Helicopter   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
The War Zone • Thomas Newdick

Ukraine's rare Mi-24RKhR 'Hind' radiation‑detection helicopters still operate on front lines

Ukraine operates a tiny force of Mi-24RKhR 'Hind' helicopters originally fitted for nuclear, biological and chemical reconnaissance. Although the specialized NBC detection gear has been removed, these rare platforms remain active in frontline roles, providing rotary‑wing mobility and legacy sensor capability in high‑threat environments.

2026-01-10T13:25:46.173557-08:00
Reuters • Andrew Osborn

Russia Reports Firing Oreshnik Hypersonic Missile at Ukrainian Energy and Drone Manufacturing Sites

By Reuters: The missile is capable of carrying nuclear warheads, although there was no suggestion that the one used in the overnight attack had been fitted with them.

Also: Associated Press, politico.eu, Janes, AeroTime, Sky News, aero-space.eu, Independent.ie, militarywatchmagazine.com, Euronews, realcleardefense.com, Economic Times, globalnews.ca and 25 more
2026-01-08T23:02:31.746901-08:00
Space Force   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Policy & Regulation   Defense Policy  
Breaking Defense • Michael Marrow

US Air Force creates 'Portfolio Acquisition Executives' to streamline weapons procurement and cut bureaucracy

By Breaking Defense: The fresh approach is meant to streamline weapons procurement and cut through bureaucracy, though details like exactly what authorities new Portfolio Acquisition Executives will have are being worked out.

Also: Defense Scoop, news.defcros.com, news.ssbcrack.com, Military Times, insidedefense.com, Defense Daily, news.defcros.com and news.defcros.com
2026-01-09T11:52:42.938534-08:00
FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

US Navy integrates autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft with F-35s in Joint Simulation Environment to develop new fighter tactics

By FlightGlobal: The US Navy has digitally integrated autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft with Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighters inside the Joint Simulation Environment, as the service begins a fleet transformation that will see uncrewed fighters operated alongside conventional aircraft.

Also: news.ssbcrack.com, Navy Times, marinecorpstimes.com, Military Times and news.ssbcrack.com
2026-01-09T05:28:00.902972-08:00
Breaking Defense • Michael Marrow

Northrop Grumman, Kratos Selected to Integrate XQ-58 Valkyrie for Marine Corps MUX TACAIR Program

By Breaking Defense: Northrop Grumman will serve as the prime contractor and integrate mission systems on Kratos’s XQ-58 Valkyrie for the Marine Corps’s MUX TACAIR Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.

Also: Air Data News, DefenseNews.com, FlightGlobal, Shephard Media, asdnews.com, The Aviationist, Northrop Grumman, Defense Scoop, news.defcros.com, Seapower Magazine, defenceconnect.com.au, tectonicdefense.com and 26 more
2026-01-08T06:09:17.995465-08:00