Tag: f 35
22 articles
US Presses Portugal on F-35 for F-16 Replacement
The US is pulling out all the stops to help Portugal upgrade its fighter jets, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio promising a "very competitive" offer to replace the country's aging F-16 fleet. This high-stakes pitch puts Washington in a strong position as Portugal weighs its long-term fighter options.
China Obtains F-35 Parts in Hong Kong Shipment Breach
A shipment of F-35 parts bound for the US took a mysterious detour from Australia to South Korea to Hong Kong, where Chinese authorities seized the components, including a cockpit canopy and a weapons-bay door, and have yet to return them. The incident has raised serious questions about security breaches in the international logistics system.
F-35 Parts Diverted to Hong Kong, Sparking Security Concerns
Australia's defense minister Richard Marles is downplaying security concerns after F-35 parts shipped from the country were diverted to Hong Kong, saying the components aren't sensitive. The incident has sparked an investigation, with Canberra reviewing its procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
US Clears $24B F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia
The US has greenlit a massive $24.3 billion deal for Saudi Arabia to purchase up to 48 F-35A aircraft, strengthening the countries' security partnership. The sale, which now heads to Congress for review, aims to bolster long-term cooperation and stability in the region.
US Approves $24 Billion F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia
The US has greenlit a massive $24 billion deal to sell 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a move that will bolster the security of a key ally in the Gulf region and support US foreign policy goals. This sale will help Saudi Arabia continue to promote stability and economic growth in the area.
F-35 Engine Upgrade Passes Crucial Design Review
The F-35 Engine Upgrade has just cleared a major hurdle, with Pratt & Whitney's Engine Core Upgrade (ECU) passing a crucial design review, paving the way for a more powerful and reliable F135 powerplant. This milestone confirms the design is solid, and the team is ready to move forward with integration work.
Anduril's Fury CCA Flies Alongside F-35s in US Air Force Tests
Anduril's Fury CCA is taking flight with a major milestone: flying in formation alongside F-35 fighters in a recent US Air Force test exercise. The cutting-edge CCA aircraft successfully demonstrated its capabilities in a July exercise at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, marking a significant step forward in autonomous aviation.
F-35 Costs Surge 11% Amid Production Lot Price Hikes
The F-35 program is hitting new heights, but at a steeper price: costs have surged 11% as production lot prices for all three variants - F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C - have increased. The average flyaway prices now stand at $92 million, $121.4 million, and $110.8 million respectively.
Pentagon Revises F-35 Lifecycle Costs Downward to $1.93 Trillion
The Pentagon just revised its estimate of the F-35's lifecycle costs down to $1.93 trillion, a significant drop from the previously reported $2 trillion price tag. This updated figure includes all development, procurement, operating, and sustainment costs over the jet's expected service life.
Marine Corps F-35 Crashes in California
A Marine Corps F-35B fighter jet crashed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California, with emergency personnel swiftly responding to the scene at 10 a.m. local time. The pilot ejected and details about their condition are still emerging.
Canada Strengthens Non-US Defense Ties with GCAP Observer Role
Canada is taking a major leap in strengthening its defense ties with global partners by becoming the first observer nation in the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), a move that underscores the country's commitment to collaboration and innovation in the face of rapidly evolving global challenges. By joining GCAP, Canada is poised to build lasting relationships and cutting-edge capabilities that will help shape the future of defense.
Russia Weighs S-400 Transfer to Gulf State Amid F-35 Talks with Turkey
Russia is in delicate talks with Turkey over the fate of its S-400 air defenses, with whispers of a potential transfer to a Gulf state stirring a highly sensitive issue. The Kremlin is tight-lipped, but confirms it's in contact with Ankara to discuss the matter.
F-35 Radar Unveils Directed-Energy Attack Capability
The advanced APG-85 radar system for the F-35 requires a significant boost in cooling power, more than doubling the aircraft's current needs. This crucial upgrade will rely on planned engine enhancements and a sophisticated cooling system, set to arrive in the mid-2030s.
US Military Delivers F-35s Without Radars Amid Upgrade Delays
The US Marine Corps has taken delivery of six F-35 fighter jets without radars due to upgrade delays, a revelation that has raised concerns about the fleet's readiness. This development comes as the F-35's overall performance has been hit with a decline in its full mission capable rate.
Poland Plans to Double F-35 Fighter Jet Order
Poland is set to supercharge its air defense capabilities by doubling its order of F-35 fighter jets, with plans to add two more squadrons to the initial 32 aircraft, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. This massive upgrade is part of the country's ambitious Armed Forces Development Program, aimed at bolstering its defense priorities through 2039.
Pentagon Seeks $13.7 Billion to Bolster F-35 Sustainment Amid Readiness Decline
The Pentagon is throwing a lifeline to its struggling F-35 fleet, requesting $13.7 billion to boost sustainment and reverse a troubling decline in readiness that saw full mission capable rates plummet from 38% to just 25%.
Air Force Eyes F-35s, F-15s for Combat Search and Rescue Role
As the A-10 Thunderbolt II retires, the Air Force is eyeing alternative aircraft, including F-35s and F-15s, to take on the critical combat search and rescue role. Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach told lawmakers that these platforms will make the mission a core part of their operations.
Senate Pushes Multiyear Buys for F-35, F-15EX Fighter Jets
The Senate is pushing for a game-changing approach to fighter jet procurement, with a new bill that could pave the way for multiyear buys of F-35 and F-15EX aircraft. This move could help the US military build up its airpower while also saving time and resources.
UK Delays F-35 Software, Turns to US Glide Bombs
The UK Ministry of Defence has authorised the purchase of US-made glide bombs, known as GBU-53/B StormBreaker, to equip the F-35 with an interim stand-off capability until its own advanced SPEAR 3 system is ready. This move will enhance the F-35's firepower with a versatile 200-pound bomb that can glide up to 69 miles and track targets with radar, infrared, or laser precision.
Israel Weighs $50 Billion F-35, F-15 Fighter Jet Expansion
Israel's military is gearing up for a major expansion, with plans to acquire around 50 additional F-35 and F-15 fighter jets in a deal valued at a whopping $50 billion. This significant upgrade would substantially boost the country's air defense capabilities.
Israel Bolsters Air Superiority with F-35, F-15IA Fighter Jet Expansion
Israel is taking its air defense to new heights with a massive expansion of its combat aviation force, adding a fourth squadron of cutting-edge F-35 Joint Strike Fighters and a second squadron of F-15IA fighter jets. This game-changing move solidifies Israel's air superiority, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu boasting that its pilots can reach any point in Iran's skies and are ready to do so if needed.
USMC Taps F-35s to Orchestrate Drone Fleets for 6th Gen Fighter Path
The US Marine Corps is exploring a game-changing approach to its next-gen fighter, leveraging the F-35's capabilities to control drone fleets and paving the way for a cutting-edge family of airpower systems. This innovative strategy could bridge the gap to a new stealth fighter and beyond.