ATC   Dassault Aviation   Middle East   Africa   Accident   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Airport Infrastructure & Air Traffic Management   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
Reuters • Tuvan Gumrukcu

Libya's army chief killed as Dassault Falcon 50 crashes near Ankara

Libya's army chief of staff, Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al‑Haddad, was killed when a Dassault Falcon 50 crashed near Ankara after the aircraft reported an electrical failure and requested an emergency landing. Turkish and Libyan authorities say five people were on board and have opened an investigation.

Also: AeroTime, Aviation24, moderndiplomacy.eu, intellinews.com, Economic Times, al-monitor.com, aa.com.tr, news.ssbcrack.com, The Independent, The Guardian, horizon.mt, CNBC and 25 more
2025-12-23T11:35:41.175896-08:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
The Space Review • Dwayne A. Day

Ukrainian Drone Strikes Destroy Multiple Tu-22M3 'Backfire' Bombers — Raises Questions Over Russia’s Bomber Fleet Strength

By The Space Review: The Backfire bomber controversyby Dwayne A. Day | ![]() A Backfire bomber in Russia about to be struck by a Ukrainian drone in June 2025. At least four Backfires were destroyed during the attack, and two others damaged.

Also: The Space Review
2025-12-23T15:04:23.305398-08:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Asia-Pacific (APAC)  
The War Zone • Tyler Rogoway

Pentagon to Contract Seaplane Fleet for Indo‑Pacific to Address Amphibious Aircraft Gap

By The War Zone: The lack of an American amphibious aircraft capability has become more glaring as the possibility of a conflict with China looms larger.

Also: interestingengineering.com
2025-12-23T13:48:06.232688-08:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Orders   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
Reuters • Costas Pitas

Pentagon increases Lockheed Martin C-130J contract from $15B to $25B

By Reuters: A previously awarded contract to Lockheed Martin related to C-130J aircraft delivery, development and engineering worth $15 billion has been increased to $25 billion, the Pentagon said on Tuesday.

Also: defensehere.com
2025-12-23T14:45:47.843022-08:00
China   Israel   Airports   Airport Infrastructure & Air Traffic Management   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Asia-Pacific (APAC)  
fdd.org • Cleo Paskal

China rebuilds Micronesian runway, sparking US national‑security concerns

By fdd.org: Skip to main content About About FDD FDD Team Advisors Jobs and Internships National Security Network Issues Israel at War Russia Iran China Turkey Cyber All Issues Projects Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation Transformative Cyber Innovation Lab Center on Economic and Financial Power Center on Military and Political Power Air and Missile Defense Program FDD's Long War Journal Barish Center.

2025-12-23T18:50:50.596691-08:00