🇵🇱 Poland and the F-35: signals of a potential 64-aircraft expansion

Recent reports from Polish defence specialist  Krystian Pograniczny suggest that Poland could be preparing to expand its fleet of F-35 Lightning II aircraft, potentially moving beyond its current order toward a significantly larger force structure. While no official announcement has been made, indications point to the possible submission of a Letter of Request (LOR) for additional units in the near future.

Poland originally committed to 32 F-35A aircraft, marking a major step in its transition toward fifth-generation capabilities. 

The possibility of expanding the fleet to 64 aircraft—effectively doubling the initial order—would represent a substantial increase in capability. Structurally, this would translate into four operational squadrons, providing greater flexibility in force deployment and sustained operations.

One of the more notable aspects of these reports is the apparent shift away from alternative options. In particular, earlier discussions around acquiring air superiority platforms such as the F-15EX Eagle II now appear to have lost momentum. If confirmed, this would suggest a clearer strategic focus on a single fifth-generation platform rather than a mixed fleet approach.

From a planning perspective, the timing of a potential LOR would be significant. Submitting a request early is often necessary to secure favorable production slots, especially for high-demand platforms like the F-35. 

It is important to emphasize that these developments remain unconfirmed but the broader trend is consistent with Poland’s ongoing military modernization efforts. 

USA Lifts Freeze on Massive F-16 Deal with Turkey, Approves F-35s for Greece in Significant Geopolitical Maneuver

Following Turkey’s parliament endorsement of Sweden’s NATO application, the Biden administration has informed Congress that it is reviving a significant deal with Turkey. This deal entails supplying 40 new F-16 fighters and upgrading an additional 79 aircraft already in service, estimated at a staggering $23 billion.

Simultaneously, the administration has greenlit Greece, Turkey's regional rival, to become a part of the F-35 program. Greece is potentially set to acquire 40 F-35 conventional take-off and landing variants for $8.6 billion.

These parallel approvals mark the culmination of a major geopolitical struggle involving all three nations. Additionally, they coincide with Sweden's aspirations to join NATO following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, adding another layer of complexity to the regional dynamics

The delay in Turkey's acquisition of F-16s had been a significant point of contention between Ankara and Washington. Turkey's pursuit of new and upgraded F-16s dates back several years, following its expulsion from the US-led international F-35 program in 2020 due to its procurement of advanced Russian radars. In the same year, Defense News reported that American lawmakers quietly halted all major arms sales to Turkey, including upgrades for F-16s.

More recently, Turkey linked the US approval of F-16s to the lifting of its opposition to Sweden's NATO membership. Turkey, along with Hungary, had obstructed Sweden's NATO bid for months. Following Turkey's parliament's approval of Sweden's accession earlier in the week, President Joe Biden reportedly urged Congress to approve the F-16 deal shortly thereafter.

While the Biden administration resisted any official connection between the two issues, key members of Congress openly stated that no F-16s would be approved until Turkey addressed the NATO question. Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee Ben Cardin emphasized that his approval of Turkey's request to purchase F-16 aircraft was contingent on Turkey's endorsement of Sweden's NATO membership.

However, Cardin said: “While Turkey plays a critical role in the region as a NATO ally, there is an urgent need for improvement on its human rights record, including the unjust imprisonment of journalists and civil society leaders, better cooperation on holding Russia accountable for its invasion of Ukraine, and on lowering the temperature in its rhetoric about the Middle East.”

According to the State Department, Turkey's acquisition of new Lockheed Martin-made planes and the modernization effort, along with various supporting equipment and services, "will advance the foreign policy objectives and national security interests of the United States by enhancing the air capabilities and interoperability of a NATO Ally that contributes to political and economic stability in Europe."

While State Department approval is significant, it does not represent the final decision, and lawmakers retain the ability to intervene in potential deals. However, the public support from figures like Cardin suggests that the Biden administration likely anticipated minimal resistance in Congress when making the announcement.

