The U.S. is moving advanced airpower toward the Middle East as Washington weighs military options and increases pressure on Iran.
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
The United States intensifies pressure on Canada to complete its purchase of 88 F-35 Lightning II stealth aircraft, or face consequences, amid tensions with the Trump administration.
There is no single definition of the “most powerful” military aircraft. Today’s air power is distributed across thrust, payload, stealth, sensors, maneuverability, and strategic reach.
Lockheed Martin has confirmed that 2025 became the most productive year in the history of the F-35 Lightning II program, underscoring the aircraft’s central role in allied airpower.
Italy invests €112.6 million to establish a multinational F-35 Lightning II pilot training center at Trapani-Birgi Air Base (TPS), creating the first dedicated F-35 training facility outside the United States for NATO and European Joint Strike Fighter partner nations.
Israel is prepared to invoke a technology-based veto to prevent the sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Turkey, according to a senior Israeli official, underscoring rising geopolitical and defense tensions in the eastern Mediterranean and the broader NATO alliance.
A December 19 inspector general audit found that the Department of Defense did not consistently hold Lockheed Martin accountable for poor F-35 sustainment performance under a 2024 contract.
The United States hosted a milestone moment for European air power as Finland and Lockheed Martin marked the rollout of Finland’s first F-35A Lightning II.
The United States stands at the center of modern air combat innovation as the F-35 Lightning II reshapes how fighter pilots detect threats and select weapons in real time.
Vermont Air National Guard F-35A fighters deploy to Puerto Rico, boosting U.S. strike power under Operation Southern Spear.