Qanot Sharq Airlines has become the first Airbus A321XLR operator in Central Asia after taking delivery of its brand-new aircraft. The airline is utilizing its fleet of XLRs to expand its international route network and service key markets across Asia.
Germany has launched production of the Taurus Neo cruise missile with MBDA, a European missile manufacturer. The contract is linked to Germany's next-generation air-launched cruise missile and aims to prepare serial production.
AeroTime reports that London-Heathrow Airport has unveiled plans for a $1.7 billion upgrade program, which will include changes to both Terminal 4 and Terminal 2. The works are part of the airport's five-year investment program, announced on December 19, 2025.
The Royal Australian Air Force has declared final operational capability on the Block 8.1 upgrade program for its C-130J Hercules fleet, operated by No. 37 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond in New South Wales. The upgrades, performed by Lockheed Martin and Airbus Australia Pacific, encompass critical improvements to aircraft systems, safety-critical software and hardware, and enhanced communications and navigation suites.
Alaska Airlines is further expanding its network with seven new nonstop routes from Anchorage and Portland, starting in mid-June 2026. The airline will offer long-haul flights to Boston and Spokane, as well as boost capacity on existing routes.
Leonardo, Italy's state-controlled aerospace and defense group, has been awarded a contract to develop and deliver the first four next-generation radars for Italy's long-range ballistic missile defense. The contract was announced on December 18, 2025, by TELEDIFE, the Directorate of Telecommunications, IT and Advanced Technologies of the Italian Ministry of Defence.
American Airlines has debuted its first Airbus A321XLR flight, marking a significant milestone for the carrier. The aircraft features American's Flagship Suite, Premium Economy, and main cabin seating configurations.
Volaris and Viva have announced plans to form a new Mexican airline group by combining operations under a holding company structure. Despite the merger, both airlines will maintain their distinct brands and operate independently.
Pegasus Airlines has signed a deal with CFM International for up to 300 LEAP-1B engines, destined for the airline's future Boeing 737-10 fleet. The Turkish carrier has a long history with CFM International, having become the first LEAP engine operator in 2016.
AeroTime reports that aircraft leasing has grown significantly over the last five decades, driven by airlines' need for capital-light models, access to fuel-efficient aircraft, and simplified cross-border financing. However, this structural shift has introduced new challenges, including technical risk, which can be mitigated through engineering-led oversight.
China has made its first test flight of the long-rumored Y-30 turboprop airlifter, according to AeroTime. The aircraft is believed to be a product of Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation and features a high-wing design with four turboprop engines.
The recently passed fiscal 2026 defense policy bill includes language directing the Secretary of the Air Force to bolster the acquisition workforce. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) instructs Troy Meink to ensure a comparable level of trained Guardians in acquisition billets, following pressure from lawmakers about the need for a stronger acquisition corps led by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers and Ranking Member Adam Smith.
Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and members of his immediate family were reported killed in a Cessna Citation II business jet crash at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina on December 18, 2025. According to AeroTime reports, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that six people were on board, including Biffle's wife Cristina and their two children.
Germany has approved an expansion of the Arrow 3 defense system contract with Israel, valued at approximately $3.1 billion, to complement the initial purchase agreement signed two years ago. The combined value is now $6.
The German Ministry of Defence has awarded a €1.7 billion contract to Finnish firm ICEYE and German defense contractor Rheinmetall for the development of a new synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation. The contract runs from 2025 to 2030 with options to extend, according to Breaking Defense reports.
The US Army has released a request for information for the second-generation MAPS Gen II system, which requires prime contractors to hand over their intellectual property. The system is designed to provide position, navigation and timing data for ground vehicles in GPS denied environments.
BAE Systems has announced its Velhawk solution, designed to meet the Pentagon's Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) mandate by fiscal year 2027. Cynthia Mendoza, chief engineer for IT/Cyber, BAE Systems, discussed the initiative with Breaking Defense.
Tecnam has unveiled the P2008JC NG, a next generation version of its high-wing training aircraft certified under EASA CS-23 airworthiness standards. The aircraft introduces fuel-injected Rotax power and incorporates design updates aimed at improving safety, operating economics, and fleet commonality for flight schools.
The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is facing a gap between procurement and delivery of new THAAD missile defense interceptors, with deliveries not expected until April 2027. The agency has a backlog of 100 THAAD missiles, and experts warn that the shortage may be due to inconsistent funding and production processes.
Spain has agreed to purchase 100 Airbus helicopters worth an estimated €4.5 billion, including 50 new H145M aircraft for its army. The order is part of a national helicopter plan aimed at modernizing local defense assets.