Turkey is currently working on developing its domestically manufactured next-generation fighter aircraft, known as the KAAN. However, analysts have indicated that the KAAN is still several years away from being operational. In the meantime, Ankara has been eager to address its "fighter gap" that was expected to widen as its existing fleet of F-16s aged.

The simultaneous approval of Turkey's fighter clearance and Greece's anticipated F-35 purchase comes as no surprise, given the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the two historical rivals.

“The F-35 will offset the increasing obsolescence of other Hellenic Air Force aircraft such as the F-4 and Mirage 2000. Greece will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces,” the State Department said.

Greece submitted its formal request for F-35s in June 2022, a move that was expected to receive approval from the US. However, there were concerns that this decision could potentially strain relations between the United States and Turkey.

Lockheed Martin has maintained a dedicated webpage since 2022 outlining the potential for Greek F-35s, emphasizing the aircraft's readiness as the optimal solution for the Hellenic Air Force.

Before Greece's involvement, a total of 17 nations had participated in the development of the F-35 or had procured the aircraft.

US and UAE Move Forward with MQ-9B SeaGuardian Procurement

After years of delay, a deal to export 18 MQ-9B SeaGuardian unmanned aerial vehicles to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is back on track, as confirmed by the president of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) in a statement to Breaking Defense. Progress has been made in separating the MQ-9 deal from the larger and more controversial F-35 procurement. The interview took place at the Unmanned Systems Exhibition, UMEX 2024, in Abu Dhabi.

General Atomics is currently finalizing platform configurations and estimates for the Emirati Air Force, with full support from the US government. A formal letter of request from the UAE is expected to be resubmitted within three to six months.

While US State Department officials declined to provide specific details about the status of the MQ-9B deal, they confirmed that the proposed sale of F-35 aircraft, MQ-9 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and munitions remains under consideration.

The procurement process for the MQ-9B SeaGuardians has a head start, as the US government approved and notified Congress of the potential sale back in 2020, with an estimated price tag of just under $3 billion at the time.

However, a combined deal including 50 F-35 fighter jets along with the SeaGuardians was halted due to US concerns about the Emirates' use of Chinese Huawei network technology and its potential impact on the F-35 program. The president of General Atomics assured Breaking Defense that the Chinese networking technology does not affect the MQ-9B, as it is controlled via satellite links.

In November of last year, Breaking Defense reported that General Atomics was planning to integrate Emirati EDGE Group missiles on the MQ-9B SkyGuardian platform, making it the first indigenous weapons system in the region to be integrated onto a US platform. Testing and integration of the indigenous missile are expected to take place in the UAE.

The United Kingdom and the UAE are the only two countries approved by the US government to integrate their indigenous weapons on the MQ-9.

General Atomics anticipates closing deals with additional Arab countries within the timeframe of 2024-2025.

Delays in Key Upgrade Stall F-35 Fighter Jet Deliveries

Newly built F-35 Joint Strike Fighters face prolonged delays as a critical upgrade, Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3), remains incomplete at Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth facility in Texas. The TR-3, set to enhance the F-35's capabilities with improved displays, computer memory, and processing power, has encountered persistent software issues, notably in its integration into the new hardware. Initially slated for completion in April 2023, this vital upgrade is now expected to be ready between April and June 2024 due to repeated setbacks.

While F-35s equipped with TR-3 hardware commenced production in late July, their deliveries have been withheld by the government as they cannot undergo necessary acceptance flights. Consequently, an undisclosed number of F-35s are stored at Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth site.

Efforts by the F-35 Joint Program Office to resume acceptance flights and deliveries prior to TR-3's full completion involve the potential implementation of early, albeit incomplete, versions of TR-3 software into new F-35s. However, it is anticipated that these provisional software versions would require subsequent updates to unlock their full capabilities.

The delivery delay may impact Air Force units transitioning from other aircraft, affecting their receipt of promised F-35s and potentially hindering the Air Force's global force management.

