The UK Ministry of Defence has announced that it has selected seven companies to develop prototypes for its AH-64 Apache 'loyal wingman' program, Project NYX. The initiative aims to create Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS) capable of operating alongside the UK's Apache attack helicopters.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has questioned whether the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) can deliver a jointly developed next-generation fighter jet due to a growing mismatch between French and German operational requirements. The program faces challenges with its requirements profile, and Germany is considering exploring new fighter variants or partnerships if a compromise proves impossible.
Luxembourg is weighing its options for long-range air and missile defense as it considers a European alternative to the US-made Patriot. The country's interest reflects a broader reassessment of air defense needs among smaller European states amid a rapidly deteriorating security environment.
Jetcraft has announced the launch of its 'Special Missions' division, aiming to source and prepare pre-owned aircraft for defense and governmental operators. The company's CEO Stéphane Leroy stated that Jetcraft is well-positioned to address the growing demand for Special Missions Aircraft.
Italy has taken delivery of its first SAMP/T New Generation (NG) and GRIFO surface-to-air missile systems, marking an important step in the country's air defense modernization. The handover took place on January 22, 2026, at the Santa Barbara barracks in Sabaudia, home to the Army Air Defence Artillery Command (COMACA).
France's Navy has received the final Dassault-Breguet Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft upgraded to Standard 6 configuration, as part of a modernization effort designed to keep the fleet operational into the next decade. The handover took place on February 17, 2026, when France's defense procurement agency, the DGA, delivered the aircraft to the Marine nationale.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced a €4.2 billion ($4.9 billion) increase in military space spending between 2026 and 2030. The funds will support the launch of counter-space satellites in 2027, as well as the development of early warning capabilities with Germany.
France and Ukraine have signed a historic defense agreement covering the procurement of up to 100 Dassault Rafale fighter jets, along with new air defense systems and drone capabilities. The signing took place on November 17, 2025, at Villacoublay Air Base, where French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Dassault Aviation and Thales hosted a presentation of their White Paper 'Contribution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Sustainable Aeronautics' on September 25, in Mérignac. The initiative is backed by the Aerospace Valley cluster and Inria.
Dassault Aviation and Thales have announced a strategic partnership to develop supervised artificial intelligence for crewed and uncrewed combat aircraft. The collaboration, unveiled at Paris's Adopt AI Summit, focuses on integrating AI into mission-critical functions including observation, situation analysis, and decision-making support.
Dassault Aviation and Thales' cortAIx have announced a strategic partnership to develop sovereign artificial intelligence systems for next-generation air combat operations. Signed by the companies' CEOs and unveiled at Paris's International Adopt AI Summit, the collaboration focuses on controlled AI solutions for manned and unmanned aircraft, covering observation, situation analysis, decision-making, and military operations planning.
Daher has successfully completed the first flight of its EyePulse MALE drone demonstrator, a rapid-prototype unmanned system developed in partnership with Thales for French defense procurement. The TBM-derived platform, assembled and flight-tested in under six months, executed a fully autonomous flight including automated landing capabilities.
The British Ministry of Defence has invited seven firms to pitch their ideas for 'futuristic' drone helicopters to fly alongside Apaches into combat. Project NYX, announced on Saturday, aims to create Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS) with AI-powered capabilities.