A Republic of Korea Air Force F-15K Slam Eagle arrives at Osan Air Base, ROK, Dec. 16, 2025 for Buddy Squadron 26-1. Buddy Squadron offers valuable opportunities for U.S. and ROKAF forces to fly together, exchange tactics, techniques, and procedures, and strengthen relationships that enhance overall interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tylir Meyer)

An F-15EX departs for Portland Air National Guard Base. The U.S. Air Force, in partnership with Boeing and the Defense Contract Management Agency, has resumed F-15EX Eagle II deliveries to the Portland Air National Guard Base, overcoming recent production delays. (Courtesy photo)

A Kawasaki C-2 cargo aircraft assigned to the 2nd Tactical Airlift Group, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, prepares for takeoff at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Dec. 10, 2025. Airmen from the JASDF attended the Advanced Tactics Aircrew Course of the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Michael Crane)

FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a ceremony today at Lockheed Martin's (NYSE: LMT) F-35 production facility, esteemed government and military leaders from the United States and Finland celebrated the rollout of the first F-35A Lightning II for the Finnish Air Force. The event marks a new generation of Finnish air power and strengthens strategic trans-Atlantic relations.

"Finland is a NATO member and committed to act as a dependable defence provider in the northern flank," said Finland's Minister of Defence, Antti Häkkänen. "Finland is investing heavily in national industrial capabilities through industrial participation, we believe that our investment and highly capable defence industry can benefit the F-35 program not just locally but also at a more global level."

"In the Finnish operational environment, survivability, lethality and cooperation are imperative," said Major General Timo Herranen, Commander of the Finnish Air Force. "The F-35 will deliver unmatched capability in all those areas, and it will bring a whole new level of capability for our defence. We are looking forward to the start of F-35 operations next year."

The F-35 unites 20 allied nations that have chosen the aircraft, including 13 in Europe, and is in active service with 16 services worldwide. With its unmatched interoperability, Finland's F-35s will strengthen integration between the different branches of the Finnish Defence Forces and connect assets across domains, increasing situational awareness for Finland and its NATO allies.

"The F-35 continues to demonstrate its ability to deter threats and prevail in combat, and it will give the Finnish Air Force a decisive edge in protecting the nation and bolstering allied partnership in the Nordic region and beyond," said Greg Ulmer, president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "The F-35 program underpins a powerful network of integrated deterrence, advancing allied cooperation, industrial strength and shared security."

Finnish industry is part of a global network of more than 1,900 F-35 suppliers. Lockheed Martin has partnered with more than 30 companies and academic institutions across Finland, transferring cutting-edge technologies and expertise that promote innovation and growth in Finland's aerospace sector. 

The first aircraft will be delivered to the Finnish Air Force in early 2026 and will ferry to Ebbing Air Force Base, Arkansas, where F-35A pilot training takes place. Finland's program of record calls for 64 F-35As, which will be the largest F-35 fleet in northern Europe. The first aircraft will arrive in the country next year.

About the F-35 Lightning II
More than 1,270 F-35s are currently operational around the globe, and the fleet has surpassed 1 million flight hours. The combat-proven F-35 operates from 50 bases worldwide, including 10 nations operating on home soil. As adversaries advance and legacy aircraft age, the F-35 is critical to maintaining air dominance for decades to come.

About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com. 

Marignane, France, 16 December 2025 – The first H160 helicopter for the French Gendarmerie Nationale was handed over to the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) during a ceremony held at the Airbus Helicopters headquarters in Marignane. Ten H160s were ordered in December 2021 by the DGA on behalf of the Ministry of Interior.

“The delivery of the first H160 to the Gendarmerie Nationale is the result of a close cooperation with the Gendarmerie and the DGA, to develop a solution entirely dedicated to the most demanding security missions,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “This programme is a testament to our commitment to the future of French defence and security, notably with the ongoing development of the H160M Guépard, whose maiden flight took place last summer. The synergies established between these two programmes directly benefit the French forces, ensuring an unprecedented level of performance and interoperability for critical civil and military missions,” he added.

