UAV Development & Drone Programs   F-16   Military Aircraft Procurement   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

Reports: alleged covert U.S.-Dutch-Ukrainian F-16 squadron operating over Ukraine; Kyiv denies

Reports say Ukraine has formed a covert F-16 squadron staffed by U.S., Dutch and Ukrainian pilots flying combat sorties to bolster air defences and intercept Russian drones. The Ukrainian Air Force dismissed the claims, saying there is no evidence U.S. or Dutch pilots are operating Kyiv's jets.

Also: pravda.com.ua, defensemirror.com, defence-industry.eu, prm.ua, Defence24, defence-blog.com and prm.ua
2026-02-17T07:50:02.809275-08:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   AI   Supply Chain   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
NEW
AeroTime • Stephen Pope

Venom autonomous strike aircraft completes first flight after 71-day design-to-flight build

By AeroTime: Divergent Technologies and Mach Industries say they designed, built, and flew the Venom autonomous strike aircraft in 71 days, continuing a shift toward rapid defense manufacturing.

2026-02-17T08:54:12.058579-08:00
Dassault Aviation   Military Aircraft Procurement   Orders   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Asia-Pacific (APAC)  
AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

India requests 31 additional carrier-capable Rafale Marine fighters as 114‑jet MRFA deal advances

By AeroTime: A French report indicates that India has asked France for 31 additional carrier-capable Rafale jets, as New Delhi clears a key step for a 114-jet MRFA buy.

2026-02-17T05:05:01.374836-08:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Europe   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Policy & Regulation   Export Controls & Trade Compliance   Defense Policy  
eVTOL Insights • Jason Pritchard

AtkinsRéalis and Anduril UK partner to accelerate sovereign autonomous systems for UK defence

By eVTOL Insights: AtkinsRéalis has entered into a teaming agreement with Anduril UK to provide critical safety, assurance and regulatory expertise that will.

Also: UK Defence Journal
2026-02-17T03:46:12.192264-08:00