Defense & Military
Congress Mandates Military Helicopter Tracking Near DC After Fatal Crash
Congress requires U.S. military helicopters to use ADS-B near Reagan Washington National Airport following a deadly 2025 collision.
This article summarizes reporting by Reuters.
Following a year marked by tragedy and alarming safety lapses in the National Capital Region, Congress has unveiled legislation requiring U.S. military helicopters to broadcast their positions when operating near Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The provision, included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, aims to close a critical information gap between military pilots and commercial air traffic controllers.
According to reporting by Reuters, the legislation was released late Sunday, December 7, 2025. It mandates that military helicopters on training missions in the crowded airspace around Washington, D.C., utilize safety alerts to prevent collisions with commercial aircraft. This legislative move comes nearly a year after a catastrophic mid-air collision and a subsequent series of near-miss incidents that have drawn intense scrutiny from lawmakers and safety regulators.
The core of the new legislation addresses the military’s historical exemption from using Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology during certain domestic operations. ADS-B allows aircraft to broadcast their altitude, velocity, and position to ground controllers and other nearby planes. Without this technology active, military helicopters can effectively appear invisible to the automated collision avoidance systems used by commercial airliners.
Under the proposed NDAA provisions, the Department of Defense (DoD) must ensure that helicopters conducting training missions near DCA broadcast this vital data. The goal is to ensure that commercial pilots and air traffic controllers have real-time visibility of military assets operating in one of the nation’s busiest flight corridors.
In addition to the immediate mandate for the Capital region, the bill requires the Pentagon to conduct a feasibility study within 180 days. This study will analyze the implications of installing ADS-B technology across the broader military helicopter fleet, weighing the costs and combat readiness concerns against the imperative for civilian safety.
The legislative push is a direct response to the fatal events of January 29, 2025. On that day, a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided with American Airlines (American Eagle) Flight 5342 near DCA. The crash resulted in 67 fatalities, 64 on the commercial jet and three on the helicopter. Investigations revealed that the Black Hawk was on a training mission and was not broadcasting its position via ADS-B, leaving the commercial pilots unaware of the converging threat until it was too late.
The urgency of the legislation was further underscored by a second incident in May 2025. According to reports summarized by the Washington Post, another Army Black Hawk was involved in a “near miss” with two airliners at DCA. In that instance, the helicopter reportedly took a “scenic route” near the commercial flight path, forcing jets to abort landings. These repeated lapses suggested a systemic failure rather than an isolated error. While the January crash was the catalyst for the new bill, data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicates that the airspace has been hazardous for years. NTSB records show approximately 15,000 close-proximity events between military and civilian aircraft near DCA between October 2021 and December 2024.
To address this historical lack of transparency, the NDAA includes a retroactive reporting requirement. The Pentagon must disclose to Congress the number of near-miss incidents between military and commercial aircraft over the last 10 years. This provision suggests lawmakers suspect that the scale of the risk has been underreported for a decade.
The legislation has drawn strong support from lawmakers who have criticized the Army’s safety culture. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has been a vocal proponent of “technological transparency” in domestic airspace.
“The Army chose to protect its bureaucratic [interests]… those deaths will be on the Army’s hands.”
, Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), via Senate Commerce Committee records
Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) also condemned the May incident, labeling it “outrageous” and demanding immediate action from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Defense Secretary.
Historically, the Army has resisted universal ADS-B adoption, citing Operational Security (OPSEC). The military argument posits that broadcasting movements could compromise sensitive mission profiles. However, the new legislation attempts to bypass this objection by specifically targeting training missions in domestic airspace, where the threat of enemy surveillance is negligible compared to the risk of collision with civilian traffic.
The inclusion of these mandates in the NDAA signals a significant shift in the balance of power between military autonomy and civilian aviation safety. For years, the “see and avoid” principle was deemed sufficient for visual flight rules (VFR) traffic, including military helicopters. However, the density of modern air traffic and the speed of commercial approach patterns have rendered unassisted visual separation obsolete in complex terminal areas like DCA.
