Supply Chain   Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Policy & Regulation  
Bloomberg • Ellen Milligan, Kate Duffy

Unions warn UK funding delay could close Leonardo's British helicopter factory

Union leaders told Prime Minister Keir Starmer that Leonardo SpA’s British helicopter factory will close if the government does not finalise funding and sign a contract with the Italian manufacturer before March. They say the government's failure to commit cash is jeopardising plans to revamp the UK defence sector.

2026-01-20T08:35:29.189354-08:00
MRO   Bombardier   BizAv   Leadership   M&A   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
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FlightGlobal • Jon Hemmerdinger

Bombardier restructures leadership to advance defence and M&A ambitions

By FlightGlobal: The Montreal-based business jet manufacturer has appointed new executives to lead restructured divisions encompassing aircraft sales, aftermarket services, engineering and defence, while hiring a former Leonardo DRS strategist to drive mergers and acquisitions.

Also: Skies Magazine, Wings and Bombardier
2026-01-20T08:56:30.699498-08:00
ATC   Europe   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
UK Defence Journal • Craig Langford

UK confirms limits on military access to Irish airspace

By UK Defence Journal: The Ministry of Defence has said UK military aircraft do not enter Irish airspace for operational purposes without the express agreement of the Irish Government, following a parliamentary question on air interception arrangements.

2026-01-20T03:54:24.850255-08:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Europe   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Defense Policy  
AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

Renault to manufacture Chorus long-range strike drones in France under potential €1bn defence contract

By AeroTime: Renault will manufacture Chorus long-range strike drones with Turgis Gaillard under a French defense initiative that could lead to a €1-billion contract.

Also: news.ssbcrack.com
2026-01-20T05:35:28.702076-08:00
China   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Export Controls & Trade Compliance   Defense Deals  
AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

DOJ Files Forfeiture to Seize TFASA-Built P-8A ASW Simulators Bound for China’s PLA

By AeroTime: US Department of Justice files civil forfeiture complaint to seize two P-8-style ASW mission crew trainers built by South Africa’s TFASA and intercepted en route to China’s PLA.

2026-01-20T02:30:54.300702-08:00
Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
FlightGlobal • Craig Hoyle

Germany awards Top Aces 10-year contract extension for adversary air training services

By FlightGlobal: Top Aces has landed a 10-year contract extension worth a potential €420 million ($490 million) to continue its delivery of advanced adversary air training services to the German armed forces.

Also: FlightGlobal and Wings
2026-01-19T23:28:20.741925-08:00