Additionally, forthcoming decisions and developments for the F-35 program include the transition to full-rate production in early 2024, pending years behind schedule, and upgrades to the existing F135 engines under the Engine Core Upgrade program, expected to commence in early 2029. These engine upgrades aim to equip the F-35 with enhanced power and cooling capacity in preparation for the Block 4 modernization of the aircraft.

UK Welcomes Second F-35 Squadron, 809 NAS 'Inmortals

The arrival of the first F-35 Lightning II at RAF Marham, Norfolk, in 2018, marked a significant milestone as it was allocated to the historic Squadron 617 "Dambusters". The arrival of the first F-35 Lightning II at RAF Marham, Norfolk, in 2018, marked a significant milestone as it was allocated to the historic Squadron 617 "Dambusters". This squadron, renowned for its rich legacy, became the pioneering unit to be equipped with this cutting-edge fifth-generation aircraft. Now, further bolstering the United Kingdom's aerial prowess, a second squadron, the 809 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) known as the "Inmortals," has been activated to operate the F-35 Lightning II. The return of the Fleet Air Arm's 809 NAS comes after a hiatus spanning over 40 years, following its disbandment in late 1982.

Dating back to 1941, the 809 NAS saw its initial combat involvement operating the Fairey Fulmar in the Arctic. Its missions extended to engagements in Malta, North Africa, and various theaters of war until its decommissioning in 1982 while operating the Sea Harrier. The rebirth of this squadron was commemorated with a parade and display at RAF Marham.

Air Marshal Harvey Smyth, RAF Air and Space Commander, unveiled the strategic vision, aiming to have "two front-line squadrons of Lightnings at sea, totaling up to 24 aircraft" readily deployable by late 2025. This planning aligns with the slated readiness of the 809 NAS to deploy aboard the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales in 2025. 

Spain Abandons Plan to Acquire F-35 for Ejercito del Aire and Armada and Shifts Focus to Eurofighter Modernization and FCAS Development

In a surprising twist of events, Spain has reversed its initial inclination, announced in November 2021, to acquire the F-35 Lightning II. Initially considered as the replacement for some of the existing Boeing EF-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier II aircraft, the F-35 is now encountering challenges in the face of Spain's exploration of the upgraded Long Term Evolution [LTE] variant of the Eurofighter.

In November 2021, the Pentagon, conveyed by Vice Admiral Mathias W. “Mat” Winter, the Director of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program at that time, informed lawmakers that among the countries considered as potential Foreign Military Sales customers for the F-35 were Singapore, Greece, Romania, Spain, and Poland. Consequently, the United States had set its sights on securing a contract with Spain, having successfully navigated negotiations with all listed nations except Greece, which is actively contemplating the acquisition.

During the IQPC International Fighter Conference [IFC] 2023 held in Madrid from November 6 to 8, the Spanish Defense Ministry communicated to the press that their primary focus remains on procuring the Eurofighter. They explicitly stated that there are no indications of interest in pursuing any other type of weapons system. The Ministry of Defence remarked, "We have no information about Spain’s interest in acquiring another weapons system other than the Eurofighter," as reported by Janes.

This announcement signals that Spain has rejected any potential F-35 purchase, at least for now. Lockheed Martin and the F-35 has won contracts from NATO members, beating contenders as the french Rafale, the swedish JAS-39 Gripen and the partially built in Spain Eurofighter Typhoon, despite pleas from French authorities for its neighbors to “buy European.”

According to Military experts, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter's success can be attributed primarily to its strong interoperability with allies and partners within NATO partners, and the aircraft's well-defined upgrade roadmap.

These factors combined have not worked for Spain, which has shown its preference for the partially homebuilt 4.5th-generation Eurofighter Typhoon and the FCAS (Future Combat Air System, 6th Gen aircraft developed for Germany, France and Spain). 

Speculation regarding the preference for the F-35 gained traction in May of this year, following the Spanish government's announcement of a commitment to increase its defense budget to align with NATO's targets by 2029.

