The Pentagon’s latest operational assessment found that the F-35 Lightning II modernization program has failed to deliver the combat improvements originally expected from its Technology Refresh 3 upgrade package.
Lockheed Martin
he United Kingdom will equip its fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters with Boeing Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB-II) weapons as an interim capability while integration delays continue to affect Europe’s MBDA Spear 3 missile program.
Israel has approved a new modification program for its Lockheed Martin F-35I Adir stealth fighter fleet, aiming to increase the aircraft’s operational range through the integration of external fuel tanks.
Canada’s federal government is continuing its review of the 88 jet Lockheed Martin F-35A purchase, with Defense Minister David McGuinty confirming that aircraft from other countries remain under active consideration.
Finnish Air Force pilot flies F-35A Lightning II for the first time from Ebbing Air Force Base, marking a key milestone in Finland’s fleet transition.
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (LMT), has introduced new Armed Black Hawk helicopter kits designed to expand the operational scope of the widely used UH-60 platform.
At Shannon Airport (SNN), a United States Air Force (USAF) C-130 Hercules aircraft suffered significant structural damage after a man armed with a hatchet breached restricted airport areas and climbed onto the parked military transport aircraft.
The United States remains cautious about discussions surrounding the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet for India, with Lockheed Martin clarifying that no direct commercial engagement is taking place.
Canada is evaluating participation in the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) as an observer, signaling a potential shift from its contested F‑35 fighter acquisition.
The Pentagon has awarded Pratt & Whitney a $6.6 billion contract to supply F135 engines for upcoming F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program production batches.