Breaking DefenseCarley Welch, Michael Marrow, Theresa Hitchens, Valerie Insinna

FY26 defense bill adds $8B, backs F/A-XX and E-7 Wedgetail while rejecting $28B munitions emergency request

Breaking Defense reports: Appropriators threw a lifeline to the Navy’s F/A-XX fighter and Air Force’s E-7 Wedgetail programs while slamming the door on the Army’s agile acquisition request.

2026-01-20T10:31:57.070247-08:00
BloombergEllen Milligan, Kate Duffy

UK Defense Funding Delay Threatens Key Leonardo Site, Union Says

By Bloomberg: Leonardo SpA’s British helicopter factory will close if UK funding delays prevent a contract with the Italian manufacturer before March, union leaders said in a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, showing how the government’s failure to commit cash is throwing plans for a revamped defense sector in doubt.

2026-01-20T08:35:29.189354-08:00
FlightGlobalJon Hemmerdinger

Bombardier restructures leadership to advance defence and M&A ambitions

By FlightGlobal: The Montreal-based business jet manufacturer has appointed new executives to lead restructured divisions encompassing aircraft sales, aftermarket services, engineering and defence, while hiring a former Leonardo DRS strategist to drive mergers and acquisitions.

2026-01-20T08:56:30.699498-08:00
UK Defence JournalCraig Langford

UK confirms limits on military access to Irish airspace

By UK Defence Journal: The Ministry of Defence has said UK military aircraft do not enter Irish airspace for operational purposes without the express agreement of the Irish Government, following a parliamentary question on air interception arrangements.

2026-01-20T03:54:24.850255-08:00
AeroTimeClement Charpentreau

Renault to manufacture Chorus long-range strike drones in France under potential €1bn defence contract

By AeroTime: Renault will manufacture Chorus long-range strike drones with Turgis Gaillard under a French defense initiative that could lead to a €1-billion contract.

2026-01-20T05:35:28.702076-08:00
AeroTimeClement Charpentreau

DOJ Files Forfeiture to Seize TFASA-Built P-8A ASW Simulators Bound for China’s PLA

By AeroTime: US Department of Justice files civil forfeiture complaint to seize two P-8-style ASW mission crew trainers built by South Africa’s TFASA and intercepted en route to China’s PLA.

2026-01-20T02:30:54.300702-08:00