At that time, Gen. Javier Salto Martínez-Avial, Chief of the Air & Space Force, outlined a "long-term" objective for the Spanish Ministry of Defense to acquire a fifth-generation fighter, alongside the procurement of additional Eurofighter Typhoons. However, it seems there has been some reevaluation internally, as the government appears less inclined to invest in the costly F-35 fighters from the United States.

The F-35B , the AV-8B+ Harrier and Armada Española (Spanish Navy)

This controversial decision to abandon the acquisition of the F-35 5th Generation fighter to replace the F-18 and AV-8B Harrier becomes even more contentious when considering the prospect that Spain will definitively lose, by the year 2028, the capability to deploy a fixed-wing naval aviation. Currently, the Navy's doctrine is focused on projecting its power through the support of fighter, bomber, and maritime attack aircraft. The absence of fixed-wing naval aircraft would imply that the LHD 'Juan Carlos I' and its battle group would lose their relevance and strategic purpose in a concerning international context.

The Spanish Navy is in a crucial phase of its evolution regarding its carrier-based strike fighters. The Harriers in service with the Navy are nearing the end of their operational life, and the successor and replacement time are yet to be decided. The Italian Navy, the US Marines, and the Royal Navy are transitioning to the F-35B, leaving the Spanish Navy as one of the last and only users of the Harrier.

Replacing the Harriers is a matter that requires careful planning, as the acquisition process takes a long time, depending on demand and production capacity. The Harrier AV-8B arrived in FLOAN in the 1980s in its "Day Attack" version and has undergone continuous improvements over the years, with the B+ version being the most recent. However, these aircraft are approaching the end of their service life, and they are expected to be retired around 2030.

In addition to platform obsolescence, it should be noted that in 2028, the cooperative program that has sustained the sustainability and updates of the Harriers throughout their lifecycle will end. Despite these limitations, work is ongoing on improvements, such as the installation of the Mode 5 IFF across the fleet, and other updates in avionics, systems, and weaponry to extend their relevance until retirement.

The only model that can replace the Harriers is the F-35B, a 5th generation aircraft capable of operating from amphibious ships, adopted by the US Marines, the Italian Navy, the Royal Navy, and more recently for the Japanese Navy. Losing the capability of having carrier-based fixed-wing aircraft would be a setback to the strategic ambition of the Spanish Navy. The flexibility provided by an embarked air wing with fixed-wing jets is evident, from combat air patrols to support in Marine Corps landings, combining firepower with other units for coordinated strikes or even the ability to target inland objectives.

The Spanish Navy recognizes the importance of ensuring its naval aviation capability and is working on acquiring the new F-35B, which is seen as an imminent necessity to maintain operational flexibility in a constantly evolving security environment.

The LTE of Eurofighter

The decision to withdraw from F-35 discussions also coincides with considerations for retrofitting the Long Term Evolution (LTE) upgrades onto the Eurofighter combat aircraft, potentially expanding its fleet.        

The Long Term Evolution [LTE] iteration of the Eurofighter represents a modernized rendition of the original Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, integrating cutting-edge technologies and enhancements to elevate its overall capabilities and performance.

Within the LTE variant, notable improvements are discernible across critical domains such as avionics, sensors, and communication systems. These advancements contribute to heightened situational awareness, superior data-sharing capabilities, and increased interoperability with both airborne and ground systems.

A pivotal aspect of the LTE version lies in its state-of-the-art radar system. Equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array [AESA] radar, this configuration delivers an expanded detection range, enhanced target tracking precision, and heightened resilience against electronic countermeasures.

Complementing the radar upgrade, the LTE variant also encompasses refinements to its electronic warfare systems. This ensures a bolstered self-protection mechanism and improved countermeasures to effectively mitigate potential threats.

