Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact News

news.bgov.com • Ellen M Gilmer

DHS finds Biden-era officials politicized TSA watchlists; 19 placed on lists, five TSA leaders fired as DOJ, Congress notified

A DHS probe concluded Biden-era officials politicized TSA watchlists, placing 19 people — more than half elevated to no-fly status — for alleged ties to COVID mask protests and Jan. 6. DHS fired five senior TSA officials and asked DOJ and Congress to investigate.

2025-09-30T08:28:41.036286-07:00

Reuters

US, France plan second coordinated satellite-maneuver mission to sharpen allied orbital ISR

2025-09-30T09:32:18.932812-07:00

Breaking Defense

President Trump nominates Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach as 24th U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff

2025-09-30T07:33:35.664388-07:00

The Aviationist

Ukraine says it expects Swedish Gripen fighters; Sweden confirms talks but no decision

2025-09-29T11:56:23.260363-07:00

Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact News Timeline

FlightGlobal

Latvian pleads guilty to exporting US-made avionics to Russian military and intelligence buyers A Latvian national pleaded guilty to conspiring to ship US-made avionics components to Russian military and intelligence buyers, including Russia's intelligence service, between 2020 and 2023, the Department of Justice said. Prosecutors said the shipments violated US export controls and sanctions, prompting criminal charges.

2025-10-01T10:28:21.310944-07:00

Latvian pleads guilty to exporting US-made avionics to Russian military and intelligence buyers

dronelife.com

U.S. court upholds Pentagon designation of DJI; company remains blocked from some U.S. contracts A U.S. court has rejected DJI’s challenge to its placement on the Pentagon’s list of Chinese military‑affiliated companies, keeping the drone maker subject to U.S. restrictions that could limit access to government contracts and procurement. DJI reiterated it has no military ties as Washington tightens market access.

2025-10-01T07:54:20.412167-07:00

U.S. court upholds Pentagon designation of DJI; company remains blocked from some U.S. contracts

Breaking Defense

USAF Global Strike Command chief Gen. Thomas Bussiere to retire; Lt. Gen. Stephen Davis to assume command Oct. 17 Gen. Thomas Bussiere, head of U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, announced Sept. 30 he has requested retirement for personal and family reasons. Lt. Gen. Stephen Davis is slated to assume command in a ceremony Oct. 17, taking charge of the USAF’s strategic bomber and ICBM forces.

2025-10-01T07:48:13.974593-07:00

USAF Global Strike Command chief Gen. Thomas Bussiere to retire; Lt. Gen. Stephen Davis to assume command Oct. 17

defenceconnect.com.au

RAAF joins JASDF and USAF for first trilateral Exercise Bushido Guardian in Japan The Royal Australian Air Force has joined the Japan Air Self‑Defense Force and U.S. Air Force for the first trilateral iteration of Exercise Bushido Guardian in Japan, bringing about 750 personnel and 25 aircraft — predominantly F‑35s — to train together and sharpen interoperability.

2025-09-30T16:51:47.538769-07:00

RAAF joins JASDF and USAF for first trilateral Exercise Bushido Guardian in Japan

Reuters

Denmark bans civilian drones, closes airspace as EU weighs 'drone wall' after incursions Denmark has ordered a temporary ban on civilian drone flights and closed parts of its airspace during the EU summit after multiple unidentified drones and reported Russian aircraft incursions forced airport closures and heightened airspace alerts. EU leaders are now weighing a coordinated 'drone wall' and expanded air-defence measures.

2025-09-30T16:46:32.411866-07:00

Denmark bans civilian drones, closes airspace as EU weighs 'drone wall' after incursions

Bloomberg

Boeing Set for Contract to Replace “Midnight Hammer” Bunker Busters Boeing will receive a contract worth up to $123 million to replace 14 massive bunker-buster bombs dropped in June on Iran’s nuclear enrichment and processing facilities, according to a budget document and three people familiar with the transaction, known as “Midnight Hammer.”

2025-09-30T13:08:56.757022-07:00

Boeing Set for Contract to Replace “Midnight Hammer” Bunker Busters

Breaking Defense

Forge ahead with the Sentinel ICBM, but consider making it mobile Three nuclear experts from separate think tanks argue the United States should proceed with the Sentinel (LGM-35A) ICBM replacement but seriously evaluate and retain options for mobile launchers—road, rail or other—so survivability and deterrence choices can be incorporated during ongoing design and procurement decisions.

2025-09-30T11:10:42.917312-07:00

Forge ahead with the Sentinel ICBM, but consider making it mobile

Aviation Week

US Air Force Reactivates 431st Squadron, Permanently Deploys MQ-9 Reapers to South Korea The U.S. Air Force has permanently deployed MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft to South Korea and reactivated the 431st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron at Kunsan Air Base, reviving a WWII-era unit to provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance across the Indo‑Pacific.

2025-09-30T10:04:53.195401-07:00

US Air Force Reactivates 431st Squadron, Permanently Deploys MQ-9 Reapers to South Korea

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