UAV Development & Drone Programs   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Boeing  
The War Zone • Joseph Trevithick

MQ-25 Stingray begins taxi tests as Navy eyes first flight in coming months

The U.S. Navy's MQ-25 Stingray has begun ground taxi tests, advancing Boeing's carrier‑based unmanned aerial‑refuelling programme toward what the service now describes as an imminent first flight. The move follows an earlier push to achieve first flight in 2025 and signals renewed momentum in the flight‑test campaign.

2026-01-30T11:57:14.784391-08:00
Aviation Safety & Regulation   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
NEW
DefenseNews.com • Stephen Losey

US Air Force Seeks Better Bomber Communications After 'Midnight Hammer' Incident

By DefenseNews.com: If the Air Force doesn't improve communications with bombers during critical operations, Lt. Gen. Armagost said, "that is a foul on all of us.".

Also: AirForceTimes and Military Times
2026-01-30T13:03:57.219930-08:00
Satellite   Middle East   Space Defense & Militarization   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
Associated Press

Satellite imagery shows increased activity at Iran nuclear sites amid nationwide protest crackdown

By Associated Press: Satellite images reveal activity at two Iranian nuclear sites, suggesting that Tehran may be obscuring its efforts to salvage any materials remaining there.

Also: Military.com and The Independent
2026-01-30T10:14:27.437962-08:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Asia-Pacific (APAC)  
Air Data News • Ricardo Meier

UAC: Russia and India advance talks on joint Su-57 production in India

By Air Data News: Russia and India are holding advanced technical discussions on the potential joint production of the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter in India, according to senior.

Also: easterneye.biz
2026-01-30T08:54:16.008773-08:00
MRO   Europe   North America   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Deals  
Air Data News • Ricardo Meier

USAF awards up to $235.4M to Sabena for F-16 maintenance supporting Ukraine

By Air Data News: The US Air Force (USAF) has awarded a contract valued at up to $235.4 million to Sabena Aerospace Engineering to provide maintenance and support services for.

Also: militarnyi.com, defensemirror.com and prm.ua
2026-01-30T04:16:15.532527-08:00
Africa   Airports   Accident   Aviation Safety & Regulation   Airport Infrastructure & Air Traffic Management   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy   Airlines  
Reuters

Niger military ruler accuses France, Benin, Ivory Coast of sponsoring airport attack

By Reuters: Niger's military ruler Abdourahamane Tiani on Thursday blamed French, Benin and Ivory Coast presidents for sponsoring the attack on Niamey international airport, an accusation he made without offering any evidence.

Also: South China Morning Post and 3 more
2026-01-30T05:38:32.334550-08:00