Today In Defense
Last Updated: Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, 12:34 PM PST
2025-12-17T12:34:25.427674-08:00 2025-12-17T12:34:25.427674-08:00 (2025-12-17T12:34:25.427674-08:00)
FlightGlobal
• Greg Waldron
RAAF C-130J fleet achieves FOC with Block 8.1 upgrade
By FlightGlobal: The Royal Australian Air Force has achieved Final Operational Capability for its upgraded C-130J tactical transport fleet, with 12 aircraft brought to Block 8.1 configuration under the AIR 5440 programme.
Aviation Week
• Robert Wall
EU to Commit €1 Billion to 2026 European Defence Fund, Prioritising Hypersonic Defences
By Aviation Week: The European Union plans to contribute €1 billion to the 2026 European Defense Fund program, with hypersonic defenses gaining a large share of the allocation.
The Aviationist
• Stefano D'Urso
Boeing Awarded $931 Million Super Hornet Service Life Modification Contract
By The Aviationist: The U.S. Navy is continuing the work to extend the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet’s service life to 10,000 flight hours, with the latest contract covering up to.
Airbus
• News Release
European Maritime Safety Agency selects Airbus Flexrotor drone for maritime surveillance missions
By Airbus: Airbus has been awarded a framework contract by the European Maritime Security Agency to provide multipurpose maritime surveillance with the Flexrotor UAS.
FlightGlobal
• Ryan Finnerty
Lockheed unveils first Finland-bound F-35A at Fort Worth, advancing Helsinki's Hornet replacement programme
By FlightGlobal: Lockheed Martin has displayed the first F-35A Lightning II destined for Finland at its Fort Worth facility, marking a milestone for the Nordic nation's 64-aircraft programme to replace its Boeing F/A-18C/D Hornet fleet.
AeroTime
• Clement Charpentreau
Norway to fund F-16 munitions and S-300 missiles for Ukraine
By AeroTime: Norway will finance F-16 ammunition and S-300 air defense missiles for Ukraine in a new support package announced by Oslo.
SpaceNews.com
• SpaceNews Editor
Speed, risk, and the future of national security space
By SpaceNews.com: Speed, risk, and the future of national security space.