This delivery is part of the Gendarmerie Nationale’s helicopter fleet renewal programme, which began with the delivery of the first H145 in November. The two helicopters are complementary in terms of missions and capabilities. They also share numerous features, such as the Helionix avionics suite, communications systems and mission equipment, facilitating maintenance, training and operational interoperability.

The H160 is the largest rotorcraft ever operated by the Gendarmerie Nationale, providing additional mission capabilities. The delivery of the first helicopter will launch the standard acceptance process, operational integration and entry into service, which will last until early 2027. This step will also include the training and qualification of the crews and technical personnel, as well as the implementation of the helicopter’s operating procedures.

The first helicopter of a new generation, the EASA-certified H160 benefits from reduced operating costs and optimised flight safety. With its streamlined maintenance plan, aligned between the engines and the rotorcraft, the H160 optimises operational costs and sets a new standard for availability. The Gendarmerie’s H160 will benefit from a global support contract managed by Airbus Helicopters, including technical support, spare parts stock on four of the Gendarmerie Nationale’s bases, as well as connected services.

Nordholz, Germany, 16 December 2025 – Airbus Helicopters, through the joint venture NHIndustries, has handed over the first NH90 Sea Tiger to the German Navy during a delivery ceremony at the Navy’s base in Nordholz. A total of 31 helicopters are set to be delivered by 2030. The NH90 Sea Tiger will be used for anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare missions.

“We are extremely proud to deliver the first NH90 Sea Tiger today to the German Navy, on cost, on time and on quality,” said Stefan Thomé, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Germany. “The Sea Tiger will provide the Navy with a powerful tool to defend Germany’s, Europe’s and NATO’s borders in the Baltic Sea and in the Atlantic - offering outstanding anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.”

The helicopters will gradually replace the German Navy’s ageing Mk88A Sea Lynx fleet, which entered service in 1981. The German Navy already operates 18 NH90 Sea Lion naval transport helicopters, which were delivered on schedule between 2019 and 2023. They are continuously deployed on maritime search and rescue missions and onboard 702-class replenishment ships.

The NH90 Sea Tiger represents the latest evolution of the NH90 NFH, offering world-leading capabilities for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Warfare (AsuW) missions. It has been specifically designed to match the needs of the German Navy for a state-of-the-art anti-submarine warfare helicopter. Novelties include a new Electro-Optical System and improved Electronic Support Measures (ESM). On top, the Sea Tiger is equipped with a dipping sonar, sonobuoys, and weapons (torpedoes and missiles). The shipborne Sea Tiger missions include, in addition to reconnaissance and transport, engaging targets above and below the surface. Those systems have been tested and qualified during different test campaigns in the Mediterranean Sea and North Sea.

135 naval NH90 helicopters have already been delivered to six nations and have completed over 90,000 flight hours in search and rescue, humanitarian, and military operations. There are more than 530 NH90 helicopters in service worldwide that have accumulated close to 500,000 flight hours.

NHIndustries is the largest rotorcraft joint venture and it is responsible for the design, manufacturing and support of the NH90 helicopter, one of the leaders in the latest generation of military helicopters. The Company takes the best from the European rotorcraft and defence industry, being owned by Airbus Helicopters (62.5%), Leonardo (32%) and GKN Fokker (5.5%). Each company has a long aerospace pedigree and brings the top of its skills and expertise to the end product.

A news reporter records a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules with Marine Aerial Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, after a ribbon cutting ceremony on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 15, 2025. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the reopening of the runway and to strengthen U.S. and Japan alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Carlos Paz-Sosa)

Air National Guard Capt. Jacob Reisler and Tech. Sgt. Jacob Walen, members of the 109th Airlift Wing, refuel a LC-130 Hercules at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, Antarctica, Dec. 11, 2025. The 109th Airlift Wing operates the largest aircraft in the world capable of landing on snow and ice using skis. (Courtesy photo by Air National Guard Lt. Col. Jacob Papp)

A Kawasaki C-2 aircraft assigned to the 402nd Tactical Airlift Squadron of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, takes off for a training sortie at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, December 10, 2025. The 402nd are attending the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center’s, Advanced Tactics Aircrew Course which allows aircrews to learn and employ defensive tactics in a training environment. This is the first time a C-2 has trained at the AATTC. Since 1983 the AATTC has provided advanced tactical training to airlift aircrews from the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command, Air Mobility Command, U.S. Marine Corps and 17 allied nations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Patrick Evenson)

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – Dec. 16, 2025 – The Brazilian Army took delivery of its first UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter, initiating a 12-helicopter fleet upgrade that strengthens Brazil’s multi-mission airlift and humanitarian-assistance capabilities. The Black Hawk helicopter is a versatile aircraft ready to support the Brazil Army’s missions, including troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and disaster response.

