American Airlines formally marked 100 years of flight with a series of customer-facing updates, including aircraft liveries, onboard products, digital platforms, and historical storytelling. As part of AeroTime, CEO Robert Isom emphasized the airline's history of adaptation and innovation, highlighting its staying power through various challenges.
Joby Aviation has received its first CAE flight simulator, a fixed-based training device that will be qualified by the FAA as a Level 7 Flight Training Device. The second unit, a full-motion simulator, is expected to arrive later this year.
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.
Ukraine has begun operating its Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets with French-supplied MICA medium-range air-to-air missiles, marking a significant upgrade to the aircraft's capabilities. This follows France's broader commitments to strengthen Ukraine's air and missile defense, including pilot training, maintenance assistance, and weapons integration.
Cirrus Aircraft has unveiled its 2026 SR Series G7+ aircraft, featuring refinements that enhance ownership and flying experience through new avionics features, expanded Cirrus Global Connect capabilities, refreshed design collections and colors, and a 4-blade composite propeller upgrade option. The company's CEO emphasized the importance of safety systems, such as Safe Return Emergency Autoland, in supporting customers' missions and lifestyles.
DARPA has launched a new program aimed at developing a universal translator between different kinds of quantum computers. The Heterogenous Architectures for Quantum (HARQ) program seeks to combine multiple approaches into a single device, with the ultimate goal of creating an 'heterogenous architecture' that can blend the best of multiple technologies.
The Pakistan Air Force has successfully tested the Taimoor cruise missile, a new conventional stand-off strike capability developed by Global Industrial & Defence Solutions. According to AeroTime, the test was observed by senior officers and scientists involved in the program, marking a significant milestone for Pakistan's growing air-launched arsenal.
Iraq may be near a deal with France for 14 Rafale F4 fighters, according to reports citing Iraqi sources. The package under discussion includes 10 single-seat and four two-seat variants, all delivered to the Rafale F4 standard.
Cathay Pacific is marking 80 years of service with a retro livery on an Airbus A350-900 and vintage uniforms for over 1,000 cabin crew staff. The airline has also announced plans to introduce new liveries and merchandise inspired by its iconic designs.
STARLUX Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, marking a significant milestone for the Taiwan-based carrier. The new widebody jet features a unique 'carbon-fiber motif' and will initially operate on routes within Asia to build operational experience.
The US Federal Aviation Administration has selected RTX and Indra to replace hundreds of aging air traffic control radar systems currently in service across the US. Many of these systems date back to the 1980s and have exceeded their intended service life.
Argentina's National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC) has enacted significant reforms to its civil aviation regulations, set to take effect on March 1, 2026. The changes aim to simplify operational requirements and update licensing standards, while reducing administrative burdens on aircraft operators and pilots.
Electra Aviation has unveiled its EL9 plane, a hybrid-electric aircraft designed for ultra-short takeoff and landing capabilities. The company is courting the Pentagon as a new customer, citing the need for runway independence or agnosticism in military operations.
L3Harris Technologies has sold a majority stake in its civilian space propulsion unit to private equity firm AE Industrial Partners for $845 million. The deal represents L3Harris' continued pivot towards the military space market, with Chairman and CEO Christopher Kubasik emphasizing alignment with DoD vision for a faster, more agile defense industrial base.
The Pentagon announced it was adding Xai's Grok to GenAI.mil, a secure version of popular AI tools, amid concerns about defense spending. Meanwhile, North Korea unveiled its first nuclear-powered submarine, while China conducted a large-scale exercise in Taiwan's airspace.
The US Air Force has awarded a $835.6 million contract to US Aviation Academy for early-stage pilot training under the Initial Pilot Training program. The agreement runs through December 2035 and will cover foundational flight instruction to US and international military pilot candidates.
L3Harris Technologies has agreed to sell a majority stake in its Propulsion and Power Systems division to AE Industrial Partners for $845 million. The deal ensures the company's portfolio aligns with US mission priorities, according to L3Harris CEO Christopher Kubasik.
Breaking Defense reports that four top Pentagon acquisition officials have emphasized the importance of accountability over punishment in defense acquisition. The new system aims to empower program managers with decision-making authority, aligning responsibility with genuine authority.
Rheinmetall and MBDA Deutschland plan to establish a joint venture focused on high-energy laser weapons, formalizing a cooperation that has been running since 2019. The new company is expected to be set up in the first quarter of 2026 as a German limited liability company (GmbH).
A lawsuit against Boeing alleges that the US manufacturer attempted to shift blame onto an Alaska Airlines captain for a door plug blowout incident in January 2024. Captain Brandon Fisher is seeking $10 million in damages, citing Boeing's 'reprehensible and inaccurate' response to the incident.