Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Policy & Regulation   Boeing   Boeing 737  
Breaking Defense • Carley Welch, Michael Marrow, Theresa Hitchens, Valerie Insinna

US lawmakers unveil $839B defense spending compromise, boosts Air Force and Navy sixth‑generation fighter funding

A conference agreement on a $839 billion defense spending bill would increase funding for both the Air Force and Navy sixth‑generation fighter programs, directing fresh budgetary support to next‑generation air combat development as Congress moves to finalize appropriations.

Also: marinecorpstimes.com, Military Times, Defense Daily, Navy Times and insidedefense.com
2026-01-20T10:31:57.070247-08:00
North America   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
DefenseNews.com • Omaha World-Herald, Steve Liewer

Offutt airmen bid farewell as OC-135B Open Skies observation jets retire

By DefenseNews.com: The OC-135B spent the last 20 years flying aerial photography missions — primarily over Russia — in carrying out the international Open Skies Treaty.

2026-01-20T12:25:21.081978-08:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Asia-Pacific (APAC)   Defense Deals  
NEW
Reuters

U.S. approves potential $2.3B sale of maritime patrol aircraft and torpedoes to Singapore

By Reuters: The U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale of maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft and lightweight torpedoes and related equipment to Singapore in a deal valued at an estimated $2.3 billion, the Pentagon said on Tuesday.

Also: Seeking Alpha
2026-01-20T12:46:05.172260-08:00
Supply Chain   Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Policy & Regulation  
Bloomberg • Ellen Milligan, Kate Duffy

UK Defense Funding Delay Threatens Key Leonardo Site, Union Says

By Bloomberg: Leonardo SpA’s British helicopter factory will close if UK funding delays prevent a contract with the Italian manufacturer before March, union leaders said in a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, showing how the government’s failure to commit cash is throwing plans for a revamped defense sector in doubt.

2026-01-20T08:35:29.189354-08:00
MRO   Bombardier   BizAv   Leadership   M&A   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
FlightGlobal • Jon Hemmerdinger

Bombardier restructures leadership to advance defence and M&A ambitions

By FlightGlobal: The Montreal-based business jet manufacturer has appointed new executives to lead restructured divisions encompassing aircraft sales, aftermarket services, engineering and defence, while hiring a former Leonardo DRS strategist to drive mergers and acquisitions.

Also: Wings and Bombardier
2026-01-20T08:56:30.699498-08:00
ATC   Europe   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
UK Defence Journal • Craig Langford

UK confirms limits on military access to Irish airspace

By UK Defence Journal: The Ministry of Defence has said UK military aircraft do not enter Irish airspace for operational purposes without the express agreement of the Irish Government, following a parliamentary question on air interception arrangements.

2026-01-20T03:54:24.850255-08:00