By forcing a 10-year retrospective report, Congress is likely preparing to audit the military’s internal safety reporting culture. If the Pentagon’s internal numbers differ significantly from the NTSB’s data on “close-proximity events,” it could trigger further oversight hearings regarding military aviation conduct in the National Capital Region. Sources: Reuters, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Washington Post, Senate Commerce Committee
Congress Moves to Mandate Military Helicopters Tracking Near DC Following Fatal Collision
Closing the “Stealth” Gap in Domestic Airspace
A Response to Tragedy: The January 2025 Collision
Data Reveals a Decade of Risk
Stakeholder Reactions and Military Pushback
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Sikorsky
Defense & Military
Lockheed Martin and ManTech Partner for AI-Based Aircraft Maintenance
Lockheed Martin and ManTech collaborate to implement AI-powered predictive maintenance for the U.S. combat aircraft fleet, enhancing readiness and cybersecurity.
This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin.
Lockheed Martin and ManTech have announced a strategic teaming agreement designed to overhaul the maintenance and sustainment of the U.S. combat aircraft fleet through the application of artificial intelligence (AI). Announced officially on December 22, 2025, the partnership aims to transition military logistics from reactive repairs to predictive maintenance models.
According to the joint announcement, the Partnerships integrates Lockheed Martin’s proprietary “AI Factory” ecosystem with ManTech’s specialized capabilities in defense analytics and secure mission integration. The initiative targets the full spectrum of the U.S. fleet, covering both legacy platforms, such as the F-16, and next-generation aircraft like the F-35.
By leveraging advanced data analytics, the companies intend to increase mission readiness and extend the operational lifespan of critical airframes. Nicholas Smythe, Vice President of Business Development for Sustainment at Lockheed Martin, emphasized the scope of the collaboration in a press statement:
“This collaboration between Lockheed Martin and ManTech will generate a unified team of strengths, capable of creating resilient sustainment ecosystems that can be projected to America and its allies around the world.”
The partnership relies on merging two distinct technological frameworks to create what the companies describe as a “resilient sustainment ecosystem.”
Central to the initiative is Lockheed Martin’s “AI Factory,” an internal ecosystem developed to train, deploy, and sustain AI models at scale. Based on details released by the company, this system utilizes three core components:
These tools enable the creation of “digital twins,” virtual simulations of aircraft performance, that allow engineers to predict component failures before they occur in the physical fleet.
ManTech contributes its “Cognitive Cyber” and intelligent engineering capabilities to the partnership. According to the announcement, ManTech’s primary role is ensuring “secure mission integration.” Because these AI tools must operate within classified or highly restricted defense networks, the ability to deploy predictive analytics without introducing cyber vulnerabilities is a critical requirement for the U.S. Department of Defense.
David Hathaway, President of ManTech’s Defense Sector, highlighted the operational impact of this integration: “This partnership delivers the real-time performance needed to maximize the readiness and operational lifespan of the U.S. combat aircraft fleet.”
The shift toward AI-driven sustainment addresses a long-standing logistical challenge for the U.S. military: the management of mixed fleets comprising aging airframes and advanced stealth fighters. As the Air Force extends the service life of legacy aircraft while simultaneously ramping up production of next-generation platforms, the volume of maintenance data has become difficult to manage through traditional means.
By adopting condition-based maintenance, fixing aircraft based on actual wear rather than rigid time schedules, logistics chains can be optimized. The partnership aims to ensure that replacement parts are available at the correct base prior to a predicted failure, thereby reducing downtime and increasing sortie generation rates.
This agreement underscores a broader trend in the aerospace defense sector: the commoditization of data as a strategic asset. While Lockheed Martin holds the position of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for major platforms, the integration of ManTech suggests that OEMs are increasingly seeking third-party expertise to handle the cybersecurity and analytics layers required for modern digital sustainment.
For the U.S. Department of Defense, the success of this initiative will likely depend on the interoperability of these AI models. As the Pentagon pushes for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), sustainment data must not only be predictive but also accessible across different service branches and secure networks. The focus on “secure mission integration” in this announcement suggests both companies are prioritizing the cybersecurity hurdles that have historically slowed the adoption of digital twins in classified environments.
