The Spanish Air and Space Force has selected Turkish Aerospace Industries to purchase 30 Hürjet advanced jet trainers, worth $3 billion (€2.6 billion). Airbus will lead the development and implementation of the new combat Integrated Training System (ITS-C), replacing the current F-5 aircraft fleet.
Boeing has secured an $8.6 billion contract to supply Israel with 25 new F-15IA fighter jets, with an option for 25 more aircraft in the future. The deal, announced by the US Department of War on December 29, 2025, follows talks between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.
Two experienced pilots lost their lives in a midair helicopter collision near Hammonton Municipal Airport on December 28, 2025. According to local officials, preliminary information suggests that both aircraft were flying close together shortly after takeoff and may have been traveling together at the time of the accident.
The US Army is undergoing significant changes to its acquisition process, including a new reporting structure and a focus on commercialization. The Army plans to buy commercial engines for the M1E3 tank and set up a marketplace for drones and counter-drone capabilities.
Israel's Iron Beam laser air defense system has been officially activated by the Israeli Ministry of Defense and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. According to a joint press release, the system was successfully tested against various threats and will be integrated into the Israeli Air Force as part of its multi-layered aerial defense array.
The Federal Air Transport Agency has approved a modified Tu-214 with domestic-made systems and components, which will enable serial production and delivery to Russian airlines. Eight planes will be built in 2026, followed by 12 in 2027, and then from 2028 production will rise to 20 per year.
The US Army has selected Bell, Boeing, and Sikorsky to compete for a new rotary-wing training program worth up to $500 million. Training will cover 1,200 pilots annually starting in 2027, representing a significant expansion of Army aviation training capacity.
JALCARGO and the JR East Group have announced a new transportation service that combines Japan's Shinkansen high-speed rail network with Japan Airline's global air cargo operations. The 'JAL de Hako-byun' service, set to launch on January 13, 2026, aims to connect local Japanese producers with international markets through a streamlined one-stop logistics solution.
Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti have signed a codeshare agreement that will simplify travel to popular destinations in French Polynesia, starting June 2, 2026. The arrangement enables international passengers to book single tickets to Bora Bora Airport (BOB) and Rarotonga International Airport (RAR).
South Korea has marked the one-year anniversary of the Jeju Air crash that killed 179 people on December 29, 2024. The ceremony featured a memorial service at Muan International Airport, where President Lee Jae Myung offered his deepest apology and pledged a credible probe into the cause of the crash.
Breaking Defense reports on China's military parade showcasing its nuclear triad and new missiles, including the HQ-29 anti-satellite interceptor. This event highlights China's growing belligerent behavior in the Indo-Pacific region, with implications for regional security.
Blue Origin has appointed Tory Bruno as president of a new National Security Group, reporting directly to CEO Dave Limp. This move comes after nearly a decade at United Launch Alliance, where Bruno previously served as president and CEO.
Israel entered 2025 looking to a new US administration to be a gamechanger for Jerusalem's multi-front war. The country pushed forward with new technologies, including laser air defenses and unmanned systems, amid international criticism of its tactics in Gaza.
2025 was a year of significant change in the defense industry, from the Army's review of contracting to the introduction of executive orders affecting diversity initiatives. The Navy's autonomous drone development program and the controversy surrounding the Small Innovation Research Program fund highlight the challenges facing the industry.
Windracers CEO Stephen Wright discussed the company's drone development and future plans during a visit to its manufacturing facility in December 2025. The UK government has worked closely with Windracers since the first drone was delivered to Ukraine in 2023, and the company is aiming to produce 10 ULTRA drones each month in 2026 and 20 a month in 2027.
Breaking Defense reports that NATO allies have rejected US President Donald Trump's proposed peace deal with Russia, citing its favoring of Moscow's interests. Meanwhile, a dispute between French firm Dassault and Airbus over the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project has raised concerns about the effectiveness of European defense cooperation.
Breaking Defense reports that the US military has become increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence in various aspects of its operations, from battlefield management to cybersecurity. The development of GenAI.
The Pentagon has released a new annual assessment, warning that China's military buildup is increasing the vulnerability of the US homeland to threats. The report highlights China's expansion in cyber, space, and nuclear capabilities, as well as its efforts to achieve a 'strategic decisive victory' over Taiwan by 2027.
Breaking Defense reports on the most significant news stories from the Middle East in 2025, including Turkey's Steel Dome air defense system, Saudi Arabia's potential deal with General Atomics, Egypt's military drills with China, UAE's satellite launch plans, and the Middle East defense industry's growing presence in SIPRI's Top 100. The region's defense landscape is characterized by increased investment, cooperation, and competition, reflecting the complex web of alliances and rivalries that shape global security.
Lufthansa has taken delivery of a Boeing 787-9 with a special centenary livery, featuring dark blue fuselage and white crane symbol. The airline plans to paint five more aircraft in this design throughout 2026.