“The arrival of the first UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter in Brazil is a proud moment in our ongoing partnership,” said Rich Benton, Sikorsky vice president and general manager. “These aircraft will play a critical role in supporting the Brazilian Army's operations, and we are committed to delivering exceptional logistical support to ensure their continued success.”

The Brazilian Army's confidence in the Black Hawk helicopter is a testament to the aircraft's proven track record and the strong partnership between the Brazilian Army and Sikorsky, which spans 28 years. Since the acquisition of the first Black Hawks in 1997, Sikorsky has provided robust logistical support, ensuring the Brazilian Army's aviation capabilities remain highly effective. The Brazilian Air Force also operates a fleet of UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters, enhancing interoperability within its own forces.

Operated by 36 nations and validated through more than 15 million flight hours, the Black Hawk is the premier multi-role helicopter for missions worldwide.

Alverca, Portugal, December 17, 2025 – Embraer (NYSE: EMBJ / B3: EMBJ3), today delivered the first five A-29N Super Tucanos to the Portuguese Air Force (PRT AF) during a ceremony held at OGMA's facilities, attended by authorities, Embraer executives, and guests. This delivery comes just one year and one day after the acquisition agreement was signed, highlighting Embraer's ability to meet its customers’ operational needs. The acquisition of these aircraft – part of an order for 12 units – represents a significant milestone in Portugal’s process to modernize its air capabilities.

During the occasion, Embraer and the Portuguese State signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) aimed at the potential establishment of an A-29N final assembly line in Portugal. Aircraft produced at this facility would address possible demands from other European nations through government-to-government negotiations, contributing to the strengthening of the defense industrial base in Portugal and across Europe.

“We are not only introducing a new air attack capability with proven results to support the Detached National Forces, but also addressing potential new scenarios. The Super Tucano now offers the possibility of performing anti-drone missions, demonstrating the flexibility of the aircraft chosen by the Air Force. I want to emphasize that this was the Air Force’s choice, with political decisions supported by technical opinions,” said Nuno Melo, Minister of Defense of Portugal.

“The formal delivery of these aircraft represents another decisive step in the modernization of the Air Force, reinforcing its robustness and technological capacity. Beyond replacing pilot training equipment that has been in operation for almost four decades, this acquisition also allows for the strengthening of new capabilities, namely in close air support in joint and/or combined operations, ensuring the armed protection of forces on the ground. In parallel, the Air Force reaffirms its position as a benchmark among its peer forces by operating the first A-29N Super Tucano with NATO configuration, guaranteeing Portugal a strategic advantage and a return for the national economy,” states the Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Air Force, General João Cartaxo Alves.

"The delivery of the first A-29N Super Tucanos to the Portuguese Air Force strengthens and expands the strategic partnership established between the Portuguese State and Embraer through the KC-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft program. There is growing interest in employing the A-29 for counter-UAS missions in Europe, and a potential assembly line in Portugal paves the way for the development of new business and broader cooperation with the Portuguese defense industry," said Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.

Portugal now joins a growing list of nations that rely on the A-29's proven capabilities for a wide range of missions. The aircraft's entry into service reinforces Embraer's commitment to supporting NATO allies with reliable and innovative solutions.

A global leader in its class, the Super Tucano has been selected by 22 air forces worldwide and has accumulated more than 600,000 flight hours. The aircraft has attracted the interest of several other nations due to its unmatched combination of capabilities, making it the most efficient option on the market.

For air forces looking for a proven, comprehensive, efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solution on a single platform, coupled with great operational flexibility, the A-29 Super Tucano offers a wide range of missions, including Advanced Pilot Training, Close Air Support (CAS), air patrol, air interdiction, Joint Terminal Attack (JTAC) training, armed Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), border surveillance, and air escort.

