Swiss Social Democrats seek full F-35 procurement inquiry over alleged cost distortions, bidder treatment and U.S. supplier dependence
Switzerland’s Social Democrats plan to seek a parliamentary commission of inquiry into the country’s purchase of F-35 fighter jets from the United States.
U.S. Air Force’s first 16 F-15EX Eagle II fighters reach 72.4% availability, above threshold but below 80% target
The U.S. Air Force’s first 16 F-15EX Eagle II fighters recorded average materiel availability of 72.4% in fiscal 2026, clearing the programme’s minimum sustainment threshold.
U.S. Air National Guard brings F-35A to Barnes, replacing F-15 Eagle and reinforcing Massachusetts’ 24-hour homeland defense mission
The 104th Fighter Wing formally welcomed the F-35A Lightning II to Barnes Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts on September 13.
F-35’s $1.4 trillion sustainment bill, rising modernization costs and production strain test the limits of global fleet expansion
The F-35 program is entering a new phase of global expansion, with record deliveries, growing international demand and a weapons roadmap that extends deep into the next decade.
U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III lands at Camp Lejeune for first time in more than 20 years following $11 million runway modernization
A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III has landed at Camp Davis South on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune for the first time in more than 20 years.
U.S. Air Force marks 70 years of KC-135 as tanker remains central to global mobility, power projection and allied operations
The U.S. Air Force has marked the 70th anniversary of the KC-135 Stratotanker, an aircraft that continues to support global mobility and long-range air operations.
Lockheed Martin secures $826 million U.S. missile contract for JASSM-ER and LRASM amid rising demand, with deliveries through 2030
Lockheed Martin has secured an $826 million U.S. contract to produce AGM-158B JASSM-ER cruise missiles and AGM-158C LRASM anti-ship missiles.
France awards early Rafale F5 contracts for ASN4G nuclear missile, new radar, stealth data link and 20% increase in engine thrust
The work covers new navigation, radar, communications, electronic warfare and propulsion technologies for the combat aircraft.
U.S. Air Force rapidly launches multiple B-2 Spirit stealth bombers in Spirit Vigilance 2026 global strike readiness drill
The U.S. Air Force tested the 509th Bomb Wing’s ability to generate B-2 Spirit stealth bombers rapidly during Spirit Vigilance 2026 in August.
Israel expands F-35I modernization agenda with SPICE 1000B, extended-range fuel tanks and electronic-warfare pod integration
Israel is advancing three country-specific upgrades for its F-35I fleet, including integration of the SPICE 1000B precision-guided weapon, extended-range fuel tanks and an electronic-warfare pod.
U.S. Air Force plans new radar, mission computer, electronic warfare suite and engines for future F-15EX Eagle II production lots
The U.S. Air Force’s plan to expand the F-15EX Eagle II fleet from 98 to 268 aircraft will require a major redesign of fighters built later in the production run.
GKN Aerospace selected for Sweden’s future combat air technology programme covering propulsion, onboard power and thermal management
Sweden’s FMV has awarded GKN Aerospace a contract worth about SEK 390 million to work on technologies for the country’s future combat air capability.