In response to a question posed by Janes at IQPC International Fighter Conference [IFC] 2023, regarding the interest of the Spanish Air and Space Force (Ejército del Aire y del Espacio: EdAE) in the LTE upgrade, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) indicated that this enhancement could be applied across the entire Eurofighter fleet, encompassing aircraft currently under contract or earmarked for future procurement.

The MoD clarified, “Halcon I and Halcon II will not be acquired with the LTE standard, currently under development. However, both Halcon I and Halcon II, along with earlier tranches, may undergo an upgrade to the LTE standard in the future.”

Ejército del Airte is integrating 20 Tranche 4 (contracted under Halcon I) and 25 Tranche 4+ (selected under Halcon II, with a pending contract) aircraft into its existing fleet of 17 Tranche 1, 32 Tranche 2, and 19 Tranche 3 Eurofighters, which serve as a partial replacement for the 91 EF-18A and EF-18B Hornets.

Given that the LTE modifications would not be suitable for the Tranche 1 aircraft, it leaves 96 Tranche 2, 3, 4, and 4+ Eurofighters (along with any potential leftovers from a prospective Halcon III purchase for Tranche 5) eligible for potential LTE enhancements.

Under a €2-billion contract negotiated and signed last year, Spain is slated to receive 20 Typhoons between 2025 and 2030 to replace its aging F-18 aircraft. The decision to opt for Typhoons over the American stealth fighter played a significant role, driven by the political self-interest of European nations involved in Typhoon production. Airbus’s industrial footprint in Spain, sustaining 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, including the assembly and testing of Spain’s newest Typhoons, undoubtedly factored into this decision.

While incorporating upgrades into its extensive fleet won't transform the Eurofighter into a modern stealth jet, it will undoubtedly enhance the capabilities of Spain's Eurofighter operations. 

Related: 

Spain approves deal for 25 New Eurofighters under 'Halcon II' program

Spain could have finalised deal for 32 F-35s to replace EF-18's and Harriers

France, Germany, Spain agree on moving on with FCAS development

Romania, Czech Republic to announce F-35 acquisition plans

Romania’s Ministry of Defence has announced it aims to sign a letter of acceptance in 2024 to buy 32 F-35 fighters in the program’s first phase, and subsequently secure a further 16 aircraft under the Foreign Military Sales programme, based upon a government-to-government-type contract.

At the end of these, the Romanian Air Force will count three F-35 squadrons. The contract would also cover the delivery of 35 engines, initial logistics support, training services for pilots and technical staff, simulators, weapons, as well as ammunition. Romania expects to receive the first jets in 2030. The decision to buy F-35s was taken by the Romanian Supreme Council on National Defense, at its April 11 meeting.

In January 2020, the Polish cabinet signed a deal to purchase 32 fighters along with a training and logistics package. Czech Republic has secured approval to buy 24 F-35s.

defensenews 

The Netherlands is preparing deployment of Eight F-35 to Poland

The Royal Netherlands Air Force is preparing a deployment of their F-35 fighter jets in support of NATO’s enhanced Air Policing mission in the northeast.  Eight F-35s are going to deploy to Malbork, Poland, to join NATO’s mission bolstering the defensive posture along the eastern flank in February and March 2023. While four of the fifth-generation fighters will be employed in support of policing the skies in the region, the other four aircraft will conduct training and exercise drills with Allies, ready to augment the defensive mission when required. 

In May 2022, the Netherlands completed a two-month F-35 deployment to Bulgaria in May. 

While deployed to Marlbork, the Netherlands form part of the current rotation of three other Allies who operate fighters out of the Baltic region: Poland and France fly F-16 and Rafale fighters out of Siauliai, Lithuania, and Germany launches their Eurofighters out of Ämari, Estonia.

nato

First F-35 for Belgium Air Force enters in production phase

The first F-35 Lightning II for Belgium has entered the Fort Worth assembly line in Texas, the Belgian Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on 14 November.

The outer wingbox of the first of 34 F-35As for the Belgian Air Component (BAC) entered the assembly line following delivery from Leonardo's F-35 production facility in Cameri, Italy.

