General Dynamics CEO Phebe Novakovic is expressing her concerns about the potential impact of a long federal government shutdown, noting that it could disrupt contracting and funding for various defense programs. "The longer it lasts, the more it will impact us, particularly the shorter cycle businesses," Novakovic says.

A joint report from the Aerospace Industries Association and Kearney highlights how US aerospace and defense companies are reshaping manufacturing strategies to create resilient supply chains. The report, "Strategic Localization: Balancing Risk, Value, and Technology Sovereignty in Aerospace and Defense Supply Chains," found that nearly 60% of companies are considering bringing production back to the US, with 15% already expanding domestic manufacturing. The report recommends investing in talent development, AI and automation, and ensuring access to critical minerals.

Vice President JD Vance has assured that military personnel will continue to receive pay amid the government shutdown, although he has not detailed the funding mechanism. The shutdown, now the second-longest in US history, is affecting millions, with food assistance and other federal services at risk.

Textron Aviation Defense has announced plans to assemble the Beechcraft M-346N trainer in Wichita, Kan., if it secures a contract from the Navy. The project would create about 100 jobs and involve a $38 million investment to modernize manufacturing facilities. "We have the best and brightest in terms of aviation talent and skilled workforce right here in Wichita, Kansas and we think this positions us really well to continue to manufacture and build aircraft for the United States Military," Textron Aviation President and CEO Travis Tyler says.

Northrop Grumman has integrated the Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite and Scalable Agile Beam Radar to enhance the F-16's survivability and lethality. The systems operate simultaneously in the same spectrum without compromising capabilities. The Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite, which the US Air Force selected in 2019, has completed operational assessment and continues to demonstrate effectiveness against various threats.

The US Air Force is preparing for the T-7A Red Hawk era, with the Boeing and Saab aircraft set to replace the T-38 Talon. The initial contract is for 351 jets, but Boeing aims for global sales of 3,000.

The US aerospace industry remains a cornerstone of American manufacturing, with a $73.9 billion trade surplus and $138.7 billion in exports in 2024, according to the Aerospace Industries Association. Backed by the International Trade Administration’s Manufacturing Office, federal efforts are focused on expanding advanced manufacturing and AI infrastructure to strengthen domestic production, secure supply chains, and sustain U.S. leadership in aerospace and industrial innovation.

NASA's X-59 supersonic jet, built by Lockheed Martin, completed its first test flight in California, aiming to break the sound barrier with minimal noise. The jet flew at subsonic speeds, reaching 230 mph and 12,000 feet altitude. The aircraft's design reduces the sonic boom to a "sonic thump," potentially enabling faster commercial air travel over land.

The EUREKA project, led by EUROCONTROL, is making significant progress in integrating vertical take-off and landing aircraft into European airspace, focusing on vertiport development and air traffic management. The project, involving 34 organizations across eight countries, aims to create a comprehensive framework for advanced air mobility, supported by real-world simulations and regulatory recommendations.

Airbus Helicopters has given an update on its new light twin helicopter, the H140, at AMTC25. Designed for medical transport, is comparable to the H135 in terms of cost. Airbus anticipates service entry in 2028 with launch customer Metro Aviation.

Retired US Army Col. Kevin Stringer and Norwegian Army officer Marius Kristiansen advocate for the creation of Space Joint Terminal Attack Controllers to coordinate space-based strikes, similar to how JTACs manage airstrikes. The experts argue that SJTACs would embed with special operations forces to target adversary infrastructure using future space weapons such as lasers and electromagnetic pulse devices.