The European Union is exploring a stealth-focused light attack aircraft concept as part of its 2026 planning under the European Defence Fund. The initiative aims to address an emerging capability gap in Europe's light military aviation segment on the 2035-2040 horizon.
An investigation has been launched after flights in Greece were grounded due to a national air traffic communications blackout on January 5, 2025. According to eKathimerini, the probe will be led by the police's electronic crime team which will look at whether the offence of dangerous interference with aircraft transportation has been committed.
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) will host its annual Leadership Conference from Feb. 2-4, 2026, at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, Texas. The event will feature six acclaimed keynote speakers who will offer their insights on how to strike a balance between work and life.
Airbus is poised to surpass its revised delivery goal for 2025, according to a Bloomberg report citing people familiar with the matter. The company delivered 793 aircraft last year, exceeding its target of around 790.
French and British military forces carried out a coordinated airstrike on an ISIS underground weapons storage site in central Syria, as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. The operation was supported by RAF Typhoon FGR4 fighter jets and Voyager aerial refueling aircraft.
A US Air Force RQ-170 Sentinel was reportedly deployed as part of Operation Absolute Resolve, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026. According to General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, months of intelligence preparation led to the successful mission.
South Korea is preparing to deliver the first production KF-21 Boramae fighter jets to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) in 2026. The deliveries mark the transition of the country's flagship combat aircraft program from development to operational service.
The US military conducted a surprise operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, involving over 150 aircraft and non-kinetic effects from US Space Command and US Cyber Command. According to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen.
According to Breaking Defense, US President Donald Trump announced that the US military had launched overnight attacks in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The development comes after Maduro was charged with 'narco-terrorism' by US courts in 2020.
Airbus is retiring its BelugaST cargo fleet, with five aircraft set to be permanently retired. The company is exploring museum and educational placements, primarily in Europe, though no final decisions have been announced.
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.
Brazil's Administrative Council for Economic Defense has approved United Airlines' plan to increase its minority stake in Azul Linhas Aéreas, clearing the way for a roughly $100 million investment tied to the airline's ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring. The decision removes a key regulatory hurdle and provides further clarity on Azul's post-restructuring ownership structure.
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.
According to a statement released by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, nearly 100 cadet pilots were trained during 2025 as part of a broader effort to expand and professionalize its aviation personnel pipeline. The ministry also reported issuing 437 state certificates to aviation personnel following qualification exams in 2025.
Breaking Defense reports that the Israeli defense industry is poised for growth in 2026, driven by lessons learned from the recent conflict. The country's ability to deliver advanced systems on time has led to record sales in 2024, with a focus on European markets.
Changi Airport Group has unveiled an underground people-mover system connecting Terminal 5 and Terminal 2 within four minutes, according to AeroTime on December 30 2025. The automated system will operate similarly to the existing Skytrain, with trains running every four to eight minutes.
China has successfully completed the first flight of its large unmanned 'mothership' aircraft, Jiutian, which is designed to carry dozens of smaller drones. The platform can deploy up to 100 UAVs in flight and has a range of several thousand miles.
Thai Airways has welcomed its first Airbus A321neo aircraft, marking the beginning of a significant fleet expansion for Thailand's flag carrier. The airline plans to operate the A321neo on regional routes across its Asia-Pacific network.
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 military has awarded Boeing a $2.7 billion contract for post-production support services related to Apache helicopters. The firm fixed-price contract was solicited online and is valued at $2,728,234,918.