F-35

Trump left a NATO summit in Turkey declaring unity with allies despite initial tensions, reaffirming the alliance's commitment to Article 5. The U.S. announced plans to license Patriot missile systems to Ukraine and consider lifting sanctions on Turkey to facilitate F-35 jet sales.

US President Donald Trump's visit to Turkey could facilitate the acquisition of F110 fighter jet engines for Turkey's KAAN stealth fighter project, but the F-35 dispute remains unresolved. Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems led to its exclusion from the F-35 program and CAATSA sanctions, complicating defense cooperation with the US.

The Pentagon's weapons testing office, DOT&E, faced workforce cuts reducing civilian staff from 126 to 30, leading to increased workloads and concerns about untested weapons reaching troops. A Congressional watchdog report highlights risks of malfunctions and gaps in oversight, particularly in areas like electronic warfare.

US president Trump claims he prevented Turkish leader Erdogan from joining a potential war against Iran, citing Erdogan's opposition to Israel. The statement also references a possible F-35 sale.

The US's F-35 fighter jets, crucial for a potential conflict over Taiwan, are becoming increasingly unavailable due to supply chain issues and poor oversight, according to a US Government Accountability Office (GAO) report. The report highlights a decline in the F-35's full mission capable rate, undermining US airpower readiness.

The US plans to reduce the number of fighter jets and warships deployed to NATO in Europe, as reported by the New York Times. The article mentions F-35 and F-16 fighter jets flying near Warsaw's Royal Castle clock tower on June 12, 2026, though the primary focus is on the proposed military asset reductions.

The Pentagon is requesting a $13.7 billion funding increase as the F-35's full mission capable rate dropped to 25 percent in FY25, according to a GAO report.

The article criticizes Pete Hegseth, described as the 'self-declared secretary of war,' for his perceived unprofessional and overly performative behavior in his military role. It highlights his public statements, such as advocating for renaming the Department of Defense to 'Department of War,' as corny and unserious, with a colleague noting his 'moral unseriousness.'

Ottawa is considering a mixed fleet of F-35s and Gripens, which could total more than 100 aircraft, according to sources. The article does not provide further details on the decision-making process or timeline.

The International Test Pilot School in Canada will purchase up to 12 M-346 trainer jets from Leonardo starting in 2029 to train pilots on 5th-generation aircraft. The jets, chosen for their advanced cockpit technology, replace the current L-39s and are used by multiple air forces globally.

The U.S. Air Force is considering replacing the A-10 Warthog's combat search-and-rescue role with F-35 and F-15 fighter jets. The USAF chief has indicated these modern aircraft may take over missions traditionally performed by the A-10, signaling a potential shift in military aircraft deployment strategy.

The UK's F-35 fighter fleet will use US-made glide bombs as an interim measure until delayed software updates support the SPEAR 3 mini-cruise missile. The delay in Block 4 software update from Lockheed Martin has pushed back the integration of SPEAR 3 to 2031. The Ministry of Defence has approved the procurement of Small Diameter Bomb (SDB II) to provide an interim stand-off capability.

The Pentagon is upgrading the F-35 program's encryption systems to prepare for future quantum computing threats. Lockheed Martin has a patent for a Quantum Resistant Ledger for secure communications. The defense and cybersecurity sectors are preparing for the long-term implications of quantum risk in crypto.

Israel has approved the purchase of two new combat squadrons consisting of F-35 and F-15IA fighter jets from the United States. The acquisition involves aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Boeing.

The F-35 fighter jet is praised for its advanced technology but criticized for being mismatched with modern and future warfare needs. The article argues its design prioritizes air superiority over adaptability to hybrid or asymmetric conflicts.

The article criticizes the F-35 fighter jet program, comparing it to a handcrafted violin that is too expensive and complex to mass-produce effectively. With a projected lifetime cost exceeding $2 trillion, the F-35 is argued to be poorly suited for modern warfare, which increasingly relies on drones and naval capabilities as seen in contemporary conflicts like Ukraine's war.

Air National Guard leaders warned Congress that the U.S. Air Force is the oldest, smallest, and least ready in its history, requesting 72-100 new fighter jets (including F-35s and F-15EXs) to address readiness gaps. The plea comes amid heightened military operations like Operation Epic Fury in Iran and a proposed $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget for 2027.

Air National Guard leaders warn Congress that the U.S. Air Force is the oldest, smallest, and least ready in its 78-year history, requesting 72–100 new fighter jets (including 48 F-35s and 24 F-15EXs) to address readiness gaps. They cite Operation Epic Fury in Iran as evidence of urgent resource needs, with Brig. Gen. Shannon Smith emphasizing that current procurement rates risk leaving squadrons with outdated aircraft.