F-35
The Aviationist
• Stefano D'Urso
Italian Air Force F-35s Flew In Full “Stealth Mode” During Red Flag Alaska 24-1
F-35 and Lockheed Martin
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2024-05-10T11:00:28.787165-07:00 •
Israeli F-35 and F-15EX Fighter Purchase Stalled by Political Debate
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2024-05-08T08:37:27.587761-07:00 •
Lockheed Secures $765M Air6500 Project with Australian Defence Force
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2024-05-08T06:21:07.675595-07:00 •
Malaysia Enhances F/A-18D Hornet Fleet with Lockheed Sniper Pods
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2024-05-07T23:33:43.929831-07:00 •
RSAF F-16 Crash at Tengah Air Base Leaves Pilot Injured
F-35 and United States Department of Defense
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2024-05-10T23:06:53.627490-07:00 •
Lawmakers Urge Defense Upgrades Against Chinese Missile Threats on US Pacific Bases
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2024-05-09T09:26:26.905144-07:00 •
SpaceX and Pentagon Counter Russian Starlink Use in Ukraine Conflict
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2024-05-08T13:13:19.652876-07:00 •
AI Matches F-16 Pilot Skills in Historic Flight Test
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2024-05-08T07:11:59.807734-07:00 •
USAF Acquisition Chief Postpones Satellite Milestone Review
F-35 and Israel
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2024-05-10T11:00:28.787165-07:00 •
Israeli F-35 and F-15EX Fighter Purchase Stalled by Political Debate
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2024-05-10T01:35:27.728245-07:00 •
UK Debates Alternatives to 'Iron Dome' for Air & Missile Defense
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2024-05-09T14:52:43.892253-07:00 •
German Air Force to Deploy IAI Heron TP UAS for In-Country Flights
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2024-05-09T09:10:32.365830-07:00 •
Israel Aerospace Industries Faces Labor Dispute, Threatens Arrow 3 Production
F-35 and China
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2024-05-10T23:06:53.627490-07:00 •
Lawmakers Urge Defense Upgrades Against Chinese Missile Threats on US Pacific Bases
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2024-05-10T15:23:57.274921-07:00 •
Serbia Joins China's ILRS Moon Base Initiative
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2024-05-10T08:07:20.171543-07:00 •
FAST Telescope Uncovers Distant Gas-Rich Galaxies
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2024-05-10T08:07:10.386149-07:00 •
China's Space Weather Telescope Becomes Operational
F-35 News and Events
2024-05-11T07:02:46.693852-07:00 •
F-35 Fleet Expansion in Indo-Pacific by 2035
The Indo-Pacific region is set to see a significant increase in F-35 aircraft from the U.S. and its allies, reaching over 300 units by 2035.
2024-05-10T12:11:31.747578-07:00 •
Italian F-35s Showcase Stealth Capabilities at Red Flag Alaska 24-1
For the first time, Italy's air force participated in Red Flag Alaska with F-35s in stealth mode, accompanied by Typhoons, a KC-767, and a G550 CAEW.
2024-05-10T11:00:28.787165-07:00 •
Israeli F-35 and F-15EX Fighter Purchase Stalled by Political Debate
Political disagreements within Israel have paused acquisition plans for Lockheed Martin's F-35As and Boeing's F-15EXs, impacting defense procurement strategies.
2024-05-10T10:32:03.206410-07:00 •
Astral Knight Sees F-35 Adornment in NATO Defense Drill
The NATO exercise, Astral Knight, commenced on May 6, featuring a prominent display of USAF prowess with over 50 aircraft, notably including the F-35 and F-16 fighters.
2024-05-09T09:32:00.760771-07:00 •
Finland's F-35 Avionics Partnership with Insta Advances Fighter Programme
A pivotal three-year agreement between Insta and the Finnish Defence Forces sets the stage for the integration of advanced avionics into Finland's F-35 fleet.
2024-05-08T18:38:34.922049-07:00 •
UAE Explores Air Force Alliance with China Amid F-35 Ambitions
In a strategic move, the United Arab Emirates is deepening its air force relations with China, potentially as a tactic to secure future F-35 purchases from the United States.
