Air Data News
• Ricardo Meier
New videos and images circulating on Chinese social media reportedly depict an updated prototype of China’s unofficially designated J-36 next-generation combat aircraft. The material provides additional visible clues into development of the country’s largest known stealth-fighter program, per the reporting.
New York Times
• Eric Lipton, Maggie Haberman, Tyler Pager
By New York Times: A New York Times investigation found that President Trump’s push to speed delivery of the aircraft led to ballooning costs and trade-offs in safety features.
New York Times
• Julian E. Barnes, Maggie Haberman, Tyler Pager
By New York Times: The threat led the Secret Service to urge President Trump to fly out of Turkey on a different plane, raising questions about the security of the Qatari-donated jet.
The War Zone
• Joseph Trevithick
By The War Zone: The USAF previously framed the B-21 production boost deal as simply helping accelerate fielding of the bombers next year.
AeroTime
• Ian Molyneaux
By AeroTime: The President of Romania, Nicușor Dan, has confirmed that a Romanian Air Force F-16 shot down a drone that entered the country's airspace.
politico.eu
Axios
• Lucinda Shen
By Axios: The defense startup was valued at $61 billion in January.
Reuters
By Reuters: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday the U.S. aerospace and defence company Raytheon had expressed an interest in joint production of Patriot interceptors, as Kyiv seeks to bolster air defences against escalating Russian ballistic missile attacks.
Reuters
• Florence Loeve
By Reuters: French defence and aerospace group Thales reported on Thursday a 21% jump in order intake in the first half of 2026 and stronger-than-expected profit margins, as escalating conflicts around the world lifted military spending, boosting demand for its surveillance and defence systems.
