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The Aviationist • Kai Greet

Dutch defence minister warns F-35 software can be 'jailbroken', flags sovereignty risk

Dutch Defence Secretary Gijs Tuinman warned the F-35’s vendor-locked mission software could be “jailbroken,” likening the threat to an iPhone and raising questions about European operational sovereignty. His remarks highlight allied concern over software control as diplomatic relations with the U.S. cool.

2026-02-15T12:12:30.011119-08:00

Bloomberg

Chinese espionage campaign targeted Western aerospace know‑how to accelerate domestic aviation independence

2026-02-12T21:59:45.165877-08:00

Wall Street Journal

Safran seeks alternative rare-earth suppliers amid geopolitical tensions

2026-02-13T15:05:08.315375-08:00

CNBC

U.S. and Taiwan sign trade deal capping tariffs at 15%; Taipei pledges $84B+ in U.S. purchases including aviation goods

2026-02-12T18:09:40.543905-08:00

News Timeline

The Aviationist

Dutch defence minister warns F-35 software can be 'jailbroken', flags sovereignty risk Dutch Defence Secretary Gijs Tuinman warned the F-35’s vendor-locked mission software could be “jailbroken,” likening the threat to an iPhone and raising questions about European operational sovereignty. His remarks highlight allied concern over software control as diplomatic relations with the U.S. cool.

2026-02-15T12:12:30.011119-08:00

Dutch defence minister warns F-35 software can be 'jailbroken', flags sovereignty risk

Wall Street Journal

Safran seeks alternative rare-earth suppliers amid geopolitical tensions Safran is stockpiling rare-earth elements and scouting alternative suppliers as geopolitical tensions raise concerns over supplies of critical rare-earth materials used in engines and avionics. The move aims to shield production and defence programmes from export curbs and broader supply-chain disruption.

2026-02-13T15:05:08.315375-08:00

Safran seeks alternative rare-earth suppliers amid geopolitical tensions

Breaking Defense

Belgium to sign F-35 top-up this year, pushes for maximum European industrial content Belgium will sign a contract this year for a top-up order of F-35 stealth fighters, Defence Minister Theo Francken told Breaking Defense. The government is seeking the maximum possible European industrial content in the follow-on purchase to boost regional supply‑chain participation.

2026-02-13T13:10:03.211427-08:00

Belgium to sign F-35 top-up this year, pushes for maximum European industrial content

Bloomberg

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Chinese espionage campaign targeted Western aerospace know‑how to accelerate domestic aviation independence Beijing ran a prolonged intelligence campaign that placed operatives inside Western aerospace networks and supply chains to acquire proprietary designs, test data and manufacturing know‑how. The effort—aimed at fast‑tracking China's independence from Western aviation technology—exposed systemic vulnerabilities across OEMs, suppliers and research partnerships.

2026-02-12T21:59:45.165877-08:00

Chinese espionage campaign targeted Western aerospace know‑how to accelerate domestic aviation independence

CNBC

U.S. and Taiwan sign trade deal capping tariffs at 15%; Taipei pledges $84B+ in U.S. purchases including aviation goods The U.S. and Taiwan signed a trade agreement cutting tariffs to 15%, with Taiwan committing to purchase more than $84 billion of U.S. goods, explicitly including energy and aviation products. The pact secures a sizable commercial channel for U.S. aerospace parts, equipment and related services.

2026-02-12T18:09:40.543905-08:00

U.S. and Taiwan sign trade deal capping tariffs at 15%; Taipei pledges $84B+ in U.S. purchases including aviation goods

ch-aviation

North‑West Aircompany adds fifth Global 6000 amid sanctions North‑West Aircompany has taken delivery of a fifth Global 6000 amid ongoing sanctions, marking continued fleet additions of the type by a Russian operator. The move underscores persistence of business‑jet acquisitions even as broader geopolitical restrictions remain in place.

2026-02-12T02:19:24.015850-08:00

North‑West Aircompany adds fifth Global 6000 amid sanctions

Reuters

Northrop Grumman, Niewiadow-PGM sign framework to produce 155 mm artillery ammunition in Poland Northrop Grumman and Polish arms firm Niewiadow-PGM have signed a framework agreement to manufacture 155 mm artillery ammunition in Poland. The deal establishes a localised production framework intended to expand munitions capacity and strengthen allied supply lines through onshore industrial capability.

2026-02-10T10:19:39.214852-08:00

Northrop Grumman, Niewiadow-PGM sign framework to produce 155 mm artillery ammunition in Poland

Reuters

Senators ask Pentagon to review SpaceX over alleged secret Chinese investor stakes Democratic U.S. senators have urged the Pentagon to launch an immediate review of SpaceX after allegations that Chinese investors secretly acquired stakes in the closely held rocket company, warning of potential national-security risks and requesting a swift departmental assessment, a Reuters-seen letter said.

2026-02-05T04:23:30.469586-08:00

Senators ask Pentagon to review SpaceX over alleged secret Chinese investor stakes

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Export Controls & Trade Compliance News

Dutch defence minister warns F-35 software can be 'jailbroken', flags sovereignty risk

Chinese espionage campaign targeted Western aerospace know‑how to accelerate domestic aviation independence

Safran seeks alternative rare-earth suppliers amid geopolitical tensions

U.S. and Taiwan sign trade deal capping tariffs at 15%; Taipei pledges $84B+ in U.S. purchases including aviation goods

News Timeline