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.
The Italian competition authority has imposed a €255.7 million fine on Ryanair, alleging the airline engaged in abusive practices that hindered the ability of travel agents to sell its services. According to AeroTime, the AGCM found Ryanair used its dominant position to block or complicate online access to its offerings and coerced travel agents into making unfair distribution agreements.
Pakistan International Airlines has been sold to a consortium of investors led by Arif Habib Limited, with the Pakistani government receiving 10 billion Pakistani Rupees in cash. The new owners will take full control from April 2026, retaining all employees for at least 12 months.
Spain has acquired four Patriot fire units for $1.7 billion, as confirmed by RTX's Raytheon, and 200 F-404 engine fans for its F/A-18 fleet from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The deals follow Spain's recent defense shopping spree, which allocated €3.
Libya's army chief of staff, Gen. Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, has been confirmed killed after the Dassault Falcon 50 business jet carrying him crashed near Ankara, Turkey, on December 23, 2025.
Breaking Defense reports on five stories that surprised the space world in 2025, including the ESA's new defense role, US loosening of counterspace ops rules, and a prize competition for SBI prototypes. The agency's billion-euro funding package signals a significant shift in its capabilities.
A Mexican Navy Beech King Air operating as a medical aircraft crashed into Galveston Bay in Texas on December 22, 2025, killing at least five people. The twin-engine turboprop was flying from Mérida, Mexico, to Galveston when it went down near the Galveston Causeway during its approach to land.
Libyan United Airlines is set to launch in Q1 2026 with a fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft, focusing on regional routes linking Libya with North Africa and the Middle East. The airline aims to establish itself as a modern, passenger-focused operator based in Tripoli.
Breaking Defense reporters look back on the most significant news stories of 2025 and forward to what 2026 may hold. The year saw notable changes in leadership, increased military activity near Alaska, and consideration of building new 'battleships'.
Coulson Aviation USA has announced its support for the Boeing 767 Very Large Airtanker (VLAT) program, aiming to find a sustainable replacement for legacy platforms. The company highlighted the recent grounding of MD11 and DC10 fleets after the UPS MD-11 crash in Louisville on November 4, 2025, as a significant challenge for firefighting agencies worldwide.
The US Army has announced significant changes to its acquisition process, aiming to boost funding for network modernization and software acquisition. The service plans to invest $750 million per year in emerging technologies through the FUZE program.
Riyadh Air has completed its first test flight on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at Boeing's Charleston facility in South Carolina. The aircraft took off as part of standard certification procedures, marking an important step towards operational readiness for the Middle Eastern carrier.
Wizz Air has announced plans to expand its operations at London-Luton Airport, basing an additional Airbus A321neo aircraft and launching six new routes in summer 2026. This expansion comes after acquiring some of TUI Airways' Luton slots.