2024-05-08T01:51:33.895135-07:00 •
Final AV-8B Harrier Demonstration at MCAS Cherry Point Airshow
The AV-8B Harrier II will make its last airshow appearance before 2026 retirement, showcased by Cherry Point's VMA 231 squadron.
2024-05-07T04:57:00.972577-07:00 •
Germany Confirms F-35 Assembly in the US
In a strategic move, Germany will have its Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fleet constructed in the US, sidelining European assembly options.
2024-05-07T04:11:35.315562-07:00 •
Poland to Receive First F-35s This Summer, Pilot Training Begins 2024
The initial delivery of Lockheed Martin's F-35 fighter aircraft to Poland is scheduled for this summer, marking a significant upgrade in the nation's military aviation capabilities.
2024-05-06T06:03:27.713829-07:00 •
Maxar and Lockheed Martin Secure Long-term Partnership for F-35 Simulator Advancements
Through a recently solidified partnership, Maxar Intelligence will supply both two-dimensional and three-dimensional geospatial products to Lockheed Martin, significantly enhancing the F-35 Full Mission Simulator experience.
2024-05-03T14:36:20.995135-07:00 •
Trilateral F-35 Joint Exercises Confirmed by US, Japan, and Australia
Building on a strategic defense axis, the US, Japan, and Australia will deploy Lockheed F-35 stealth combat aircraft in joint military training exercises commencing in 2025 to enhance interoperability.
2024-05-03T14:13:31.623825-07:00 •
Settlement Reached in Lockheed-Howmet F-35 Titanium Dispute
Lockheed Martin and Howmet Aerospace have resolved their legal dispute, ensuring the continued supply of titanium critical for F-35 production.
2024-05-01T09:26:27.654740-07:00 •
Abu Dhabi Navigates F-35 Acquisition Amid US-China Tensions
Abu Dhabi's efforts to procure F-35 jets become a geopolitical pivot as defense officials hold talks with both Beijing and Washington.
2024-05-01T07:38:16.565674-07:00 •
Portugal Eyes F-35s to Upgrade Air Force Capabilities
With no formal procurement plan yet, Portugal's Air Force leadership emphasizes the critical role of the F-35 in enhancing national air defense capabilities.
2024-04-30T12:03:43.427163-07:00 •
SecDef Austin Defends F-35 Program Against Legislative Critique
In a pointed rebuttal, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III stood firm against claims that the F-35 has been overpriced and underperforming.
2024-04-29T19:34:06.086547-07:00 •
Poland Names Its F-35 Fleet "Husarz"
Poland's choice of 'Husarz' as the official name for its F-35 jets highlights a link to its storied military heritage, following a public competition.
2024-04-29T10:01:24.451870-07:00 •
F-35C Quality Concerns: Metal Shavings and Forgotten Tool Found
A Marine Corps squadron reported finding metal shavings in the F-35 fuel system and a plastic tool left in a wing, highlighting critical quality concerns.
2024-04-29T09:00:31.801235-07:00 •
UK MoD to Expand F-35 Fleet with Additional Acquisition Phases
The UK's Ministry of Defence is set to initiate further phases of acquisition for the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning, enhancing its air combat capabilities.
2024-04-29T06:02:57.076311-07:00 •
F-35A Pilots at Nellis AFB Train for Maintenance and Refueling Operations
In a move to enhance operational self-sufficiency on extended missions, USAF F-35A pilots at Nellis Air Force Base now complete specialized training in maintenance and refueling.
2024-04-29T02:47:42.980796-07:00 •
Polish Air Force Adopts Low Visibility Checkerboard for F-35 Fleet
Poland has updated the traditional insignia on its F-35 jets, opting for a low-visibility checkerboard to enhance stealth capabilities.
2024-04-27T19:42:07.645166-07:00 •
RAF F-35 Narrowly Misses Drone in Restricted Airspace
A close encounter between an RAF F-35 Lightning and an illegally operating drone over Norfolk highlights ongoing airspace security concerns.
2024-04-24T20:07:30.637052-07:00 •
Polish F-35 Pilot Training Program Set for Fall 2024 at Ebbing ANG
Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas is set to host the U.S. Foreign Military Sales pilot training program for Polish F-35 Lightning II pilots, marking a significant development in international defense collaboration.
