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18th European Space Conference: Europe shifts focus from sustainability to security

At the 18th European Space Conference, discussions moved beyond sustainability and debris mitigation toward geopolitics-driven priorities: defence-oriented capabilities, sovereign intelligence and resilience of space infrastructure. The shift signals potential reallocation of funding, procurement focus and industry requirements across European agencies and contractors.

2026-02-16T04:15:46.035106-08:00

DefenseNews.com

Slovakia in talks with US to buy four additional F-16 Block 70 fighters

2026-02-16T05:25:36.084345-08:00

AeroTime

UK to deploy Carrier Strike Group and F‑35s to North Atlantic and High North to deter Russia

2026-02-16T02:10:59.343943-08:00

The Aviationist

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

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

News Timeline

DefenseNews.com

Slovakia in talks with US to buy four additional F-16 Block 70 fighters On 15 February Slovak prime minister Robert Fico said Slovakia is negotiating with the United States to purchase four additional Lockheed Martin F‑16 Block 70 multirole fighters after donating jets to Ukraine; the move is intended to restore the country’s ability to conduct its own air‑policing and protect national airspace.

2026-02-16T05:25:36.084345-08:00

Slovakia in talks with US to buy four additional F-16 Block 70 fighters

ch-aviation

Co-owners of Venezuela's Avior object to US operations request Co-owners of Venezuela’s Avior Airlines have formally objected to a US operations request, raising immediate questions about the carrier’s ability to secure U.S. authorisation and complicating efforts to obtain or expand international services amid an already constrained Venezuelan aviation environment.

2026-02-16T05:14:47.298982-08:00

Co-owners of Venezuela's Avior object to US operations request

SpaceWatch Global

18th European Space Conference: Europe shifts focus from sustainability to security At the 18th European Space Conference, discussions moved beyond sustainability and debris mitigation toward geopolitics-driven priorities: defence-oriented capabilities, sovereign intelligence and resilience of space infrastructure. The shift signals potential reallocation of funding, procurement focus and industry requirements across European agencies and contractors.

2026-02-16T04:15:46.035106-08:00

18th European Space Conference: Europe shifts focus from sustainability to security

AeroTime

UK to deploy Carrier Strike Group and F‑35s to North Atlantic and High North to deter Russia Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the UK will deploy its Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, to the North Atlantic and High North this year, including embarked F‑35s, as a “powerful show of force” to deter rising Russian aggression in the Arctic.

2026-02-16T02:10:59.343943-08:00

UK to deploy Carrier Strike Group and F‑35s to North Atlantic and High North to deter Russia

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

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Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact News

18th European Space Conference: Europe shifts focus from sustainability to security

Slovakia in talks with US to buy four additional F-16 Block 70 fighters

UK to deploy Carrier Strike Group and F‑35s to North Atlantic and High North to deter Russia

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

News Timeline