Today In Defense
Last Updated: Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, 6:40 AM PST
2025-12-05T06:40:42.217900-08:00 2025-12-05T06:40:42.217900-08:00 (2025-12-05T06:40:42.217900-08:00)
SpaceNews.com
• Jeff Foust
Northrop Grumman continues solid rocket motor development and test program
By SpaceNews.com: Northrop Grumman tested a solid rocket motor Dec. 4 as part of an internal program to advance solid rocket propulsion technologies.
AeroTime
• Clement Charpentreau
French forces fire on unidentified drones over Île Longue nuclear submarine base; military launches investigation
By AeroTime: Security forces at France’s Île Longue nuclear submarine base fired at unidentified drones detected over the site, prompting a military investigation.
AeroTime
• Clement Charpentreau
French KC-130J conducts first aerial refuelling of Rafale during Gulf25 exercise
By AeroTime: A French KC-130J has refueled a Rafale in flight for the first time during the Gulf25 exercise in the UAE, expanding the tanker’s operational versatility.
Wall Street Journal
• Heather Somerville
Startups Raise $350M as U.S. Scrambles to Close Hypersonic Missile Gap with Russia and China
By Wall Street Journal: With $350 million in new funding, Castelion is among the companies racing to make the U.S. competitive with Russia and China in Mach 5 warfare.
Wall Street Journal
WSJ: Satellite Images Reveal Rapid Expansion of Chinese Military Air Power and Reach
By Wall Street Journal: A Wall Street Journal analysis of more than 100 satellite images shows clear evidence of the country’s expanding air power and reach.
Reuters
• Tim Hepher
Exclusive: Saab and Airbus co-operate on unmanned fighter technology
By Reuters: Saab and Airbus are discussing co-operation on unmanned warplane technology, senior executives of the companies told Reuters, a move highlighting surging interest in drones and evolving alliances in Europe's fractured defence industry.
FlightGlobal
• Dominic Perry
UK MoD eyes hundreds of millions to fund two Proteus uncrewed demonstrators for Royal Navy 700X squadron
By FlightGlobal: UK defence procurement officials are considering investing hundreds of millions of pounds to fund the development of two Proteus uncrewed concept demonstrators for the Royal Navy's 700X Naval Air Squadron.