2024-04-23T09:20:23.845763-07:00 •
Lockheed Prepares to Resume F-35 Deliveries in Q3 with Updated Standard
Lockheed Martin anticipates the restart of F-35 stealth fighter deliveries to the US Department of Defense in Q3, featuring aircraft in an enhanced "combat training-capable" standard.
2024-04-23T05:02:06.220108-07:00 •
Lockheed Martin Exceeds Q1 Earnings Expectations, Reaffirms 2024 Outlook Amid Strong Defense Demand
Lockheed Martin reports a significant beat on Q1 earnings with $6.39 EPS and $17.2 billion in sales, driven by increased deliveries of fighter jets and missile systems as geopolitical tensions fuel defense spending.
2024-04-22T14:36:08.207827-07:00 •
NAWCAD Enhances US Military Capabilities with Advanced Flight Simulators
Innovative training simulators replicating F-35 cockpit experiences are now being used by the US Navy and Air Force for hyper-realistic flight test and training, increasing efficacy in protecting assets like aircraft carriers.
2024-04-22T05:01:52.431103-07:00 •
Denmark to Transfer F-16 Fleet to Ukraine, Following F-35 Acquisition
In a strategic move, Denmark will hand over its entire F-16 fleet to Ukraine, bolstering Kyiv's defense capabilities shortly after a significant U.S. aid bill and the acquisition of F-35 jets.
2024-04-22T02:07:10.378219-07:00 •
USAF Shifts Policy to Secure IP Rights for Future Weapons Systems
Learning from the F-35 acquisition process, the US Air Force aims to purchase intellectual property rights for all future weapon systems to maintain control and flexibility.
2024-04-19T15:11:19.881145-07:00 •
Portugal Advances F-35 Acquisition to Replace F-16 Fleet
The Portuguese Air Force initiates the transition to the F-35 Lightning II, confirming the purchase to supersede the aging F-16 fighters in its fleet.
2024-04-18T05:22:26.558004-07:00 •
RAF and RAAF Launch 80 Squadrons for F-35 Data Reprogramming in Florida
In a strategic move, the UK's Royal Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force have established their 80 Squadrons at Eglin AFB, Florida, to manage the joint F-35 mission data reprogramming center.
2024-04-18T03:25:31.013940-07:00 •
Iran Introduces Bavar-373 Missile System, Claims F-35 Interception Capability
The Bavar-373, Iran's latest air defense missile system, is unveiled, boasting capabilities to intercept advanced F-35 fighter jets, marking a significant development in global security dynamics.
2024-04-17T19:12:21.482937-07:00 •
South Korea Accelerates F-35 Capabilities with New MRO Facility by 2027
South Korea commits to enhancing its defense infrastructure by establishing a state-of-the-art F-35 maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) depot at Cheongju Air Base, aimed for completion in 2027.
2024-04-17T14:51:32.128566-07:00 •
USMC Modifies F-35 Squadron Structure Once More
In a strategic move, the United States Marine Corps revises its squadron organization plan for the F-35, reflecting ongoing adjustments to optimize force structure.
2024-04-17T07:31:58.036711-07:00 •
Australia Commits to Historic Defense Spending, Diversifies Military Capability
Australia sets a new benchmark with a defense budget surge to 2.4% of GDP over the next decade, earmarking substantial funds for nuclear subs while pausing further F-35 squadron acquisitions.
2024-04-16T16:22:38.302517-07:00 •
July Set for F-35 Avionics Upgrade Acceptance
The F-35's much-anticipated avionics enhancement is scheduled for acceptance in July by the Joint Program Office, signaling a significant advancement.
2024-04-16T06:05:55.054857-07:00 •
Argentina Bolsters Air Force with 24 F-16 Fighters from Denmark
In a landmark military modernization effort, Argentina's Ministry of Defense has officially signed a contract for 24 F-16 A/B Fighting Falcon aircraft, marking a significant capability enhancement.
2024-04-16T05:22:59.476309-07:00 •
Italian Air Force Enhances Combat Readiness at Red Flag-Alaska with Advanced Fleet
The Italian Air Force is participating in Red Flag-Alaska 24-1 with a diverse array of aircraft, including six Typhoons, six F-35s, a KC-767 tankers, and a G550 CAEW, focusing on joint combat readiness.
