SpaceWatch Global
• Joshua Faleti
UK launch developer Skyrora successfully hot-fired a scaled-down version of the engine intended for its Skyrora XL orbital vehicle. The test marks progress in the company’s propulsion-development program as it works toward an orbital launch capability.
Europe
Latest source-backed stories
UK launch developer Skyrora successfully hot-fired a scaled-down version of the engine intended for its Skyrora XL orbital vehicle. The test marks progress in the company’s propulsion-development program as it works toward an orbital launch capability.
A Breaking Defense roundtable looks ahead at how Europe’s military air fleets could evolve over the next three decades. The discussion focuses on the long-term trajectory of the continent’s air forces, offering strategic perspective on future fleet composition and capability planning.
Two privately owned Eastern European airlines are confronting sharply different forms of pressure: Moldova’s FlyOne shareholders plan to retain their stakes and move future investment abroad after a state-mandated change-of-control directive, while Romania’s AnimaWings entered judicial reorganisation after technical problems grounded much of its A220 fleet.
Nokia and Finnish satellite operator ICEYE will jointly develop secure, broadband low-Earth-orbit communications systems that governments and defense contractors can own and operate. The systems are intended for military, border-security, emergency-services and disaster-response missions, with the first satellites expected to launch in 2028.
High activity
Air France-KLM and Lufthansa have submitted improved binding offers for stakes of up to 49.9% in TAP Air Portugal, closing the bidding phase. Portugal plans to select a strategic partner by mid-October, while Air France-KLM proposes Lisbon as its sole southern European hub.
Five men were arrested after suspicious vehicles were reported near RAF Fairford, which hosts U.S. Air Force personnel. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were “strong indications” of Iranian involvement in the incident; Iran denied the allegation.
Poland will introduce faster rules of engagement for airspace threats from October, while Sweden plans to deploy Gripen fighters over Poland from October 2026 under a NATO airspace-surveillance mission. The operation will support NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence and protect a logistics hub supporting Ukraine.
Wizz Air will maintain its aircraft base at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport through the 2026/27 winter season after Serbian authorities postponed revised rules governing foreign airlines. The six-month delay removes, for now, a measure that could have effectively prevented the Hungarian low-cost carrier from basing aircraft in Serbia.
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