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Embraer claims demand is opening the door for new challengers to Airbus-Boeing duopoly
Oct. 11, 2025 - Brazilian planemaker Embraer says rising market demand for narrowbody and regional aircraft could let competitors take share from the Airbus–Boeing duopoly, arguing the industry’s entrenched structure is weakening. Embraer forecasts a global need for 2,900-4,000 new aircraft in the next decade in the narrowbody and 70-150 seat segments, and insists it is ready to deliver “scale, productivity and cost competitiveness.” The firm also plans to invest in modular production, digitalization and supply-chain resilience to support growth in North America, Europe and emerging markets. (Financial Times)
Denmark orders 16 more F-35 stealth fighters in $2.6 billion deal
Oct. 11, 2025 - Denmark has committed to acquiring 16 additional Lockheed Martin F-35A jets under a purchase worth about $2.6 billion, as part of its broader defense expansion. The acquisition is intended to expand Denmark’s fleet to 43 F-35s and enhance interoperable capabilities, with the package also covering infrastructure, training, and supporting systems. The decision comes amid parallel investments to bolster Arctic defense posture and reinforce Denmark’s strategic role in northern security. (Aviation A2Z)
BAE Systems and Rheinmetall team to fit 120mm L44A1 gun on CV90120 light tank
Oct. 9, 2025 - BAE Systems Hägglunds has signed an agreement with Rheinmetall to equip the new CV90120 (a CV90 MkIV-based light tank/fire-support variant) with the L44A1 120-millimetre low-recoil cannon. The L44A1 is a 44-caliber (about 5 metres / 16 feet) upgraded smoothbore derived from the L/44 that uses recoil-reduction features — including a muzzle brake — to allow mounting on lighter tracked vehicles while remaining compatible with all NATO-standard 120 mm ammunition, including programmable high-explosive and enhanced kinetic-energy rounds. BAE says the integration will give the CV90120 main-battle-tank levels of firepower while keeping IFV mobility and commonality with existing CV90 fleets (BAE has produced over 1,400 CV90s in 17 variants for 10 countries). (The Defense Post)
Germany’s Helsing to acquire Australian underwater drone maker
Oct. 8, 2025 - Germany’s defence-tech firm Helsing has agreed to acquire Australia’s underwater drone startup Blue Ocean, combining Blue Ocean’s hardware and manufacturing capabilities with Helsing’s AI systems to accelerate autonomous underwater glider development and mass production. The deal, whose value was not disclosed, is subject to court, regulatory and shareholder approval and is expected to close within about four months. Helsing says the acquisition will boost its ability to deliver AI-enabled intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) drones for navies, joining a wave of European defence firms expanding naval tech amid rising defence spending. (Reuters)
Pentagon clears path for Navy’s next stealth fighter decision between Boeing & Northrop
Oct. 7, 2025 - The Pentagon has approved advancement of the F/A-XX program to select Boeing or Northrop Grumman for a carrier-based stealth fighter that will replace the Navy’s ageing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth personally signed off on the program, and a decision could be announced imminently as part of the broader Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative. Boeing’s bid leans on its existing production base and continuity, while Northrop offers a tailless stealth design emphasizing deep-strike range and advanced low-observability features. (AeroTime)
Europe’s satellite merger talks stall over workshare split
Oct. 6, 2025 - Talks among Airbus, Thales and Leonardo to form a unified European satellite manufacturing venture have hit a snag amid disputes over how tasks would be divided. The planned merger would fold Thales Alenia Space, Telespazio, Airbus Space Systems, Airbus Intelligence and Leonardo’s space divisions into a single powerhouse, but both Thales and Leonardo have requested more time to negotiate the detailed workshare. Airbus says discussions are ongoing and that board-level agreement among all three firms remains necessary. (Reuters)