This first aircraft will be delivered by the end of 2023, and will remain in the United States along with seven other BAC aircraft to be used for international training at Luke Air Force Base (AFB) in Arizona.

Deliveries to Florennes Air Base in Belgium will commence in 2025, at which time the type will be phased into service as a replacement for the Lockheed Martin F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcon.

janes 

Spain could have finalised deal for 32 F-35s to replace EF-18's and Harriers

A small cell of the highest confidence of the Spanish's Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, has already finalised negotiations with the US Department of Defence and the Lockheed Martin industrial corporation for the purchase of the F-35.

With the express prior authorisation of the Prime Minister, the small Spanish team has sought counterparts with the US military-technical delegation and "have already agreed on the general outlines of the transaction," say sources familiar with the details. The Spanish Air Force needs to replace its more than 50 modernised F-18 fighters from the 12th Wing (Torrejón) and 15th Wing (Zaragoza) over the next decade. And the Navy needs to start replacing by 2029 its dozen veteran AV-8B Harrier II Plus that make up the 9th Squadron of its Aircraft Flotilla.
The start of the formal F-35 procurement process will be formalised in the coming months. A government-to-government agreement through the FMS (Foreign Military Sales) system is the mechanism by which Washington's defence department facilitates the sale of weapons systems, equipment, services and training to allied or friendly powers.
The total number of aircraft in Spanish demand is kept under lock and key. The aim is to obtain an initial batch of at least twenty F-35A aircraft for the Air Force and another dozen in F-35B vertical take-off configuration to renew the L-61 Juan Carlos I aircraft carrier's air projection potential. Once the contract is signed, the Spanish requests will enter the production line of the F-35 factory that Lockheed Martin has in Fort Worth, Texas, where thousands of orders are accumulating, making it practically impossible for the first units to arrive in Spain before 2030.
atalayar 

Netherlands To Activate Its 3rd F-35 Air Base Russian Military Ops In Ukraine

The Netherlands plans to reopen the decommissioned De Peel Air Facility as a third air base to house the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft. 

The government cited “the deteriorating security situation in the world” as an explanation for its latest decision. 

The decommissioned De Peel Air Base in the country’s southeast will likely be reactivated to serve as an F-35A station alongside Leeuwarden and Volkel air bases, according to the Dutch Ministry of Defense (MoD).

The ministry said that the armed services needed to practice more owing to the deteriorating security situation in the world. 

“As a result, the number of military flights is increasing, but due to the closure of the Soesterberg, Twenthe, and Valkenburg air bases some 16 years ago, the Ministry of Defense has little room to expand the number of flights,” the ministry added. 

The MOD added that all air bases “are ‘full,’ or almost full. Reopening of [the] De Peel Air Base helps to solve the lack of space at airbases.” The RNLAF conducted “noise experience flights” of the F-35A in the area prior to the planned reopening of the base to army air site visitors. 

According to the air force, the runway hasn’t yet been made suitable for F-35A takeoffs and landings, and much of the infrastructure needs to be updated to make room for the fifth-generation “stealth” fighter.

De Peel Air Base in Venray, which had two parallel runways when it was built in 1954 as a diversion airport, was never utilized as an active air base. It was, however, expanded in 1973 for possible NATO use.

In 1993, the base was decommissioned as an operational airstrip. It later became the home of Groep Geleide Wapens (GGW; Guided Weapons Groups) of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF).

The Dutch MOD has stated that it plans to renovate De Peel’s runway and reopen De Peel as a functioning airfield no later than 2024. However, it has also noted that it would not invest in the facility until it has secured all necessary permits.

According to the plan, 12 F-35As will be able to do 3,600 flight movements over a period of 24 weeks per year, or 1,800 takeoffs and 1,800 landings, from De Peel each year.

urasiantimes 

NEWS 2022 March, 29

First Mission for Spain's Ejercito del Aire A330

The flight will transport 85 Ukrainian orphans to Spain. The children, who will travel under the tutelage of their caregivers from the orphanage.