Strategic Alliance Targets Predictive Maintenance for U.S. Fleet
Technological Framework: The AI Factory and Cognitive Cyber
Lockheed Martin’s AI Factory
ManTech’s Secure Integration
Operational Implications for the U.S. Air-Forces
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
United Aircraft Corporation Completes 2025 Su-35S Fighter Delivery Program
UAC completed the 2025 Su-35S fighter delivery program with seven batches for the Russian Aerospace Forces, increasing output from 2024 levels.
This article is based on official press releases from the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and verified industry data.
The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a division of the state-owned defense conglomerate Rostec, has officially concluded its 2025 production program for the Su-35S multirole fighter. According to company announcements released in late December, the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant (KnAAZ) delivered its seventh and final batch of the year to the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS).
This delivery marks a significant escalation in production tempo. UAC officials and state media have characterized 2025 as a “record-breaking year” for the facility. The delivery of seven distinct batches represents a substantial increase compared to 2024, which saw only four batches delivered. This surge suggests that the manufacturer has successfully adapted its supply chains to meet the high-intensity demands of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
While specific airframe numbers are rarely disclosed in full, industry data estimates the total 2025 output to be between 14 and 21 aircraft, assuming standard batch sizes of two to three jets. This brings the estimated total operational fleet of Su-35S fighters to approximately 155 units.
The completion of the 2025 schedule highlights a shift in the Russian defense industry toward a sustained wartime footing. According to UAC, the deliveries occurred steadily throughout the year, with batches handed over in March, May, June, August, September, November, and December. This consistent stream contrasts with the more episodic delivery schedules seen in previous years.
Vadim Badekha, CEO of UAC, emphasized the stability of the production lines in a statement accompanying the release.
“Plants are consistently increasing the output of in-demand combat equipment… the 2025 plan was fulfilled ahead of schedule in some facilities.”
, Vadim Badekha, UAC CEO (via press release)
The ability to deliver seven batches implies that KnAAZ has managed to circumvent certain bottlenecks caused by Western sanctions, likely through import substitution or alternative supply routes for critical electronic components. However, analysts note that challenges remain, particularly regarding advanced radar components and labor shortages as the manufacturer pushes for higher output. The aircraft delivered in 2025 retain the core “Generation 4++” characteristics of the Su-35S but reportedly feature specific enhancements tailored for the current combat environment. According to verified data regarding the delivery program, the 2025 batches are integrated with the R-77M (Izdeliye 180) long-range air-to-air missile.
This weapon system utilizes an active electronically scanned array (AESA) seeker, which offers a higher probability of intercept against maneuvering targets compared to previous iterations. The aircraft continue to utilize the Irbis-E passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar and AL-41F1S turbofan engines with thrust vectoring, ensuring high maneuverability.
In official releases, UAC has cited feedback from VKS pilots currently operating the platform.
“Pilots describe the aircraft as ergonomic, comfortable, and highly reliable, with a proven combat record.”
, UAC Press Release
The data indicates a clear strategic prioritization of “sortie density” over experimental modernization. By focusing on the mature Su-35S platform rather than exclusively accelerating the production of the fifth-generation Su-57, the Russian defense industry is prioritizing immediate availability to offset combat attrition.
We observe that the Su-35S remains the primary air-superiority asset for the VKS in the Ukraine theater. Its roles have expanded to include:
The 50% increase in batch deliveries year-over-year signals that despite economic pressure, the industrial base is currently capable of replacing losses at a rate that sustains operational pressure on the front lines.
Looking ahead, UAC has confirmed that work on the 2026 production program is already in progress. However, the allocation of these future airframes remains a subject of industry debate. While domestic demand remains high, KnAAZ faces competing obligations from international customers.
Confirmed orders from Iran and Algeria may absorb a significant portion of the plant’s capacity over the next 12 to 24 months. Analysts warn that domestic deliveries to the VKS could potentially decrease in 2026 as the manufacturer attempts to balance urgent wartime requirements with long-standing export contracts. Furthermore, the intense production schedule is straining the workforce, prompting UAC to actively recruit personnel to fill labor gaps. Sources: RuAviation / UAC Press Release
United Aircraft Corporation Completes 2025 Su-35S Delivery Program with Record Output
Production Surge and Industrial Resilience
Technical Configuration and Upgrades
AirPro News Analysis: Strategic Implications
2026 Outlook and Export Constraints
Sources
Photo Credit: UAC
Defense & Military
Dyess AFB Starts $27.3M Fuels Facility for B-21 Raider Support
Dyess Air Force Base begins building a $27.3 million fuels facility to support B-21 Raider operations, part of a $1.6 billion modernization project.
