Canada’s F-35 fighter program has taken an unusual political turn, with former Royal Canadian Air Force fighter pilot Stephen Fuhr now playing a senior role in defence procurement after once becoming one of the aircraft’s most outspoken Canadian critics.
F-35
Lockheed Martin’s first F-35A Lightning II built for Germany has completed its maiden flight, marking a major step toward the Luftwaffe’s introduction of the fifth-generation fighter.
The U.S. destroyed five Iranian oil tankers after repeated missile attacks on a Navy warship. Iran retaliated against Jordan as Washington deployed more F-35s and F-16s and expanded sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation network.
Pratt & Whitney (PW) is investing $25 million to expand its facility in Niepołomice, Poland (NIE), strengthening production of precision components for commercial and military engines.
The 187th Fighter Wing, known as the Red Tails, tested its ability to generate and sustain F-35A Lightning II combat power during Operation Tuskegee Thunder at Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM), also known as Dannelly Field, in Alabama.
The Pentagon now projects the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program will cost about $536.3 billion to develop and procure, up from $485.2 billion in the previous estimate. Its total lifecycle cost, however, has fallen to roughly $1.93 trillion from $2.06 trillion.
The Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) has called on Congress to fully support the U.S. Space Force’s proposed $71.1 billion fiscal 2027 budget while urging lawmakers to increase procurement of F-35A fighter aircraft.
Germany’s first F-35A enters final production before Luftwaffe delivery, marking a major milestone in Germany’s fighter modernization.
Trump’s F-35 sale to Türkiye remains stalled as Congress, S-400 sanctions, and Israel’s concerns delay approval.
Chinese researchers have developed a lightweight artificial intelligence system designed to help missile-mounted infrared seekers recognize the heat signatures of stealth aircraft such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.