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The War Zone • Joseph Trevithick

USAF assigns YFQ-48A designation to Northrop Grumman Talon, calls it a 'strong contender' for CCA Increment 2

The U.S. Air Force has assigned the YFQ-48A mission-design series to Northrop Grumman’s Talon uncrewed jet and called it a “strong contender” for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme as Increment 2 begins, marking formal service recognition of the semi‑autonomous prototype.

2025-12-22T09:05:19.203995-08:00

insidedefense.com

DOD IG: F‑35 fleet mission‑capable only ~50% in 2024; finds sustainment oversight failures

2025-12-23T08:26:31.187821-08:00

Reuters

Raytheon wins $1.7B FMS to deliver four Patriot air-and-missile defence systems to Spain

2025-12-23T07:04:03.246691-08:00

Airbus

Spain orders 18 Airbus C295 transports to replace CN235/C212 and bolster Airbus industrial footprint

2025-12-23T02:57:50.550251-08:00

News Timeline

insidedefense.com

DOD IG: F‑35 fleet mission‑capable only ~50% in 2024; finds sustainment oversight failures A Dec. 19, 2025 Department of Defense inspector general report found systemic shortcomings in DoD oversight of F‑35 air‑vehicle sustainment contracts. The watchdog also reported the U.S. F‑35 fleet was mission‑capable only about 50% of the time in 2024 due to maintenance shortfalls attributed to Lockheed Martin.

2025-12-23T08:26:31.187821-08:00

DOD IG: F‑35 fleet mission‑capable only ~50% in 2024; finds sustainment oversight failures

The Aviationist

SR-71 sets New York–London transatlantic speed record at 2,455 mph (Tail No. 64‑17972) On Sept. 1, 1974, an SR-71 Blackbird (tail number 64‑17972) left New York City airspace at 2,455 miles per hour to establish a New York–London transatlantic speed record. The flight exemplified the aircraft's operational reach and speed advantage central to Cold War reconnaissance missions.

2025-12-23T07:45:52.838887-08:00

SR-71 sets New York–London transatlantic speed record at 2,455 mph (Tail No. 64‑17972)

Reuters

Raytheon wins $1.7B FMS to deliver four Patriot air-and-missile defence systems to Spain Raytheon, an RTX business, was awarded a $1.7 billion Foreign Military Sale to deliver four Patriot air-and-missile defence systems to Spain, including radars, launchers, command-and-control stations and training equipment. The award, announced by the U.S. Defense Department, is reportedly Spain's largest Patriot purchase to date.

2025-12-23T07:04:03.246691-08:00

Raytheon wins $1.7B FMS to deliver four Patriot air-and-missile defence systems to Spain

DefenseNews.com

Swedish air chief sets 2026 fighter decision timeline, highlights Gripen E's anti‑drone role Maj. Gen. Jonas Wikman said the Swedish Air Force will keep options open on a next‑generation fighter and aims to make a decision in 2026. He highlighted the JAS 39 Gripen E’s growing roles — including anti‑drone missions — and Sweden’s NATO aspirations.

2025-12-23T05:18:08.038359-08:00

Swedish air chief sets 2026 fighter decision timeline, highlights Gripen E's anti‑drone role

Airbus

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Spain orders 18 Airbus C295 transports to replace CN235/C212 and bolster Airbus industrial footprint Spain's Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space for 18 C295 tactical transport aircraft to replace its aging CN235 and C212 fleets, using the procurement to reinforce Airbus's industrial anchoring and long‑term capabilities in Spain. The order was announced days after Madrid awarded a separate, large 100‑rotorcraft helicopter deal to Airbus.

2025-12-23T02:57:50.550251-08:00

Spain orders 18 Airbus C295 transports to replace CN235/C212 and bolster Airbus industrial footprint

Aviation Week

Budget uncertainty clouds Northrop Grumman’s IVEWS upgrade for USAF F‑16s Six years after Northrop Grumman won the contract to upgrade the IVEWS on the U.S. Air Force’s F‑16 fleet, the program now faces fresh uncertainty as budget pressures threaten schedule and fielding plans. The ambiguity complicates modernization pacing for the legacy fighter force.

2025-12-22T12:37:07.339477-08:00

Budget uncertainty clouds Northrop Grumman’s IVEWS upgrade for USAF F‑16s

FlightGlobal

US Army issues RFI for commercial overhaul line to upgrade 2,300 UH-60M Black Hawks for service beyond 2050 The US Army has issued a Request for Information seeking options to establish a commercial production line to overhaul and upgrade 2,300 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, aiming to keep the fleet operational beyond 2050. The RFI frames a commercial sustainment approach that could reshape industrial participation and aftermarket demand.

2025-12-22T11:04:31.964663-08:00

US Army issues RFI for commercial overhaul line to upgrade 2,300 UH-60M Black Hawks for service beyond 2050

The War Zone

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USAF assigns YFQ-48A designation to Northrop Grumman Talon, calls it a 'strong contender' for CCA Increment 2 The U.S. Air Force has assigned the YFQ-48A mission-design series to Northrop Grumman’s Talon uncrewed jet and called it a “strong contender” for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme as Increment 2 begins, marking formal service recognition of the semi‑autonomous prototype.

2025-12-22T09:05:19.203995-08:00

USAF assigns YFQ-48A designation to Northrop Grumman Talon, calls it a 'strong contender' for CCA Increment 2

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Military Aircraft Procurement News

USAF assigns YFQ-48A designation to Northrop Grumman Talon, calls it a 'strong contender' for CCA Increment 2

DOD IG: F‑35 fleet mission‑capable only ~50% in 2024; finds sustainment oversight failures

Raytheon wins $1.7B FMS to deliver four Patriot air-and-missile defence systems to Spain

Spain orders 18 Airbus C295 transports to replace CN235/C212 and bolster Airbus industrial footprint

News Timeline