Helicopter Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Industry & Major Contractors Defense Policy

The War Zone • Joseph Trevithick; Tyler Rogoway

MH-6 'Little Bird' Demonstrates Rapid Maritime Deployability in Nighttime Tanker Raid

An MH-6 'Little Bird' Night Stalker demonstrated rapid maritime deployability during a nighttime tanker raid, using its small size and transportability to insert from sea platforms and littoral ships. The exercise highlighted the platform's ability to appear virtually anywhere, shortening response times for special-operations maritime missions.

2026-01-07T15:50:27.346411-08:00

Military Aircraft Procurement Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Defense Industry & Major Contractors Defense Deals Defense Policy

Reuters

Lockheed reports record 191 F‑35 deliveries in 2025 as production pace accelerates for U.S. and allies

By Reuters: Lockheed Martin said on Wednesday it delivered 191 F-35 fighter jets in 2025 to the United States and its allies, a record for the program.

Aviation Week

Lockheed Martin Delivers Record 191 F-35s in 2025, Signalling Production Ramp-Up

defence-industry.eu

F-35 sets annual delivery record with 191 jets in 2025, expands combat and global operations

Also: investors.lockheedmartin.com and Lockheed Martin

2026-01-07T14:42:49.406814-08:00

Defense Budgets & Spending Defense Industry & Major Contractors Policy & Regulation

CNBC • Kevin Breuninger

Trump says he would bar dividends and stock buybacks by defense contractors

By CNBC: Shares of General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman each fell following Trump's comments.

Reuters

Trump threatens to cut Raytheon’s government contracts over stock buybacks

Aviation Week

Trump Attacks Defense Industry Shareholder Rewards

Also: news.ssbcrack.com and Stars and Stripes

2026-01-07T11:34:40.397445-08:00

M&A Defense Industry & Major Contractors

Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

TransDigm to Acquire RF and Microwave Amplifier Maker Stellant Systems for $960M

By Via Satellite: Stellant Systems, a manufacturer of radio frequency (RF) and microwave amplification products, is set to be acquired by TransDigm Group.

2026-01-07T12:25:05.560969-08:00

aviation Event Europe North America Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Defense Policy Boeing

The War Zone • Howard Altman

U.S. Forces Seize Russian‑Flagged Tanker Marinera After Weekslong Pursuit in North Atlantic

By The War Zone: The tanker Marinera was boarded after a weekslong pursuit and after U.S. aviation assets had poured into the United Kingdom.

AeroTime

US Seizes Russian-Flagged Tanker Bella 1 in North Atlantic Amid Russian Naval Presence

FlightGlobal

US seizes Russian-flagged oil tanker in North Atlantic after protracted pursuit; P-8A, U-28A and special-ops helicopters involved

Also: Janes

2026-01-07T06:11:38.641179-08:00

Space Force Defense Budgets & Spending Defense Industry & Major Contractors Space Defense & Militarization Policy & Regulation Defense Policy

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

2026 Outlook: Can U.S. Acquisition Reform Deliver for Military Space?

By SpaceNews.com: 2026 Outlook: Can Acquisition Reform Deliver for Military Space?.

2026-01-07T04:17:07.441786-08:00

F-16 Military Aircraft Procurement Accident Aviation Safety & Regulation Defense Industry & Major Contractors Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Asia-Pacific (APAC) Defense Policy

AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

Taiwan searches for missing F-16V pilot after crash

By AeroTime: A ROCAF F-16V crashed off Hualien during a night training flight. The pilot remains missing as SAR crews search in rough seas and high winds.

aa.com.tr

Taiwan suspends F-16 training after single-seat jet loses radar contact off eastern coast; pilot missing

militarywatchmagazine.com

Taiwan F-16V Crashes Amid Persistent Software Faults, Raising Fleet Safety and Readiness Concerns

Also: Space Daily, news.ssbcrack.com and South China Morning Post

2026-01-07T01:17:08.771825-08:00

Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Industry & Major Contractors Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Asia-Pacific (APAC) Defense Deals

Reuters • Saad Sayeed

Pakistan eyes defence pact with Bangladesh, sale of JF-17 jets

By Reuters: The air force chiefs of Pakistan and Bangladesh held talks on a potential pact covering the sale of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to Dhaka, Pakistan's military said, as Islamabad widens its arms supply ambitions and beefs up ties with Bangladesh.