Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Deals  
FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

US clears Netherlands for Lockheed Martin AGM-114R2 Hellfire, Lithuania for Raytheon AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder

The US government has cleared the Netherlands to obtain Lockheed Martin AGM-114R2 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles and Lithuania to acquire Raytheon AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. The approvals support European force modernization through expanded anti-armor and air-combat munitions stocks.

2026-04-22T22:50:41.243490-07:00
Leadership   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
DefenseNews.com • Lara Seligman

DoD Weapons Tester Concerned about F-35 Software Development

By DefenseNews.com: Although the Joint Program Office maintains the F-35 program remains on track, the Pentagon’s top weapons tester recently raised concerns that the fifth-generation fighter jet’s software development could fall behind.

Also: DefenseNews.com and Business Insider
2026-04-22T17:50:04.606055-07:00
Helicopter   Sikorsky   Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Boeing  
DefenseNews.com • Lars Hoffmann

Germany Picks CH-53K , CH-47F as Options for New Helo

By DefenseNews.com: GÖTTINGEN, Germany — The German armed forces has shortlisted the CH-53K from Sikorsky and the CH-47F Chinook from Boeing - also known as Chinook - as potential successors to its aging fleet of CH-53 heavy-lift helicopters, a spokesman for the German Air Force confirmed.

2026-04-22T17:50:08.096809-07:00
F-16   Leadership   Military Aircraft Procurement   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Deals   Defense Policy  
Associated Press • FRANKLIN BRICEÑO

Peru's defense and foreign ministers resign after the president stalls US military planes deal

By Associated Press: Peru's defense and foreign ministers have resigned after the country's president stalled a $3.5 billion deal for U.S. F-16 fighter jets.

Also: South China Morning Post and The Independent
2026-04-22T13:34:55.426590-07:00