Trump-Erdogan ties are propelling F-35 talks with once-banned partner
During Donald Trump’s first term, the U.S. removed NATO ally Turkey from the fighter program after Turkey purchased an air defense system from Russia.
By AP Staff
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Proposed defense bill would fund Golden Dome, next-gen fighters
The proposed NDAA would authorize $900.6 billion in discretionary defense spending in fiscal 2026, an $8 billion increase over DOD's budget request.
Japan’s converted helicopter ship to host F-35B flight trials
Japan’s Ministry of Defense said the F-35Bs will conduct landing and take-off tests on the JS Izumo between the 3rd and 7th of October.
By Mike Yeo
British, Italian F-35s to get new missile types
A cash injection will see MBDA’s SPEAR precision surface attack missile and Meteor air-to-air weapon integrated on the aircraft.
To get F-35 performance-based logistics contract, Lockheed will have to give up tech data
Lockheed has been angling for an F-35 performance-based logistics contract for three years, but it will come with strings attached.
By Valerie Insinna
See Taiwanese jets take off from rural roads, and more from its latest drill
The Taiwanese military exercise envisioned a Chinese attack taking out the island’s main airfields, necessitating the use of rural roads as runways to carry on the fight.
By Johnson Lai, Huizhong Wu and Mari Yamaguchi, AP
Lockheed nabs F-35 sustainment contract worth up to $6.6B
The cost per flying hour is set to decrease by 8 percent over the contract period, the Pentagon stated.
By Valerie Insinna
Polish defense trade show spurs deals on drones, digital combat training
This year’s edition of the MSPO defense industry show in Kielce, Poland was dominated by major programs, including the country’s efforts to secure 32 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, 250 M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 tanks, and mid- and short-range air defense systems.
Another Japan-based F-35 squadron is ready for operations
The Marine Corps squadron's F-35B fighter jets are now “taskable and combat capable on a limited basis” while they work up to becoming fully combat capable.
By Mike Yeo
Top US Air Force general supports proposed F-35 cost constraints
The U.S. Air Force’s top general backs proposed legislation that would cap the number of F-35s the Defense Department can buy unless it meets affordability goals for operating and sustaining the jet.
By Valerie Insinna
How many F-35s does the Air Force need?
A new tactical aircraft study underway could make certain what has until now been a suspicion: The U.S. Air Force is unlikely to purchase all of the 1,763 F-35A jets in its program of record.
By Valerie Insinna