The Pentagon cannot establish the status of more than 1 million previously reported lost F-35 components valued at over $85 million. A new GAO report exposes serious inventory tracking failures across the fighter program’s $31 billion global spare parts pool, raising concerns about contractor oversight, financial reporting and military readiness.
F-35 Stealth Fighter Jet
Canada has received its first 2 Lockheed Martin CF-35A Lightning II fighter jets at Luke Air Force Base, near Phoenix, Arizona.
Switzerland has accepted major reforms to its defence procurement process after a parliamentary review questioned the handling of its F-35A fighter purchase.
An unnamed foreign government is funding $18.79 million in development and integration work on a tailored F-35 variant, with the effort continuing through December 2030.
The Dutch government has approved a 240-hectare expansion of Lelystad Airport for F-35 fighter operations. The project includes new military infrastructure and a longer runway, requiring six businesses and four agricultural homes to relocate. The Ministry of Defence has acknowledged the impact on affected communities, while the implementation timeline remains unknown.
India’s IAF chief says the US made no formal F-35 offer, raising questions about stealth fighters and India’s AMCA plans.
The F-35A deployment introduces a fifth-generation combat aircraft into the Indian exercise environment, where it is operating alongside Indian and foreign aircraft.
The Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) first F-35A Lightning II has completed its maiden flight at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth (FWH), Fort Worth, Texas.
Honeywell Aerospace has introduced a new P40 upgrade for the F-35 Lightning II’s Power and Thermal Management System (PTMS), increasing cooling capacity from about 32 kilowatts to 40 kilowatts.
Germany has received its first F-35A Lightning II from Lockheed Martin as the country prepares to introduce 35 fifth-generation fighters into Luftwaffe service.