defense spending. A separate report says some new programs could lose funding. Contractors should follow how budget talks shape new starts, and plan for oversight hearings. Read more at Defense One
- L3Harris says it received $121 million in orders for low-cost data radios supporting Army command and control.
- The Pentagon is searching nationwide for a new installation and shaping a base-hardening effort, Breaking Defense reports.
In space
Viasat to build mission center for Space Data Network Backbone
The Pentagon has picked Viasat to design, field and scale a mission operations center for the Space Data Network Backbone. The contract is worth up to $450 million, and Viasat has received an initial $115 million task order. The network supports Golden Dome and other modernization work. Separately, sources told Breaking Defense that translating between satellite systems may need about $1 billion. Ground systems and satellite links look like growing areas. Read more at DefenseScoop
Pentagon lends LeoLabs $150 million to build more ground radars
The Pentagon's Office of Strategic Capital announced a $150 million loan agreement with LeoLabs. The space intelligence company plans to expand its manufacturing and add dozens of radars to its global network by 2030. This is a loan, not a contract award. It shows the office offering financing to firms in space tracking. Companies that need capital to scale production should note this route. Read more at Air & Space Forces
- The Space Force is studying how to use new approaches to operating satellites at very low altitudes.
- Gen. Douglas Schiess said the Space Force plans to add 2,800 Guardians and 2,000 civilians in fiscal 2027 if funded.
Jobs in government contracting
- Contracts Manager, Anduril · Seattle, Washington
- State and Local Government Senior Consultant - Boston, MA, Guidehouse · Boston, Massachusetts
- Director, Business Development-Space, CACI · Danbury, Connecticut + 4 more