2024-04-16T02:36:13.467801-07:00 •
Israeli F-35I Adir Jets Neutralize Iranian Missile Threat
Recent IDF reports confirm the successful deployment of F-35I Adir jets by the Israeli Air Force, intercepting a cruise missile in November and countering additional Iranian missile attacks this Sunday.
2024-04-15T11:51:05.237522-07:00 •
Lockheed Martin Secures $17 Billion Contract for Next-Gen Missile Defense
In a major development for U.S. national security, Lockheed Martin has been awarded a contract worth $17 billion to enhance missile defense capabilities with advanced interceptors, a move critical amidst plans to reduce F-35 orders.
2024-04-15T08:52:41.244418-07:00 •
F-35 Program Expenses Projected to Surpass $1.5 Trillion
Escalating costs mark Lockheed Martin's F-35 as the most expensive weapons initiative globally, despite budget concerns, reveals a recent government audit.
2024-04-15T06:40:48.415466-07:00 •
Iranian Ballistic Missiles Target Israeli Military Bases
Nevatim Airfield sustained hits to a cargo plane, an unused runway, and empty storage areas, despite the failure to intercept five rockets.
2024-04-10T00:01:39.389002-07:00 •
Czech Air Force Preps for F-35 with Advanced Vrgineers Simulators
A pivotal collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Vrgineers is set to enhance Czech Air Force's capabilities with cutting-edge F-35 training simulators, marking a significant preparatory step for integrating the advanced fighter jet.
2024-04-09T19:26:15.297440-07:00 •
Lockheed Martin Unveils Mako Hypersonic Missile at Sea Air Space 2024
The collaboration between Lockheed Martin and CoAspire introduced the Mako Multi-Mission Hypersonic Missile, spotlighting its capabilities.
2024-04-09T15:41:47.221026-07:00 •
Lockheed Martin Secures $181M F-35 Program Contract Expansion
An Air Force contract modification has awarded Lockheed Martin $181 million to expand the scope of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program, specifically to meet Lot 17 AME requirements.
2024-04-08T14:55:37.064380-07:00 •
Lockheed's Innovative RF Detection Demo Links F-35 with Pony Express 2 Sats
Lockheed Martin to demonstrate the integration of space technology for enhanced Joint All-Domain Command-and-Control capabilities using F-35 and Pony Express 2 satellites.
2024-04-08T04:30:04.457191-07:00 •
JS Kaga's Initial F-35B Modification Completes, Advances JMSDF Capabilities
The JMSDF marked a significant milestone with the successful initial modification of the Izumo-class destroyer Kaga to accommodate F-35B operations as of April 06, 2024.
2024-04-05T15:35:39.284630-07:00 •
VMFA-542 Designated as First East Coast F-35 Operational Squadron by USMC
Achieving full operational capability, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 542 has been officially recognized as the U.S. Marine Corps' pioneering F-35 operational squadron on the East Coast, marking a significant milestone in F-35 Joint Strike Fighter operations.
2024-04-05T06:26:17.730634-07:00 •
Poland and Italy Press Ahead with F-35 Acquisitions Despite Upgrade Challenges
Despite facing upgrade challenges, Poland and Italy remain committed to their F-35 acquisitions, eagerly anticipating the enhanced capabilities the latest updates promise.
2024-04-05T02:16:24.623193-07:00 •
NATO's F-35s Intercept Russian Tu-95MS Bombers Over Barents and Norwegian Seas
In a recent rise of military activities, RoNAF F-35 fighters intercepted two Russian Tu-95MS bombers on Apr. 3, 2024, marking another notable event in the tense NATO-Russian airspace interactions over the Arctic region.
2024-04-04T15:16:57.241708-07:00 •
XQ-58A Valkyrie and F-35s Execute Advanced SEAD Mission
In a landmark trial, the XQ-58A Valkyrie drone showcased its SEAD prowess by coordinating with two F-35 fighters, employing an electronic attack payload to neutralize air threats.
2024-04-04T07:36:30.466448-07:00 •
F-35 Retrofits Delayed Due to Upgrade Complications
The scheduled Technology Refresh 3 upgrades for older F-35 jets have been postponed by the Pentagon, with no new date announced for the retrofit commencement.