Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Deals   Defense Policy  
AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

Czech president signals possible transfer of L-159 jets to Ukraine for drone interception

Czech President Petr Pavel said the Czech Republic can soon supply Ukraine with combat aircraft to intercept hostile drones, naming the Aero L‑159 light-attack jet as the most likely candidate. The move would add a manned kinetic option to Kyiv’s defences against persistent UAS threats.

2026-01-16T07:15:44.008068-08:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   AI   Helicopter   Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
Reuters

Royal Navy’s first full-size autonomous ASW helicopter completes maiden flight

By Reuters: Britain’s Royal Navy said on Friday its first full-sized autonomous helicopter, designed to track submarines and carry out other high-risk missions amid rising North Atlantic tensions, had completed its maiden flight.

Also: Aviation Week, Aerospace Testing Intnl, The Aviationist, Sky News, Economic Times, navylookout.com, The Independent, UK Defence Journal and aerospaceglobalnews.com
2026-01-16T04:11:05.120839-08:00
Israel   Helicopter   Military Aircraft Procurement   Accident   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

Israeli UH‑60 Black Hawk Crashes During CH‑53 Recovery Lift in Gush Etzion

By AeroTime: An IAF UH-60 Black Hawk crashed after detaching during an airlift recovery in Gush Etzion, according to the IDF.

Also: Times of India and Jerusalem Post
2026-01-16T04:11:25.247372-08:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Supply Chain   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Defense Policy  
Vertical Mag • Mark Huber

U.S. Army eyes purchase of up to one million drones as it pivots to uncrewed operations

By Vertical Mag: Late last year, senior Army officials announced intent to purchase up to one million drones over the next two to three years — a dramatic increase from the 50,000 it currently purchases annually.

2026-01-16T02:53:42.744802-08:00