Reuters
• Joanna Plucinska, Julia Payne
Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary said European airlines could face more than another year of elevated fuel costs and higher fares because of the Iran war. His warning is the first from an executive that the conflict’s effects on fuel prices could extend into 2028.
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Portugal will choose a replacement for its aging F-16 fighters based on national interests, Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel said after meeting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Lisbon. Rangel said the government is seriously considering the U.S. offer of F-35s, alongside other options.
French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin told lawmakers that France will begin training Ukrainian pilots on the Rafale fighter jet next month. The announcement sets a near-term start for the training, but the report provides no details on its duration or the number of pilots involved.
Fortastra raised $30 million to develop maneuverable space-defense satellites, while defense technology startup Furientis secured $25 million in seed funding for manufacturing, flight testing and team expansion. Estonia’s Golbriak Space raised €4 million to increase production of laser communications systems for satellites and non-terrestrial networks.
Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary said European airlines could face more than another year of elevated fuel costs and higher fares because of the Iran war. His warning is the first from an executive that the conflict’s effects on fuel prices could extend into 2028.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the UK was open to Germany joining the Global Combat Air Programme after meeting Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin. The partnership between Britain, Italy and Japan is developing a next-generation fighter, and German participation would expand the program’s national coalition.
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A European Space Agency study concludes that developing a heavy-lift reusable rocket is technically and financially feasible for Europe. The finding moves the concept from an open question toward a viable development option, though the study summary provides no program timetable, cost estimate or commitment to proceed.
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