JERUSALEM — Elbit Systems will upgrade the Israel Defense Forces’ Markava main battle tanks under a $210 million contract, the company said this week.
The announcement comes amid a ceasefire currently in place on Israel’s northern and southern fronts with Gaza and Lebanon, respectively, and the public criticism by reservists regarding the operational capabilities of various armored vehicles…
The number of major accidents involving military aircraft spiked in 2024, internal Pentagon figures show, and a series of high-profile aviation mishaps with deaths and the loss of aircraft in 2025 suggest the disturbing trend may be continuing.
Across the military, the rate…
EU nations boost drone defense, pledge more US weapons for Ukraine
November 19, 2025
BERLIN — Top officials from Europe’s five largest military spenders met in Berlin today to reaffirm their commitment to Ukraine’s defense and announce a number of measures designed to strengthen Europe’s eastern flank.
Among the planned moves is the deployment of…
New Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach on Tuesday pledged to focus on modernizing the service’s fleet, improving the readiness of both its aircraft and airmen and strengthening how well it works with other services and allies.
“Being able to deliver [airpower] when called upon demands a constant focus on readiness,” Wilsbach said during the assumption of responsibilities ceremony…
F-22 Raptor pairs with Avenger drone in combat flight test
November 19, 2025
The pilot of a Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor stealth fighter successfully maneuvered an MQ-20 Avenger unmanned jet during a demonstration of human-machine flight cooperation in an Oct. 21 flight test, according to drone maker General Atomics.
“The test was conducted by…
Here are the major defense programs backed in shutdown-ending deal
November 18, 2025
The bills passed last week as part of the deal that ended the longest U.S. government shutdown in history include billions of dollars for major Air Force and Navy programs.
This includes funds to build new aircraft carriers and submarines, facilities needed for new stealth…
US arms deal still up in the air after Hegseth visit to Vietnam
November 18, 2025
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam — Despite U.S. interest in deeper military ties with Vietnam, the Nov. 2 visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, during which he met Communist Party leader To Lam and Defense Minister Phan Van Giang, did not yield an expected announcement on arms sales.
“Deeper [military] cooperation will benefit both of our countries,” Hegseth said ahead of his meeting with…
ICEYE sees role as Europe’s defense space-intelligence linchpin
November 18, 2025
PARIS — Finland’s ICEYE has a “very big role to play” in giving Europe sovereign access to satellite intelligence, without having to rely on the United States, the company’s Vice President for Missions Joost Elstak said.
European interest in ICEYE rose after Russia…
Russia unleashed a major missile and drone barrage on Kyiv early Friday, killing six people, leaving gaping holes in apartment buildings and starting fires as the sound of explosions boomed across the city and lit up the night sky. A pregnant woman was among at least 35…
Italy’s Avio shortlists three US states for new rocket motor factory
November 17, 2025
ROME — Italian propulsion firm Avio is a few weeks away from naming the U.S. state where it plans to build a factory employing up to 1,500 to satisfy growing demand for a solid rocket motors.
“There are several states under active consideration, we are in the final stages of due diligence,” said retired U.S. Navy Vice Adm. James Syring, CEO of Avio’s American unit Avio USA.
Syring served…
