Today In Defense
Last Updated: Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, 9:25 PM PST
2025-12-17T21:25:18.974518-08:00 2025-12-17T21:25:18.974518-08:00 (2025-12-17T21:25:18.974518-08:00)
Defense Industry & Major Contractors
Policy & Regulation
Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
NEW
CNBC
• Lim Hui Jie
U.S. approves largest ever arms sale to Taiwan as tensions simmer around the island
By CNBC: The package consists of items like artillery systems, antitank missiles, as well as spare parts for helicopters and anti-ship missiles.
North America
Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons
Defense Industry & Major Contractors
Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact
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Bloomberg
• Anthony Capaccio
US Army on track to field first hypersonic ground‑launched weapon 'Dark Eagle' by end of 2025
By Bloomberg: US Army Says It’s On Track to Deploy First US Hypersonic Weapon The Dark Eagle, the first US hypersonic weapon, and soldiers from a Australian-U.S. bilateral military exercise in Northern Territory, Australia, on July 9, 2025.
Supply Chain
Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons
Defense Industry & Major Contractors
Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation
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NASA Spaceflight
• Justin Davenport
Northrop Grumman tests fast-developed SMART motor, looks ahead to future applications
By NASA Spaceflight: Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC), one of the largest space and defense contractors in the United….
Supply Chain
Europe
Military Aircraft Procurement
Orders
Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)
Defense Industry & Major Contractors
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english.defensearabia.com
Embraer delivers first A-29N Super Tucanos to Portuguese Air Force; eyes final assembly line in Portugal
By english.defensearabia.com: Portugal becomes the first country to operate the new variant of the A-29 configured to meet NATO's operational requirements New final assembly line would.
Supply Chain
North America
Military Aircraft Procurement
Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)
Defense Industry & Major Contractors
Workforce & Skills Development
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Air Data News
• JCC; Ricardo Meier
Saab offers to build Gripen fighters and GlobalEye surveillance aircraft in Canada, pledging 12,600 jobs
By Air Data News: Saab submitted proposals to the Canadian government to build Gripen fighters and GlobalEye surveillance aircraft in Canada, with a potential to create 12,600.
MRO
Military Aircraft Procurement
Orders
Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)
Defense Industry & Major Contractors
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
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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.
Europe
Military Aircraft Procurement
Orders
Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)
Defense Industry & Major Contractors
Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact
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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.
