The TSA has announced a significant update to its identity verification process at airport security checkpoints. Beginning February 1, 2026, travelers arriving without REAL ID-compliant identification will be directed to a new paid service called TSA Confirm.
SCOPA Defense Industries, a Saudi Arabian firm, has relaunched its brand and set up a professional ERP system to cater to defense and security industries. The company aims to become one of the largest privately owned defense firms in the region by 2035.
Poland has announced plans to receive over €43.7 billion ($51.6 billion) from the EU's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument, government officials reported today - Breaking Defense reports. The funds will be spent between 2026 and 2030 on various systems, including artillery, anti-aircraft defense, ground combat, and cybersecurity solutions.
Lufthansa has postponed its return to Tehran due to safety concerns amid widespread protests and deteriorating security conditions in Iran. The German flag carrier had planned to resume direct flights between Frankfurt and Tehran on January 16, but now says it will not do so until at least late January.
The Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) has ordered a single Airbus H225 multirole helicopter to bolster its security and emergency response capabilities. Announced on November 24, 2025, the aircraft will primarily serve law enforcement and counter-terrorism operations while also supporting search and rescue, humanitarian relief, and disaster response missions.
The CNAS Pathfinder contest was designed to find new voices on defense issues. Over 150 applicants were considered, and three finalists were selected: Elizabeth Tamte, Juliana Fleming, and Kevin Chen.
France's Ministry of the Armed Forces is investigating an incident involving five unidentified drones detected over Île Longue, the primary operational base for the country's nuclear-armed ballistic-missile submarines. Security personnel at the heavily fortified western French naval facility activated counter-drone procedures and opened fire on December 4, 2025.
Denmark has announced plans to increase its military presence in Greenland, in partnership with NATO allies. This move comes amid growing security tensions in the Arctic and follows days of rhetoric from the Trump administration focused on acquiring the island.
Breaking Defense reports that China will likely dominate defense and security headlines in 2026, given ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. Expect standoffs and encounters between Chinese ships and Philippine counterparts, as well as increased PLAN presence in Japan's waters.