October 18, 2026 to October 24, 2026

This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning national defense, cybersecurity, weapons systems, military commitments, and the Army, Navy and Air Force. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track GR news in industries related to Defense? Don't miss this week's updates in ICT & Cybersecurity and Foreign Affairs. Also consider subscribing to our Defence - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

White House Issues Defense Production Act Determination on Domestic Petroleum Sector

On October 22, President Trump signed a memorandum under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, directing the Secretary of War to implement actions supporting and expanding domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity. The determination follows Executive Order 14156, which declared a National Energy Emergency citing insufficient domestic energy output and infrastructure. The directive authorizes government intervention—such as purchases and financial support—to address capacity shortfalls noted as critical for defense purposes, due to financial, permitting, and supply chain constraints within the petroleum sector. The Secretary of War is tasked with executing these DPA-authorized measures and superseding conflicting directives. The move may affect defense procurement and logistics for industry contractors engaged in fuel supply and military operations.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Section 338 Tariffs on Canadian Products Further Modified by Presidential Proclamation

A presidential proclamation signed October 23 modifies Section 338 tariffs on Canadian products in response to Canada’s imposition of $20 billion in retaliatory tariffs and withdrawal from a near-final trade agreement. The update removes items like plywood sheets, paper products, and machinery, and adds valves, carpets, and waste products to the tariff list. These tariffs are assessed in addition to Section 232 duties and apply to all covered goods regardless of USMCA status, becoming effective October 30. The administration cites authority under the Tariff Act of 1930 and aims to protect U.S. manufacturing and supply chains. Companies moving goods across the border in affected categories face immediate changes in their cross-border trade procedures.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Presidential Proclamation Restricts Imports of Wind Turbines and Components on National Security Grounds

On October 22, the White House issued a proclamation adjusting imports of wind turbines and components into the United States following a Commerce Department Section 232 investigation. The report determined such imports create national security risks, highlighting grid reliability concerns and cybersecurity vulnerabilities with foreign components. The proclamation directs the Secretary of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative to negotiate mitigating agreements with trading partners, and points to existing tariffs on key component materials including aluminum, steel, and copper. Defense and aerospace contractors with business in energy or related electronics may be required to review sourcing and cybersecurity assurances for wind energy-related products.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Arms Sales Notifications: Multiple Foreign Military Sales Advance, Including for Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Spain, the Netherlands, Jordan, and Oman

The Department of Defense published a series of arms sales notifications in the Federal Register over the reporting period. Notably, proposed sales include expanded THAAD missile systems and JDAM guidance kits to Saudi Arabia (valued at up to $18.2 billion and $5 billion respectively), AGT-1500 tank engines ($750 million, principal contractor Honeywell), and F-16 sustainment support to Oman ($188 million). Iraq is slated to acquire Bell 412EPX/407M helicopters and related equipment, with one case at $800 million and another at $150 million, both led by Bell-Textron. Spain is approved for $75 million in sonar upgrades and receives an amended $1.2 billion package for MH-60R helicopters and related systems. The Netherlands’ package includes 392 AIM-9X Block II missiles for $295 million. Jordan will receive additional GMLRS M31A2 rockets. Spain’s contracts for sonar and additional support are managed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center and U.S. Navy. The notifications also detail offset arrangements, contractor obligations, technology transfer sensitivities, and deployment requirements. Multiple notifications note that the technology classification for various systems is SECRET.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

Information Collection Extensions Proposed for DFARS Parts 223, 226, 215, and Inspection/Receiving Reports

The Defense Acquisition Regulations System announced proposals to extend information collection requirements for DFARS Parts 223 and 226 (hazard warning, ammunition safety, drug-free workforce), Part 215 (negotiation/forward pricing rate proposals), and inspection/material receiving reporting. DFARS 223/226 covers hazardous materials labelling, ammunition safety, and related contractor notifications; Part 215 implements forward pricing rate proposal adequacy checklists to streamline contract negotiation. Inspection reporting requirements mandate contractors use the Wide Area WorkFlow system for receiving and payment documentation. Each information collection is scheduled for a three-year extension and is open for public comment through December 18, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• RTX lifts 2026 forecasts as aerospace, defense demand drives record backlog: RTX raises full-year guidance citing robust aerospace and defense sector demand pushing backlog to new highs.
• NATO to send planes and drones to Black Sea after attacks on shipping: NATO announces deployment of surveillance aircraft and drones to the Black Sea in response to shipping disruptions.
• Thales nine-month sales and orders top forecasts on arms and space contracts: Thales reports higher-than-expected sales and order growth, citing strong arms and space contract activity.
• UK restarts large-calibre weapon manufacturing after 20 years in defence push: The UK resumes production of large-calibre munitions for the first time in two decades to address defence needs.
• Danish military orders long-range missiles, drawing Russian ire: Denmark confirms new orders for long-range missiles amid increased tensions with Russia.
• Leonardo, Rheinmetall secure 3.7-billion-euro contracts with Italian army, MF daily says: Leonardo and Rheinmetall win €3.7 billion in Italian army contracts for land systems and armored vehicles.
• France, UAE revive Rafale warplane development amid French budget woes: France and the UAE renew joint development of the Rafale fighter following budgetary pressures in Paris.
• Swedish defence group Saab's order bookings soar on back of Ukraine Gripen order: Saab reports a surge in Q3 defense orders, partly driven by Ukraine signing a significant Gripen fighter deal.
• Germany's Merz touts defence, AI and chip investment drive in pitch to investors: Germany promotes increased defense, artificial intelligence, and semiconductor investments to attract global capital.
• COMMENTARY: From Canada to Nigeria, a race for more 'defence sovereignty' is on: Commentary surveys the accelerating drive for national defense industrial capacity from Canada to Nigeria.

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