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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

CNBC

U.S. sanctions choke Cuba's jet‑fuel, forcing carriers to alter or suspend services

2026-02-13T23:09:59.123439-08:00

New York Times

Satellite imagery reveals China’s mountain nuclear buildup

2026-02-14T21:24:37.069391-08:00

New York Times

FAA–Pentagon standoff over laser counter‑drone response triggers 10‑day El Paso airspace closure

2026-02-14T03:04:35.570713-08:00

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

New York Times

Satellite imagery reveals China’s mountain nuclear buildup New satellite imagery identifies expanded, secretive nuclear facilities carved into China’s mountains, indicating Beijing is accelerating its nuclear arsenal build-up just as international arms‑control guardrails weaken. The analysis signals a measurable shift in strategic posture with implications for regional deterrence and force planning.

2026-02-14T21:24:37.069391-08:00

Satellite imagery reveals China’s mountain nuclear buildup

New York Times

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FAA–Pentagon standoff over laser counter‑drone response triggers 10‑day El Paso airspace closure The FAA closed El Paso airspace for ten days after suspected Mexican cartel drone incursions and the Pentagon’s unapproved deployment of a military laser system near the border. The move prompted a rare agency standoff, rapid military action and NTSB warnings about severe communication failures.

2026-02-14T03:04:35.570713-08:00

FAA–Pentagon standoff over laser counter‑drone response triggers 10‑day El Paso airspace closure

CNBC

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U.S. sanctions choke Cuba's jet‑fuel, forcing carriers to alter or suspend services Renewed U.S. economic pressure on Cuba is constraining jet‑fuel imports and triggering fuel shortages that have forced international carriers to alter or suspend services to the island. Satellite analysis shows nighttime lights have fallen as much as 50%, and energy shortfalls have prompted event cancellations and heightened economic collapse risks.

2026-02-13T23:09:59.123439-08:00

U.S. sanctions choke Cuba's jet‑fuel, forcing carriers to alter or suspend services

Wall Street Journal

Ukraine disrupts Russian Starlink access, blunting drone‑terminal attacks and pausing local offensives Ukrainian operators disrupted Russian access to Starlink and Telegram, restricting the use of drone‑mounted Starlink terminals that had been striking Ukrainian supply lines and prompting Russian pauses in local offensives. A Ukrainian cyber unit also impersonated Starlink to expose positions and raised $5,870, donated to drone fundraising.

2026-02-13T15:05:07.710450-08:00

Ukraine disrupts Russian Starlink access, blunting drone‑terminal attacks and pausing local offensives

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

DefenseNews.com

USAF Awards Boeing Sole‑Source Contract and Orders More 30,000‑lb Bunker‑Busters After Iranian Nuclear Strikes The U.S. Air Force has awarded Boeing a sole‑source contract to produce additional 30,000‑lb Massive Ordnance Penetrator bunker‑busters, munitions engineered to penetrate roughly 200 feet of rock or hard substrate. The order follows recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and targets underground labs and hardened bunkers.

2026-02-13T12:39:25.053832-08:00

USAF Awards Boeing Sole‑Source Contract and Orders More 30,000‑lb Bunker‑Busters After Iranian Nuclear Strikes

Reuters

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Envoy files to restart Miami–Caracas/Maracaibo services after seven‑year pause Envoy Air, American's wholly owned regional carrier, has filed with the U.S. Department of Transportation for exemption authority to operate scheduled Miami–Caracas and Miami–Maracaibo passenger services under the American Eagle brand, seeking to restart U.S.–Venezuela routes after a seven‑year suspension.

2026-02-13T12:39:21.880377-08:00

Envoy files to restart Miami–Caracas/Maracaibo services after seven‑year pause

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Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact News

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

U.S. sanctions choke Cuba's jet‑fuel, forcing carriers to alter or suspend services

Satellite imagery reveals China’s mountain nuclear buildup

FAA–Pentagon standoff over laser counter‑drone response triggers 10‑day El Paso airspace closure

News Timeline