The aircraft used is the first of three A330 units acquired by Spain which are being converted to multi-role transport and supply aircraft at the Airbus facilities in Getafe. 

This is one more of the humanitarian flights organized by the Ministry of Defense since the war in Ukraine began.

defensa.gob

Canada to Buy 88 F-35 Fighter Jets From Lockheed Martin After Years of Delays

Canada announced plans Monday to buy 88 US-made F-35 stealth fighter jets to replace its aging flee of F-18s.

The new aircraft’s central role will be to patrol North American air space with the US Air Force under NORAD and it could also be tasked with helping to bolster NATO defenses in Europe, or other overseas missions.

Lockheed Martin beat out Saab’s Gripen, after Boeing’s Superhornet was excluded from the running, and an Airbus-led consortium and France’s Dassault Aviation withdrew their Typhoon and Rafale fighters from the competition.

Ottawa had earmarked 19 billion Canadian dollars ($15 billion) for the purchase six years ago. Negotiations with Lockheed Martin would now proceed to finalize the contract within the next seven months with delivery of the aircraft as early as 2025.

Canada spent two decades helping to develop the stealth fighter with the United States and its allies.

But when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau‘s Liberals swept to power in 2015 he scrapped three previous administrations’ plans to purchase the state-of-the-art F-35 to replace its aging F-18 fleet, calling it too expensive.

Prior to Monday, Canada was the only nation in the partnership not yet committed to buying the F-35s.

It follows Germany’s announcement mid-March to buy 35 F-35s as part of a multi-billion-euro push to modernize its armed forces in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Finland’s order of 64 stealth fighters in December after seeing a spike in incursions into its airspace by Russian jets in recent years.

Airbus said when it withdrew from the Canadian competition in 2019 that NORAD security requirements were too expensive, while sources told AFP that Dassault Aviation was unable to meet technical requirements tied to Canada’s membership in the Five Eyes intelligence sharing group of nations.

The Five Eyes group is comprised of Canada, the United States, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand.

Ottawa had planned to buy 18 new Boeing Super Hornets as a stopgap while it relaunched the procurement competition, but that deal fell apart over a trade dispute.

Canada bought 18 used Australian F-18 jets to fill an air force interim capability gap. These were similar to its own F-18s, which were first deployed in 1983.

thedefensepost

USAF wants to retire and scrap up to 33 F-22 Raptors

The Air Force plans to retire nearly three dozen of Tyndall Air Force Base’s F-22 fighter jets in fiscal 2023, ending tentative plans to move them to Virginia that have been on hold for more than three years.

The Raptors have been flying out of nearby Eglin AFB in Florida since a hurricane destroyed Tyndall in October 2018.

Officials want to divest 33 of the service’s oldest F-22s and use that money to instead research cutting-edge combat jet designs under the “Next-Generation Air Dominance” program. If Congress approves the idea, it would send all but three Block 20 Raptors to the “boneyard” at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, Arizona, and shrink the overall fleet from 186 to 153 fighters.

The Air Force’s remaining F-22s would be redistributed across the Raptor squadrons, which include units at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia; Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii; and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, and Eglin.

Eglin has hosted flying operations for the 325th Fighter Wing since Hurricane Michael destroyed their previous home at Tyndall Air Force Base in the Florida Panhandle. That includes the Air Force’s only F-22 training unit, the 43rd Fighter Squadron.

defensenews

USAF wants to retire 150 Aircraft but add up to 24 F-15E

The Air Force is looking to get rid of 150 aircraft, including 21 Warthogs, and add 24 F-15 fighter jets with an eye toward the Pacific region, according to its proposed $169.5 billion budget for fiscal year 2023 released Monday.

The Air Force request rolled out Monday as part of the Pentagon’s proposed $773 billion fiscal year 2023 budget.

