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.
President Trump signed an executive order directing NASA to return astronauts to the Moon by 2028, establish a permanent lunar base by 2030, deploy nuclear power systems on the Moon, and accelerate development of the administration's 'Golden Dome' missile defense program. The order aims to attract at least $50 billion in private investment into US space markets by 2028 and pursue a commercial pathway to replace the International Space Station by 2030.
The US government has acknowledged its role in the January 2025 collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and an American Eagle jet over the Potomac River in Washington D.C. The accident resulted in the deaths of 67 people, with court documents filed on December 17, 2025, accepting the government's responsibility for the breach of duty of care.
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 Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Jennifer Homendy, has expressed her opposition to proposed legislation that would reduce safety in the skies over Washington DC. The NTSB is concerned about the potential risks of military aircraft operating without ADS-B technology, which provides an aircraft's location to air traffic control and other aircraft pilots.
A US House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing has reignited a debate over ADS-B tracking, with lawmakers pushing for new guardrails around aircraft tracking. The Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (PAPA) aims to restrict ADS-B use to safety functions, while also including transparency provisions for airports imposing landing fees on general aviation aircraft.