Supply Chain Military Aircraft Procurement Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Defense Industry & Major Contractors Defense Deals Defense Policy

Reuters

Lockheed Delivers Record 191 F-35s in 2025 as Production Pace Accelerates

Lockheed Martin delivered a record 191 F-35 Lightning II fighters in 2025, the company announced Jan. 7, surpassing the previous annual high of 142 jets. The handovers to the United States and allied operators mark a sustained production ramp-up for the stealth program.

Aviation Week • Steve Trimble

Lockheed Martin Delivers Record 191 F-35s in 2025, Signalling Production Ramp-Up

defence-industry.eu • Defence Industry

F-35 sets annual delivery record with 191 jets in 2025, expands combat and global operations

Also: investors.lockheedmartin.com and Lockheed Martin

2026-01-07T14:42:49.406814-08:00

Helicopter Military Aircraft Procurement Defense Industry & Major Contractors Defense Policy

The War Zone • Joseph Trevithick; Tyler Rogoway

MH-6 Night Stalker 'Little Bird' Demonstrates Rapid, Maritime Deployability in Tanker Raid

By The War Zone: The Little Bird helicopter's small size and incredible transportability mean that it can appear from virtually anywhere, on land or at sea.

2026-01-07T15:50:27.346411-08:00

Defense Budgets & Spending Defense Industry & Major Contractors Policy & Regulation Defense Policy

CNBC • Kevin Breuninger

Trump says he would bar dividends and stock buybacks by defense contractors

By CNBC: Shares of General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman each fell following Trump's comments.

AeroTime

Trump warns Raytheon it could lose defense contracts unless it boosts production and reinvests in manufacturing

Reuters

Trump threatens to cut Raytheon’s government contracts over stock buybacks

Also: Aviation Week, news.ssbcrack.com and Stars and Stripes

2026-01-07T11:34:40.397445-08:00

M&A Defense Industry & Major Contractors

Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

TransDigm to Acquire RF and Microwave Amplifier Maker Stellant Systems for $960M

By Via Satellite: Stellant Systems, a manufacturer of radio frequency (RF) and microwave amplification products, is set to be acquired by TransDigm Group.

2026-01-07T12:25:05.560969-08:00

aviation Event Europe North America Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Defense Policy Boeing

The War Zone • Howard Altman

U.S. Forces Seize Russian‑Flagged Tanker Marinera After Weekslong Pursuit in North Atlantic

By The War Zone: The tanker Marinera was boarded after a weekslong pursuit and after U.S. aviation assets had poured into the United Kingdom.

AeroTime

US Seizes Russian-Flagged Tanker Bella 1 in North Atlantic Amid Russian Naval Presence

FlightGlobal

US seizes Russian-flagged oil tanker in North Atlantic after protracted pursuit; P-8A, U-28A and special-ops helicopters involved

Also: Janes

2026-01-07T06:11:38.641179-08:00

Space Force Defense Budgets & Spending Defense Industry & Major Contractors Space Defense & Militarization Policy & Regulation Defense Policy

SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

2026 Outlook: Can U.S. Acquisition Reform Deliver for Military Space?

By SpaceNews.com: 2026 Outlook: Can Acquisition Reform Deliver for Military Space?.

2026-01-07T04:17:07.441786-08:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Europe Military Aircraft Procurement Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Defense Industry & Major Contractors Airbus

AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

France’s DGA conducts A400M flight trials, dropping 72 inert drones to validate launch simulations and aircraft safety

By AeroTime: France’s DGA has conducted flight trials releasing 72 inert drone mock-ups from an Airbus A400M to validate simulations and aircraft safety.

2026-01-07T04:34:25.333280-08:00

F-16 Military Aircraft Procurement Accident Aviation Safety & Regulation Defense Industry & Major Contractors Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Asia-Pacific (APAC) Defense Policy

AeroTime • Clement Charpentreau

Taiwan searches for missing F-16V pilot after crash

By AeroTime: A ROCAF F-16V crashed off Hualien during a night training flight. The pilot remains missing as SAR crews search in rough seas and high winds.