Aerospace industry leaders at the US Chamber of Commerce's Global Aerospace Summit have called for "zero for zero" trade in the ongoing trade negotiations to eliminate tariffs on aerospace goods. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury highlighted the agreement's role in strengthening US aerospace, while Embraer Commercial Aviation CEO Arjan Meijer criticized tariffs for distorting the market. Rep. Troy Nehls acknowledged the political controversy surrounding tariffs but described them as a bargaining tool to boost domestic investment. Dorothy Reimold of the Aerospace Industries Association drew attention to the importance of aviation manufacturing to the American economy.

Northrop Grumman has won a $972 million contract to provide modeling and simulation support services to the US Air Force, Department of War and other agencies. The contract, set to run through September 2030, was awarded through a competitive process that drew four bids.

Belgium will purchase AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles from the US to equip its F-35 fighter jets, replacing aging F-16s. The sale, approved by the Pentagon, is part of Belgium's Ammunition Readiness Plan 2025 and aims to address stockpile deficiencies.

Thales and UK-based Autonomous Devices are collaborating on the development of a drone-based electronic warfare system. The EW-UAS1 combines Thales' electronic warfare payload with Autonomous Devices' long-endurance drone, offering capabilities such as threat detection, identification and jamming. Initial testing is underway, with plans for continued development throughout the year.

Textron Aviation has rolled out the first production model Cessna Citation Ascend. Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration is expected later this year. "By infusing new technology and bringing new features to the market, we continue to drive the future for us to build these legendary aircraft," says Todd McKee, senior vice president of integrated supply chain.

The FAA has introduced a pilot program aimed at accelerating the deployment of electric vertical takeoff and landing taxis. Announced by the Trump administration, this initiative will involve at least five projects designed to address regulatory and safety challenges as air taxi manufacturers seek to commercialize their aircraft.

Boeing has opened a 65,000-square-foot engineering center at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla., expected to create 400 jobs and support Boeing Defense, Space and Security Air Dominance programs. "This engineering center will accelerate Boeing's work on critical defense programs and deepen our partnership with Embry‑Riddle, giving us access to an exceptional talent pipeline and enabling collaboration to drive aerospace innovation," says Dan Gillian, vice president and general manager of Boeing Air Dominance.

Commercial innovation is transforming the US space industry, necessitating urgent integration to maintain national defense and economic competitiveness. Acquisition reform is crucial, with legislation like the SPEED Act and FORGED Act aimed at cutting red tape, writes Casey Anglada DeRaad CEO of NewSpace Nexus.