f 35 program

The AMCA, India's state-of-the-art fifth-generation stealth fighter, is embarking on a pivotal phase of its development journey, marked by the release of a comprehensive Request For Proposal. Designed to bolster India's aerial prowess, this advanced fighter is poised to tackle pressing regional security issues while harnessing the power of stealth technology.

While President Trump maintains a gentle approach in his dialogue with China, the US military is gearing up for any possible scenarios. Strengthening its presence in the Indo-Pacific, America is reactivating established bases and fortifying partnerships.

France will solely finance the upgraded F5 fighter jet program after UAE negotiations collapsed due to a lack of local industry involvement and technology access. This decision comes as France faces increasing defense pressures and competing priorities, highlighting Paris's commitment to maintaining sovereign control over its Rafale program.

Iranian air defences claimed to have shot down a stealth jet and another meant for ground domination. What does this mean for the US which claims dominance over Iran’s skies?

New satellite images reveal extensive damage across the Middle East from the ongoing Iran war. Key military sites, ports, and air bases in Iran, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have been struck.

Mauro Gilli, a senior researcher in military technology at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), responded to Musk’s claims, pointing out the complexities of defence technology."What makes the F-35 or the B-21 expensive is the software and electronics, not the pilot per se ... which is important because a reusable drone would need to get all that flashy electronics of an F-35, which is expensive," Gilli wrote on X.

The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet remains a vital asset for the U.S. Navy, serving as the backbone of carrier air wings and a key component in "Operation Epic Fury" against Iranian military infrastructure. Despite the advent of stealth fighters, its reliability and cost-effectiveness ensure sustained strike capabilities well into the 2040s.

India is reportedly considering the Russian Su-57 as an interim fifth-generation fighter to bridge a capability gap before its indigenous AMCA is ready. Russia has proposed joint production and technology transfer, presenting the Su-57 as a more flexible option than the US F-35 due to its operational restrictions.

The cost of the US's F-35 fighter jet program has increased by $26 billion, bringing the total cost to $438 billion, according to the Pentagon's new report. The increase, which is relatively modest compared to previous increases, is due to inflation and readjustment of production plans. The per-jet cost has also risen to $179 million.

Japan has opened talks with Western defense contractors about building a new generation of fighter jets, sources say, in what would mark an important milestone in Tokyo's strategy to maintain its air superiority over rival China.

The US military temporarily grounded its entire fleet of F-35 fighter jets - used in Air Force, the Navy and the Marines - as a precautionary measure after a routine inspection detected a crack on an engine blade.

F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jet is declared as ready for combat. The latest addition to the US Air Force's fleet of deployable and fifth-generation aircraft has the most expensive weapons system in history and the ability to deploy operational missions using program of record weapons

Elon Musk criticized manned fighter jets, especially the F-35, as obsolete, advocating for drones. He called the F-35 expensive and flawed, while a researcher defended its strategic importance, highlighting its advanced technology and impact on geopolitical rivals.

Amidst high-stakes nuclear talks with Iran, the US has significantly bolstered its military presence in the Middle East, deploying over 50 advanced fighter jets and extending troop deployments. This buildup, including air defense systems and cargo flights, coincides with indirect negotiations in Geneva aimed at a potential nuclear deal. President Trump has previously threatened military action.

Twelve advanced F-22 fighter jets have arrived in Israel amid escalating US-Iran tensions and ongoing nuclear program talks. This rare operational deployment, part of a larger US military build-up in the region, signals a significant shift in regional dynamics. Israeli officials anticipate potential US military action if diplomatic efforts fail.