The A-29 Super Tucano is the most effective multi-mission aircraft in its category, equipped with state-of-the-art technology for precise target identification, weapons systems, and a comprehensive communications suite. Its capability is further enhanced by advanced Human-Machine Interface (HMI) avionics systems integrated into a robust airframe. The A-29 is capable of operating from unpaved runways in harsh environments and without infrastructure. Furthermore, the aircraft has reduced maintenance requirements and offers a high level of reliability, availability, and structural integrity with low life cycle costs.

Rome, 17 December 2025
Leonardo has signed a contract with the Italian Directorate of Aeronautical Armaments and Airworthiness for the supply of 12 M-346 multirole aircraft to the Austrian Air Force (Luftstreitkräfte), responding to the defence needs of Austria’s national airspace and territory and for the training of its military pilots.

The contract includes aircraft supplied in the light fighter configuration under the new M-346 F Block 20 standard, equipped with cockpits featuring a Large Area Display (LAD), active electronically scanned radar, a Link 16 data-link, electronic countermeasures, and new weapons systems. The supply also includes a complete suite of simulation systems, an initial stock of spare parts, ground equipment and logistics / maintenance support for six years following the delivery of the first aircraft.

This new development follows two contracts already signed in 2022 and 2023 for the supply of 36 (18 + 18) AW169M LUHs (Light Utility Helicopter) to the Austrian Ministry of Defence. It also follows the Austrian MoD’s decision to rely upon the IFTS (International Flight Training School) based in Decimomannu, Italy to train its fighter pilots, a decision which allowed to fully appreciate the features and operational qualities of the M-346, the backbone of the school.

Stefano Bortoli, Managing Director of Leonardo’s Aeronautics Division, said: “We’re extremely proud of the launch of Austria’s M-346 programme, and we are aware of the value that the synergy between national institutions and industry can generate in response to the emerging requirements of friend countries, as we have already seen in the past. And so we are pleased to continue doing our part, supplying aeronautical solutions enabled by significant technological enhancements. At the same time, this programme confirms the international competitiveness of the M-346 system. It responds to the need for operational versatility dictated by today’s scenarios requiring responsiveness and adaptability, growing digitisation, efficient management of new defence assets, complementarity and interoperability, and suitable training for personnel.”

In Austria, the M-346 F Block 20 will replace the Saab 105, retired from service in 2020, in the dual role of fighter for lower-intensity operations and advanced trainer. Leonardo's platform simultaneously offers a complete, integrated advanced flight training system - including a GBTS (Ground Based Training System), combined simulated elements and scenarios with real flights according to a Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) logic - with additional light combat capabilities for air-to-air and air-to-surface missions enabled by advanced mission systems, equipment and sensors, also including aerial refuelling capability.

The M-346 is the core element of a cutting-edge and continuously evolving advanced flight-training system that has already demonstrated its effectiveness: a success story that has logged over 150,000 hours in flight with nearly 160 aircraft sold to date, enabling several air forces in Europe and worldwide to train pilots for flying high-performance fighters such as the Eurofighter, F-35 and next-generation ‘combat air systems’.

20 countries already train their pilots on the M-346 or have chosen this aircraft, in the fighter version, as a light multirole fighter. Thanks to its high-performance capabilities and manoeuvrability, the M‑346 has also been chosen by the Italian Air Force as the future aircraft for the “Frecce Tricolori”, Italy’s national aerobatic team.

RAF 120 Squadron deployed the P-8A Poseidon to Iceland’s Keflavik Air Base as part of NATO’s Peacetime Vigilance Activity.
This deployment continues 120 Squadron’s historic links with Iceland, which date back to the Second World War when the squadron played a vital role in protecting the North Atlantic from enemy submarines.
We work closely with our Icelandic partners to secure this strategically important region and contribute to NATO’s collective defence.
(Photo courtesy of the RAF)

From the 14th to the 17th of December 2025, the Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace conducted exercise Sawabi3 in the Indian Ocean, alongside Forces Françaises stationnées à Djibouti and the Armed Forces in the southern Indian Ocean.

The aircraft included Mirage 2000-5F, Mirage 2000D, A400M and Casa CN-235.

(Photos courtesy of the Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace)