UAV Development & Drone Programs   North America   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

Footage suggests RQ-170 Sentinel operated from Puerto Rico during US raid to capture Nicolás Maduro

Social media footage appears to show a Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel operating from Puerto Rico during the U.S. operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. RQ-170s — built for persistent covert surveillance — and supporting electronic-warfare and special-operations aviation reportedly helped neutralize Venezuelan air defenses.

2026-01-05T05:56:14.111606-08:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Asia-Pacific (APAC)   Defense Policy  
FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

Pakistan test-launches indigenous Taimoor air-launched cruise missile from Mirage; demonstrates 324 nm range

By FlightGlobal: The Pakistan air force has successfully test-launched its indigenously developed Taimoor cruise missile from a Dassault Aviation Mirage IIIE fighter, with the weapon demonstrating a precision strike capability at ranges up to 324nm.

2026-01-04T23:58:13.262953-08:00
China   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

Taiwan F-16Vs to get anti-stealth boost with Legion pods

By FlightGlobal: The USA has awarded Lockheed Martin a $329 million contract to urgently supply 55 Legion infrared search and track pods for Taiwan's F-16V fleet, enhancing the island's ability to detect low-observable Chinese combat aircraft amid escalating regional tensions.

Also: govconwire.com
2026-01-04T22:34:01.471584-08:00