UAV Development & Drone Programs   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
Wall Street Journal • Wall Street Journal

U.S. employs AC-130J Ghostrider and MQ-9 Reaper in strikes on alleged drug boats off South America

The U.S. has deployed AC-130J Ghostrider gunships alongside MQ-9 Reaper drones in strikes against alleged drug‑running boats off South America, pairing the Ghostrider’s precision firepower with the Reaper’s persistent ISR and strike reach to detect, track and engage small maritime targets.

2025-12-24T05:40:51.990850-08:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
The Space Review • Dwayne A. Day

Ukrainian Drone Strikes Destroy Multiple Tu-22M3 'Backfire' Bombers — Raises Questions Over Russia’s Bomber Fleet Strength

By The Space Review: The Backfire bomber controversyby Dwayne A. Day | ![]() A Backfire bomber in Russia about to be struck by a Ukrainian drone in June 2025. At least four Backfires were destroyed during the attack, and two others damaged.

Also: The Space Review
2025-12-23T15:04:23.305398-08:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Asia-Pacific (APAC)  
The War Zone • Tyler Rogoway

Pentagon to Contract Seaplane Fleet for Indo‑Pacific to Address Amphibious Aircraft Gap

By The War Zone: The lack of an American amphibious aircraft capability has become more glaring as the possibility of a conflict with China looms larger.

Also: interestingengineering.com
2025-12-23T13:48:06.232688-08:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Orders   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
Reuters • Costas Pitas

Pentagon increases Lockheed Martin C-130J contract from $15B to $25B

By Reuters: A previously awarded contract to Lockheed Martin related to C-130J aircraft delivery, development and engineering worth $15 billion has been increased to $25 billion, the Pentagon said on Tuesday.

Also: defensehere.com
2025-12-23T14:45:47.843022-08:00
China   Israel   Airports   Airport Infrastructure & Air Traffic Management   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Asia-Pacific (APAC)  
fdd.org • Cleo Paskal

China rebuilds Micronesian runway, sparking US national‑security concerns

By fdd.org: Skip to main content About About FDD FDD Team Advisors Jobs and Internships National Security Network Issues Israel at War Russia Iran China Turkey Cyber All Issues Projects Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation Transformative Cyber Innovation Lab Center on Economic and Financial Power Center on Military and Political Power Air and Missile Defense Program FDD's Long War Journal Barish Center.

2025-12-23T18:50:50.596691-08:00