China   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Asia-Pacific (APAC)  
The War Zone • Thomas Newdick

China conducts first sea launch of YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile from Type 055 destroyer

The PLA Navy says its YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile has completed a "finalization test" and was live-fired from a Type 055 destroyer in the first public sea launch. Reports and imagery describe a cold launch and near-vertical waverider profile from the roughly 10,000‑ton warship.

Also: interestingengineering.com
2025-12-29T11:49:25.479824-08:00
China   UAV Development & Drone Programs   General Atomics   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Asia-Pacific (APAC)  
Aviation Week • Chen Chuanren

Japan Studies MQ‑9B Drones for Airspace Interceptions Amid Chinese, Russian Intrusions

By Aviation Week: Japan plans to study the use of General Atomics MQ-9B UAS for aerial interception missions, as it faces airspace intrusions by Chinese and Russian aircraft.

2025-12-29T04:26:09.718334-08:00
North America   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Policy & Regulation  
Simple Flying • Victoria Agronsky

US lawmakers block Pentagon cancellation of Boeing E-7 Wedgetail, preserving US Air Force surveillance funding

By Simple Flying: US lawmakers block Pentagon plans to cancel the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail, preserving funding for the Air Force’s next-generation surveillance aircraft.

Also: Wall Street Journal and Air Data News
2025-12-28T23:24:45.456878-08:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Israel   Middle East   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Space Defense & Militarization   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
spacewar.com • Agency France-Presse

Israeli air force deploys first laser interception system

By spacewar.com: Jerusalem (AFP) Dec 28, 2025 - Israel's defence ministry said on Sunday it had deployed a new Iron Beam laser system for the air force to intercept aerial threats.

Also: Unmanned Airspace, asdnews.com, defence-blog.com, news.ssbcrack.com and defencestar.in
2025-12-28T20:24:09.356531-08:00
Supply Chain   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
defence-industry.eu • Defence Industry

Lockheed Martin awarded $3.6 billion contract for logistics support of global F-35 fighter fleet

By defence-industry.eu: On 19 December, the United States Department of War announced the signing of another contract with Lockheed Martin for the provision of logistics support services for the global fleet of multirole combat aircraft from the F-35 Lightning II family.

2025-12-28T15:03:35.597633-08:00
China   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Asia-Pacific (APAC)  
Reuters

China launches ‘Just Mission 2025’ multi‑service military drills around Taiwan amid Japan tensions

By Reuters: China launched its most extensive war games around Taiwan on Monday to showcase Beijing's ability to cut off the island from outside support in a conflict, testing Taipei's resolve to defend itself and its arsenal of U.S.-made weapons.

Also: odt.co.nz, sinodaily.com and newsable.asianetnews.com
2025-12-28T17:14:51.452812-08:00