Today In Defense
Last Updated: Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, 12:24 PM PDT
2025-10-21T12:24:34.531671-07:00 2025-10-21T12:24:34.531671-07:00 (2025-10-21T12:24:34.531671-07:00)

Chinese Fighter Drops Flares Near Australian P-8 in ‘Unsafe and Unprofessional’ Interaction Over South China Sea
By USNI News: A Chinese fighter jet and a Royal Australian Air Force maritime patrol aircraft had an “unsafe and unprofessional” interaction as the two operated over the waters of the South China Sea, Canberra officials said Monday.

Northrop Grumman seeks accelerated B-21 production rate
By Aerospace America: Stay Up to Date Submit your email address to receive the latest industry and Aerospace America news. Northrop Grumman is in negotiations with the U.S. Air Force about speeding production of the B-21 Raider aircraft.

Walk-Around Tour of Beechcraft M-346 Competing to Replace Navy T-45 Trainer
By The War Zone: We got a close look at the M-346, which Textron and Leonardo have teamed up to offer the Navy as a replacement for the T-45 Goshawk.

Baykar’s Kizilelma completes first flight with AESA radar and successfully releases Turkish air-to-surface weapons
By FlightGlobal: Baykar Technologies' Kizilelma unmanned combat air vehicle has been flown for the first time with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar installed, and also has successfully trialled the release of two Turkish-developed air-to-surface weapons.

Baykar's Kizilelma UCAV Flies With Aselsan’s AESA Radar

Swedish Air Force Details Gripen E Introduction Timeline
By Aviation Week: The Swedish Air Force will begin to introduce the new-model Gripen E fighter to a frontline squadron beginning in 2025.

U.S. arms makers' profits rise as Ukraine and Middle East conflicts drive demand
By Reuters: Weapons makers Lockheed Martin and RTX predicted strong profits for the rest of this year on Tuesday as their results benefited from surging demand for arms from conflicts in the Middle East and a protracted Russia-Ukraine war.

RTX Raises 2025 Outlook as Strong Missile and Aftermarket Demand Offsets Tariff Headwinds
By Reuters: Aerospace and defense giant RTX raised its full-year profit and revenue forecast on Tuesday, as rising demand for its missiles and aftermarket services bolstered its ability to weather negative fallout from tariffs.