China has confirmed the maiden flight of its CH-7 stealth uncrewed aerial vehicle, marking a significant step in the country's effort to develop low-observable drones. According to China Daily, the aircraft completed its first flight from an airfield in northwest China and features a blended wing-body shape and shielded engine exhaust intended to reduce radar and infrared signatures.
According to Breaking Defense, Maj. Gen.
ITP Aero has signed a binding agreement to acquire Aero Norway, a Norway-based engine maintenance provider specializing in CFM56 engines. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Congress is poised to pass sweeping acquisition reform, following similar reforms by the Pentagon. The shared goal is clear: pull more commercial innovation into the US Joint Force.
The German Navy has taken delivery of its first NH90 Sea Tiger helicopter, marking an important milestone in the country's efforts to modernize its rotary-wing capabilities. According to AeroTime, Airbus Helicopters announced the handover on December 16, 2025.
Lufthansa has completed the restoration of two historic aircraft at its Hangar One facility near Frankfurt Airport. The Junkers Ju 52 and Lockheed L-1649A Super Star will be displayed in the airline's new conference center, which is set to open in 2026 to coincide with Lufthansa's 100th anniversary.
The German Navy has welcomed its first NH90 Sea Tiger helicopter delivery at Nordholz air station, marking a significant upgrade in anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capability. Airbus Helicopters handed over the aircraft on behalf of joint venture NH Industries (NHI), manufacturer of the rotorcraft.
STARLUX Airlines has resumed its daily nonstop service between Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), effective December 16, 2025. The route will be operated by Airbus A321neo aircraft, with morning departures from Taipei and midday returns from Manila.
Frontier Airlines has appointed President James Dempsey as its new CEO, taking over from long-time leader Barry Biffle. The company cited weakened demand and tariff impacts as reasons for Biffle's departure, which was not disclosed.
Rheinmetall Air Defence showcased its Skyspotter system during the Ground-based Air Defence (GBAD) Demo Days 2025 at the Lohtaja training area in western Finland. The demonstration highlighted the growing concern over drone spillovers linked to the war in Ukraine, particularly in frontline NATO states.
A Cessna 650 Citation II crashed into a warehouse in central Mexico while attempting an emergency landing, killing all 10 people on board. The aircraft took off from Acapulco International Airport and was headed for Toluca's Lic.
Rolls-Royce has begun ground testing the AE 1107F turboshaft engine for the US Army's Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) tiltrotor. The engine will power Bell's MV-75 tiltrotor, selected in 2022 to replace the UH-60 Black Hawk under the US Army's Future Vertical Lift program.
Austrian Airlines abruptly terminated its wet lease contract with Braathens Regional Airlines on December 15, 2025, citing operational issues. According to Austrian Airlines, Braathens failed to meet operational standards required by the Lufthansa Group.
Turkey's Ministry of National Defense reported shooting down a UAV approaching its airspace over the Black Sea. According to AeroTime, Turkish authorities scrambled F-16 fighter jets on an alert mission after detecting the air track as part of routine monitoring procedures.
BeOnd, the luxury carrier, is ramping up its expansion strategy with plans to launch a new subsidiary in Saudi Arabia. The move follows GACA's decision to award a national charter carrier tender to BeOnd.
Lockheed Martin has finished production of all F-16 Block 70 aircraft for Bulgaria and Slovakia's initial fleets, according to AeroTime. The company announced the completion on December 15, 2025, noting that every aircraft has passed US government acceptance through the Foreign Military Sales program.
A United Airlines Boeing 777-200 experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff on December 13, 2025, and returned safely to Washington Dulles International Airport. According to AeroTime, a piece of the engine cover separated and caught fire, sparking a brush fire on airport grounds.
French and American military satellites successfully practiced joint maneuvers as part of US Space Command's multinational space warplan, Multinational Force-Operation Olympic Defender. The operation involved two satellites maneuvering closely around each other and was the first jointly planned under Olympic Defender.
The US Army has launched a challenge to find a replacement for its Gray Eagle large drone, with industry invited to submit proposals for short/vertical takeoff and landing (S/VTOL) unmanned options. The RFI seeks systems that meet specific weight and performance requirements, as well as advanced sensors and autonomous capabilities.
The US Air Force expects to receive its first modernized Air Force One aircraft in mid-2028, roughly two-and-a-half years later than initially forecast. The program's revised timeline comes after Boeing secured a deal personally mediated by President Trump in 2018 and faced numerous challenges, including COVID-19 disruptions and workforce woes.