Helicopter   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Policy & Regulation   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
The Aviationist • Kai Greet

UK multi-agency raid seizes Russian shadow fleet tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel

A joint operation involving the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, the Royal Air Force and the National Crime Agency boarded and seized the 244-metre oil tanker Smyrtos off the UK’s south coast. Royal Marine commandos conducted the interception overnight using Chinooks, a Merlin Mk4 and a Wildcat from the Maritime Air Group.

Also: AeroTime
2026-06-14T03:34:20.611234-07:00
Supply Chain   North America   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Missile production push runs into solid rocket motor bottleneck

By SpaceNews.com: SIS WASHINGTON — U.S. production of solid rocket motors is rising, but not fast enough to meet the Pentagon’s missile-defense program demands, according to a new report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

2026-06-13T21:21:40.877588-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Policy & Regulation   Boeing  
Aviation Week • Brian Everstine

Boeing Drops Out Of U.S. Navy Trainer Competition

By Aviation Week: Boeing has decided not to bid on the U.S. Navy’s next-generation trainer competition, a surprise move by the company that was seen as a favorite.

Also: The War Zone, Air Data News, Boeing, Times of India and defence-industry.eu
2026-06-12T11:18:43.274691-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
Air Data News • Ricardo Meier

Operational test pilot flies sixth-generation B-21 Raider bomber for the first time

By Air Data News: The US Air Force (USAF) has revealed that an operational test pilot has flown the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider for the first time, a step that officials say marks a significant change in how the service evaluates new combat aircraft.

Also: AeroTime and defence-blog.com
2026-06-13T02:22:40.097162-07:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
Breaking Defense • Capt. Broder Nielsen

'The threat is there': Germany to pair P-8s with MQ-9 drones to keep an eye on Russian subs

By Breaking Defense: “The MQ-9B will be the first [unmanned] system we operate with it — the idea is to have those working closely with the aircraft, but step by step,” said Capt.

2026-06-12T04:45:14.870535-07:00