This article is based on an official press release from Dyess Air Force Base.
Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, has officially commenced construction on a critical infrastructure project designed to support the incoming B-21 Raider stealth bomber. On December 15, 2025, base leadership and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Fuels Administration Laboratory and Refueling Truck Yard.
According to the official release from Dyess Air Force Base, this project represents the initial phase of a massive modernization effort. The new facility, valued at approximately $27.3 million, is essential for meeting the specialized operational and security requirements of the Air Force’s next-generation long-range strike bomber. The project is being executed by Emerson Construction Company and is expected to be completed by early-to-mid 2027.
The new construction is situated on a 37-acre site and includes two primary components: a Fuels Administration Laboratory and a Refueling Truck Yard. The laboratory will be a single-story structure housing administrative offices, command spaces, and advanced testing equipment featuring specialized ventilation and grounding rails.
The Refueling Truck Yard is being engineered to handle heavy logistical loads. Specifications released regarding the project detail the use of 9-inch reinforced concrete pavement to support refueling vehicles. Additionally, the design incorporates strict environmental protections, such as secondary containment measures, and security protocols that include a contractor-free zone.
Calvin Kroegar of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers emphasized the foundational nature of this project in the official announcement:
“It really starts with the fuel. You have to set the conditions for the B-21 before it arrives, so everything is working and in place for the mission to start without issues.”
This groundbreaking is part of a much larger strategic overhaul at Dyess AFB. The base is designated as the third Main Operating Base for the B-21 Raider, following Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota and Whiteman AFB in Missouri. To accommodate the new airframe, Dyess anticipates approximately $1.6 billion in construction projects over the next 7 to 10 years.
Col. Seth Spanier, Commander of the 7th Bomb Wing, highlighted the long-term scope of this transition during the ceremony: “This really marks the first step in what’s going to be a decade-long construction process here at Dyess… [The B-21] is the future of long-range strike for the U.S. Air Force.”
Future projects in this modernization pipeline include runway upgrades, expanded maintenance hangars capable of housing the aircraft indoors, a larger security forces campus, and new weapons generation facilities. The B-1B Lancer, currently hosted at Dyess, will remain operational until the transition to the B-21 is fully realized.
The commencement of the fuels facility construction signals a shift from planning to physical execution in the Air Force’s B-21 deployment strategy. While public attention often focuses on the aircraft’s stealth capabilities and range, the logistical “tail”, specifically fuel testing and secure handling, is the critical path for operational readiness.
The $1.6 billion investment figure suggests that the Air Force is prioritizing a “facility-first” approach to avoid the sustainment bottlenecks that have plagued previous advanced aircraft programs. By upgrading the fuels infrastructure years before the aircraft’s full operational capability at Dyess, the service aims to ensure that the support ecosystem is mature the moment the first Raider touches down in Texas.
What is the B-21 Raider? When will the new fuels facility be finished? Who is building the facility? How much will the total modernization of Dyess AFB cost?
Dyess AFB Breaks Ground on $27.3 Million Fuels Facility to Support B-21 Raider
Infrastructure for the Next Generation
A Decade of Modernization
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The B-21 Raider is a dual-capable (conventional and nuclear) stealth bomber manufactured by Northrop Grumman. It is designed to penetrate advanced air defenses and will replace the aging B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit fleets.
Construction is estimated to take approximately 549 calendar days, placing the completion date in early-to-mid 2027.
The contract, numbered W9126G25C0010, was awarded to Emerson Construction Company.
The Air Force expects to spend approximately $1.6 billion on construction at Dyess over the next decade to prepare for the B-21 mission.
Sources
Photo Credit: Senior Airman Alondra Cristobal Hernandez
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