Lockheed Martin has appointed Jeremy King as its next chief executive for Australia and New Zealand, succeeding Warren 'Macca' McDonald. According to Breaking Defense, King previously served the Australian Defence Force for over 30 years and led major capability programs such as the MRH-90 and Chinook project.
The Army has selected three companies - Bell, M1, and Lockheed Martin - to move on to the next phase of the Flight School Next program. The companies will provide more information about their proposals and illustrate their full-scale solutions.
Lockheed Martin announced a record 191 F-35 deliveries in 2025, exceeding previous year's total by more than 70%. The company cited a backlog of jets held in storage as the primary cause.
Lockheed Martin delivered a record 191 F-35s in 2025, the highest annual total in the program's history, as more countries move to expand or introduce the fifth-generation jet into their air forces. The company reports that annual production is now running at a pace around five times higher than any other allied fighter currently in production.
President Donald Trump has issued a warning to defense firms about limits on share repurchases and executive compensation, citing concerns over investments in modernizing weapons production facilities. The move comes as the administration plans to issue an executive order targeting defense company share buybacks, dividends, and executive compensation.
The US Pentagon is overhauling its acquisition, production and procurement processes to rebuild the industrial base. This comes after COVID revealed weaknesses in the supply chain and highlighted the need for greater capacity and resilience.
The Defense Department and Lockheed Martin have agreed to a framework for tripling PAC-3 production over seven years, with an initial capacity increase of 2,000 missiles per year. The contract award is still forthcoming, pending Congressional appropriations.
As the US midterm elections approach, concerns about congressional turmoil and defense spending uncertainty are growing. With Democrats poised to gain control of the House, the Trump administration's ability to enact its agenda without opposition is uncertain.
In 2026, Europe is likely to face challenges in its relations with the US, particularly regarding politics and manpower. However, if countries invest in their local industries, the year may prove pivotal.
Lockheed Martin has agreed to supply the Taiwan Air Force with 55 Legion infrared search and track (IRST) pods under the US Foreign Military Sales program. The delivery strengthens the F-16 fleet's ability to detect and track airborne targets using passive sensors, addressing an urgent operational need described by the US Department of Defense.
The US Army has expanded its Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) effort through a series of experiments designed to test new technologies before a culminating exercise. In 2026, smaller-scale experiments for one prototype and testing with an entire division will take place.
Breaking Defense reports that the Air Force has made significant progress in its drone wingman program, with first flights completed for prototype drones. The Collaborative Combat Aircraft program aims to develop unmanned systems capable of augmenting military forces.
Spain has acquired four Patriot fire units for $1.7 billion, as confirmed by RTX's Raytheon, and 200 F-404 engine fans for its F/A-18 fleet from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The deals follow Spain's recent defense shopping spree, which allocated €3.
Tory Bruno has resigned as president and CEO of United Launch Alliance, effective immediately. John Elbon will serve as Interim CEO until a new leader is found.
The Royal Australian Air Force has declared final operational capability on the Block 8.1 upgrade program for its C-130J Hercules fleet, operated by No. 37 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond in New South Wales. The upgrades, performed by Lockheed Martin and Airbus Australia Pacific, encompass critical improvements to aircraft systems, safety-critical software and hardware, and enhanced communications and navigation suites.
Finland has unveiled its first Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter at a rollout ceremony held on December 16, 2025, at Fort Worth, Texas. The aircraft, serial JF-501, is part of Finland's HX Fighter Program, which will replace the Finnish Air Force's F/A-18 Hornet fleet.
Lockheed Martin has finished production of all F-16 Block 70 aircraft for Bulgaria and Slovakia's initial fleets, according to AeroTime. The company announced the completion on December 15, 2025, noting that every aircraft has passed US government acceptance through the Foreign Military Sales program.
Switzerland has decided to cut an order of 36 Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jets due to a price increase of roughly $610 million enforced by the US government, following a contract dispute between the two sides. The Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport stated that 'due to foreseeable additional costs, it is not financially viable to maintain the originally planned number' of aircraft.
The Global Positioning System has been the backbone of the modern world for decades, powering everything from stock trades to power grids. The U.