The Air Force budget adds $2.7 billion over the previous year in procurement, with about $1.4 billion earmarked for 24 F-15 EX fighter jets. In 2022, the service added 12.

The Air Force also projects divesting 21 A-10 Thunderbolt II attack jets, known as Warthogs, in this proposed budget, which will be backfilled by F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets.

stripes

NEWS 2022 March, 16

USAF F-35 have encountered with PLAAF's J-20 over East China Sea 

A top USAF general said that F-35s have had at least one encounter with Chengdu J-20s, and that the Shaanxi KJ-500 airborne early warning & control (AEW&C) aircraft has a key role in long-range air-to-air kill chains. He did not, however, told when the F-35/J-20 encounter took place.

“It’s a bit early to say what they intend to do with the J-20, so really all we’ve seen it do is air superiority,” he said.

flightglobal

USAF B-21 'Raider' begins ground test phase

The first B-21 'Raider' has entered the ground test phase, paving the way for its expected rollout this year and subsequent first flight.

Northrop Grumman has six of the stealthy aircraft in various stages of production

The next step will involve getting the B-21 ready for flight. This includes carrying out engine runs as well as low-speed and then high-speed taxiing.

After that, the actual first flight from Plant 42 to Edwards Air Force Base in California will take place. Formal flight testing will be held at Edwards.

defensenews

NEWS 2022 March, 15

Spanish Navy acquires 8 MH-60R, 32 Hellfire Missiles

The State Department has made a determination approving a possibl Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Spain of MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters with Support and related equipment for an estimated cost of $950 million. The deal includes; twenty (20) T-700-GE-401C engines (16 installed, 4 spares); thirty-two (32) AGM-114R(N) Hellfire missiles, all up rounds; two (2) Hellfire II Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM); one hundred (100) WGU-59/B Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II Guidance Sections, all up rounds; and more equipment.

dsca

Turkey’s Future Unmanned Fighter “MIUS” On Final Assembly Line

Baykar revealed the latest photos of MIUS (Muharip Insansiz Ucak Sistemi – Unmanned Combat Aircraft System), Turkey's future unmanned jet aircraft, on the final assembly line.

MIUS could fly combat missions from the Turkish Navy's TCG Anadolu LHD / drone carrier.

Baykar unveiled the MIUS project on June 2021. The announcement came along with several surprising renderings showing the future Turkish TCG Anadolu helicopter landing dock. This was an unexpected development, as Baykar is reportedly working on the TB3 Bayraktar UCAV to be deployed aboard TCG Anadolu, and MIUS will be a second option for aircraft operations.

navalnews 

AUSTRALIA RECEIVED FIRST F-35 DELIVERIES OF 2022, FLEET RISES TO 48

The Royal Australian Air Force has confirmed its receipt of four additional F-35A Lightning II aircraft, taking the total size of the fleet to 48.

The jets, which touched down in RAAF Base Williamtown late last month, travelled from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam following Exercise Cope North 22.

The jets were accepted by No. 77 Squadron of No. 81 Wing

The arrival of the four additional F-35 jets came amid concern over the fleet’s operational capacity.

Budget estimates documents filed by the Department of Defence revealed the expected flying hours of the aircraft have been revised down over the next four years.

Flying hours have been cut by 25 per cent in the 2021-22 financial year (FY22) and are set to be reduced by 17 per cent in FY23, 14 per cent in FY24, and 13 per cent in FY25.

australianaviation

Russian drone ‘entered Poland's airspace’

A Russian drone flew over Poland before entering Ukrainian air space where it was shot down, Ukraine’s military claimed last night.

In a statement the Ukrainian air force command said that the drone flew into Nato airspace, accusing Moscow of a “provocation”.

The drone first circled over the site in Yavoriv, western Ukraine, which was hit by a salvo of cruise missiles on Sunday, in an apparent attempt to assess the result, it said.

It then delved into Poland before returning to Ukrainian air space, where it was shoot down by Ukrainian defenses

thetimes