Military Aircraft Procurement Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons Defense Industry & Major Contractors Defense Policy

Bloomberg • Anthony Capaccio

Army again misses deadline to field first U.S. hypersonic weapon

The U.S. Army has missed a self‑imposed deadline to field its first hypersonic weapon, marking another schedule slip for a top Pentagon modernization priority. The delay underscores persistent program‑management and integration challenges as U.S. services race to develop and deploy Mach‑5+ strike capabilities.

Also: Stars and Stripes

2026-01-17T07:57:27.128869-08:00

Museums Airport Infrastructure & Air Traffic Management

oregonlive.com • Samantha Swindler

A storm tore open the roof of this massive former US Navy Oregon landmark. The Port of Tillamook Bay has offered to sell the historic blimp hangar for just $1 to anyone willing to preserve it, but repair estimates range up to $50 million

By oregonlive.com: The Port of Tillamook Bay has offered to sell the historic blimp hangar for just $1 to anyone willing to preserve it, but repair estimates range up to $50 million.

Flying Magazine

403 Forbidden

2026-01-16T23:19:18.228972-08:00

Middle East Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Defense Policy

The Hill • Kevin Bohn

U.S. Lowers Threat Level at Al Udeid Air Base as Officials Say No Imminent Plan to Strike Iran

By The Hill: This comes as officials indicated there were no imminent plans for the U.S. to attack Iran.

2026-01-16T20:12:13.391611-08:00

Africa Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Defense Policy

Washington Post • Tobi Raji

Ugandan presidential candidate Bobi Wine allegedly abducted and flown away by military helicopter, opposition says

By Washington Post: Bobi Wine, the pop-star-turned-politician who challenged President Yoweri Museveni, said he escaped a raid on his home. Police disputed his account.

2026-01-16T15:31:14.255666-08:00

Helicopter Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Defense Policy

New York Times • John Ismay

U.S. rapid‑descent helicopter boardings of oil tankers underscore operational lessons after fatal 2024 boarding

By New York Times: Videos show U.S. forces descending quickly from helicopters onto the tankers, two years after a tragic boarding attempt.

2026-01-16T15:31:17.659886-08:00

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.

Shephard Media

UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power

AeroTime

Royal Navy conducts maiden flight of Leonardo Proteus — UK’s first autonomous full‑size helicopter

Also: FlightGlobal, Aviation Week, Aerospace Testing Intnl, The Aviationist, Business Insider, CNN, defence-industry.eu, Sky News, Economic Times, navylookout.com, The Independent, UK Defence Journal and 7 more

2026-01-16T04:11:05.120839-08:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Europe Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Industry & Major Contractors Airbus

Airbus

France awards contract to Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group for six VSR700 naval UAS

By Airbus: The French Armament General Directorate (DGA) has awarded a contract to Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group for the production of six VSR700 UAS.