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.
US AIR FORCE
Boeing has secured a major US defence contract with a ceiling value of $131.23 billion to support the F-15 Eagle Crest programme, strengthening its role in producing, upgrading and sustaining the long-serving fighter fleet.
A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III (U.S. Air Force, no IATA code) flew from Riga International Airport (RIX) to Moscow Vnukovo International Airport (VKO), an unusually direct military movement into Russia.
Boeing repairs Air Force One 747-8 cracks as FAA mandated work and $3.13B losses delay VC-25B delivery until mid-2028.
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.
US Air Force Antarctica flight returned to Christchurch after a Russia missile warning triggered a safety NOTAM for pilots.
The Department of Homeland Security’s $464 million purchase of 10 aircraft for deportation operations has come under congressional scrutiny after most of the fleet remained grounded and some aircraft were reassigned to other federal agencies.
GE Aerospace and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions are advancing the GEK800, now designated F143-ZZ-100, after the US Air Force awarded the companies an engineering, manufacturing and development contract for the engine as a second source propulsion system for the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) programme.
The United States is creating Task Force Falcon Strike (TFFS), a multinational force designed to combine one way attack drones operating in the air, on the sea, and below the surface. US Central Command (CENTCOM) is leading the initiative.
The US military has lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reapers during the Iran war, while heavy missile use is placing additional pressure on already strained weapons stocks.