UAV Development & Drone Programs   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
united24media.com • Ivan Khomenko

Ukraine converts Antonov An-28 into STOL minigun‑armed drone interceptor; Kyiv claims ~70 Shaheds shot down

Ukraine has adapted rugged Antonov An‑28 transports into short‑takeoff-and‑landing, M134 Minigun‑equipped drone interceptors to engage low‑speed loitering munitions. Kyiv says the conversions have accounted for roughly 70 Iranian‑made Shahed shoot‑downs, creating a low‑cost complement to existing C‑UAS systems.

Also: The War Zone
2026-02-05T05:14:12.033822-08:00
Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Orders   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
FlightGlobal • Craig Hoyle

How Gripen E/F, GlobalEye orders propelled fast-growing Saab in 2025

By FlightGlobal: Saab has reported a record set of quarterly financial results for the last three months of 2025, with its performance having soared thanks to major deals secured by its aeronautics and surveillance business units.

2026-02-05T08:34:59.562946-08:00
Aircraft Carrier   Supply Chain   North America   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
USNI News • Mallory Shelbourne

Carrier John F. Kennedy Returns From First Stint At Sea, Completes Builder’s Trials

By USNI News: Aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) is back at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division after wrapping up builder’s trials, the company said Wednesday.

Also: naval-technology.com, news.defcros.com, defence-industry.eu, Stars and Stripes and 4 more
2026-02-04T12:36:02.326088-08:00
Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Airbus   BAE Systems  
FlightGlobal • Craig Hoyle

Eurofighter awarded contract to certify aerodynamic modification kit for Typhoon

By FlightGlobal: A long-planned package of aerodynamic enhancements developed for the Eurofighter Typhoon has edged closer to operational reality, with the award of a contract covering development, testing and certification activities.

Also: The Aviationist, Janes, defensemirror.com, UK Defence Journal and defensemirror.com
2026-02-05T05:55:25.636894-08:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
Aviation Today • Frank Wolfe

F-35 Nose Configuration Threatens Integration of Northrop Grumman AN/APG-85 Radar

By Aviation Today: Radar mountings in the nose of the Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter are different for the current AN/APG-81 by Northrop Grumman and the future AN/APG-85 radar, also by Northrop Grumman–a difference which has helped […].

2026-02-05T06:36:04.131473-08:00