All articles tagged with #f 35
Canada’s plan to replace its CF-18s with an F-35 fleet is showing signs of collapse as Ottawa weighs Saab’s Gripen E/F offer, which includes thousands of local jobs and a domestic production hub, in a potential mixed‑fleet approach. The decision faces scrutiny over technology transfer, timelines, and NORAD implications, with a 2024 auditor review and ongoing U.S. readiness/diplomatic concerns adding to the uncertainty.
Canada is reviewing its plan to buy 88 F-35 fighters, with Saab’s Gripen pitched as a cheaper, sovereignty-focused alternative that offers modern sensors, electronic warfare, and potential in‑country sustainment and jobs. Proponents say the Gripen’s cost and capability meet Canada’s core missions—interception, patrol, maritime defense, and Arctic air sovereignty—without needing fifth‑generation stealth, making a mixed Gripen/F‑35 fleet feasible, while critics warn that reduced U.S. interoperability could complicate NORAD and future defense needs. Ottawa will weigh cost, sovereignty, and alliance considerations in deciding whether to pursue Gripen or the full F‑35 program.
The Singapore Airshow staged a rare cross‑power display featuring US F‑16s and F‑35s, China’s J‑10C, and Malaysia’s Su‑30MKM, flown by Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, and China. The F‑16s and F‑35A impressed with high‑power passes and internal weapons bays, the J‑10C delivered colorful aerobatics but felt underwhelming next to hype, and the Su‑30MKM wowed with flares, a Cobra maneuver, and dramatic climbs, highlighting different generations and export ambitions amid sanctions and limited direct US/Russia military involvement.
The NDP is pressing Prime Minister Carney to cancel Canada’s 16-jet order of U.S.-made F-35 fighters and switch to Saab Gripen, arguing the U.S. aircraft would deepen military integration with a superpower. Defence officials say procurement will serve Canadian needs and no final decision has been made as a review continues, all amid Trump-era threats to disrupt Western aircraft supplies and tariffs.
Ottawa is weighing a mixed fighter fleet that would trim the F-35A order by more than half, keeping as few as 40 jets and buying up to 80 Saab JAS-39 Gripen Es to boost sovereignty and create jobs (estimates around 12,600). The Gripen package focuses on industrial benefits and domestic aerospace links, while 16 F-35s are already obligated and 72 remain undecided as a review ordered by Prime Minister Carney proceeds. A mixed fleet is intended to preserve NORAD/NATO interoperability while diversifying partners away from Lockheed Martin, though no final decision has been made.
A US-led operation in Venezuela overwhelmed Russian- and Chinese-made air defenses, with failures blamed on maintenance gaps, inactivity, and poorly integrated defense networks by Venezuelan operators. The mission, which used tools like AGM-88 anti-radiation missiles and electronic jamming, underscores Western airpower advantages but cautions against generalizing the results to Russia or China, noting that export variants and training levels differ and the broader air-defense network has not faced the same test. The ongoing takeaway emphasizes maintaining advanced aircraft like the F-35 to preserve U.S. air superiority.
Denmark has retired its 77 F-16s as of January 18, 2026 after 46 years of service and is replacing them with the F-35A Lightning II, with a total of 43 F‑35s in its fleet (27 ordered in 2016 and 16 more in 2025). The F-35s began taking over NATO’s Quick Reaction Alert on April 1, 2025. Additionally, 19 of Denmark’s F‑16s are donated to Ukraine and 24 are being sold to Argentina, with training and maintenance support included, as Denmark becomes the third country to operate an all-F-35 fleet.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed high expectations for Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, particularly regarding the reconsideration of the F-35 fighter jet deal, which was previously approved by the Czech government but faced criticism from Babiš's party. Despite campaign promises to review costly defense acquisitions, Babiš's government appears to be moving forward with the purchase, emphasizing involvement of Czech industry. The deal reflects broader European doubts about the F-35 due to U.S. policies.
European countries are reconsidering their F-35 fighter jet purchases due to issues like high costs, operational limitations, and concerns over U.S. control of software and mission data, with some nations like Spain and Portugal exploring European-built alternatives to ensure strategic autonomy and sovereignty.
A Dutch F-35 stealth fighter shot down Russian drones over Polish airspace, marking the first time NATO aircraft have downed Russian aircraft within alliance airspace, and was marked with a new kill symbol resembling Russian attack drones.
President Trump met with Turkish President Erdogan at the White House, signaling a potential lift of the US ban on F-35 sales to Turkey, amid ongoing tensions over Turkey's purchase of Russian defense systems and broader geopolitical issues. The meeting aimed to improve relations and address mutual concerns, including Turkey's role in regional conflicts and its ties with Russia.
President Trump is hosting Turkish President Erdogan at the White House amid discussions about lifting the US ban on F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, which has been complicated by Turkey's purchase of Russian missile systems and human rights concerns. Erdogan, eager to restore the F-35 deal, views Turkey as a key regional stabilizer and broker, especially in the context of the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts. The visit marks a significant moment in US-Turkey relations, balancing strategic interests with ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Donald Trump is deploying 10 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Puerto Rico as part of an intensified US military effort against Caribbean drug cartels and Venezuelan military provocations, following recent strikes and escalating tensions in the region.
The F-35 program is scaling back its planned Block 4 upgrades due to production delays, cost overruns, and supply chain issues, with the schedule now pushed to the mid-2030s and costs exceeding $16.5 billion. Despite challenges, Lockheed Martin remains committed to delivering capabilities and aircraft, while the GAO highlights ongoing concerns about costs, delays, and supply chain problems affecting the program's progress.
The F-35 Block 4 modernization has been delayed until at least 2031, two years later than previously projected, due to scope reductions, schedule delays, and engine upgrade postponements, with costs to be estimated in 2025. Meanwhile, aircraft and engine deliveries continue to face delays, and the GAO criticizes the incentive fee structure for contractor accountability.