Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Orders   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

Lockheed unveils first Finland-bound F-35A at Fort Worth, advancing Helsinki's Hornet replacement programme

FlightGlobal reports: Lockheed Martin has displayed the first F-35A Lightning II destined for Finland at its Fort Worth facility, marking a milestone for the Nordic nation's 64-aircraft programme to replace its Boeing F/A-18C/D Hornet fleet.

2025-12-16T15:46:20.285809-08:00

Today In Defense

Last Updated: Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, 6:11 AM PST

2025-12-17T06:11:41.887779-08:00 2025-12-17T06:11:41.887779-08:00 (2025-12-17T06:11:41.887779-08:00)

Europe   Military Aircraft Procurement   Orders   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
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FlightGlobal • Craig Hoyle

Leonardo receives formal contract for Austrian M-346 F Block 20 acquisition

By FlightGlobal: Leonardo is to start work on the Austrian air force's future fleet of 12 M-346 F Block 20 training and light-attack aircraft, having received a contract award via Italy's Directorate of Aeronautical Armaments and Airworthiness.

Also: The Aviationist, Shephard Media, avionews.it and edrmagazine.eu
2025-12-17T02:25:37.788163-08:00
Leadership   North America   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
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Breaking Defense • Michael Marrow

US President Trump nominates General John Lamontagne as Air Force Vice Chief of Staff

By Breaking Defense: Air Mobility Command chief Gen. John Lamontagne — one of several new military nominees submitted by the White House on Monday — would fill a role left vacant since the firing of Gen.

Also: AirForceTimes, Defense One and 6 more
2025-12-16T10:49:47.522479-08:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   North America   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Asia-Pacific (APAC)  
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DefenseNews.com • Zita Fletcher

U.S. Marines Begin Production of MADIS 'Drone Hunter‑Killer' Counter‑UAS Vehicles

By DefenseNews.com: The Marine Air Defense Integrated System is designed to destroy unmanned aerial systems as well as manned aircraft, including helicopters.

Also: Military Times and marinecorpstimes.com
2025-12-16T10:51:39.914122-08:00
North America   Airports   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
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Associated Press • Seung Min Kim

US President Trump to Attend Dover Transfer for Two Iowa National Guard Members Killed in Syria

By Associated Press: President Donald Trump will go to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Wednesday for a dignified transfer for the two Iowa National Guard members killed in an attack in the Syrian desert.

Also: Military.com, Toronto Star, Toronto Star and The Independent
2025-12-16T11:23:03.955078-08:00