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.
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.