F-35 Readiness Surged in Epic Fury; Now Pentagon and Lockheed Eye Broader Gains
For years, sustainment challenges and spare parts shortages have hindered the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter’s readiness. But the Air Force’s experience flying F-35s heavily in operations against Iran have showed what the jet can be capable of, if maintainers get all the supplies and support they need.
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US Air Force secretary reveals deployment of on-orbit space control weapons
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink announced Monday at the the Air & Space Forces Association’s 2026 Air, Space & Cyber Conference that the service has on-orbit space control weapons capable of defending the joint force against “hostile adversary action.”
Everything We Just Learned About The Vectis Collaborative Combat Aircraft From The Skunk Works
Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works advanced projects division has shared all new information about its stealthy Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) type drone design named Vectis, which it first unveiled a year ago. One of the most intriguing details is the true nature of its air inlet configuration, pointing to the premium on survivability the Skunk Works has placed on its CCA offering, especially when compared to other CCA designs.
Shield AI targets European markets with X-BAT uncrewed strike fighter, seeking Polish production partnership with PGZ Group
Shield AI has signed a five-year letter of intent with PGZ Group and WZL-2, a subsidiary of PGZ, covering industrial cooperation on the X-BAT uncrewed strike fighter. The proposed work includes design, production, delivery and sustainment in Poland for domestic and export customers.
France awards early Rafale F5 contracts for ASN4G nuclear missile, new radar, stealth data link and 20% increase in engine thrust
France has awarded initial contracts to Dassault Aviation, MBDA, Safran and Thales ahead of the planned launch of the Rafale F5 development phase in late 2026. The work covers new navigation, radar, communications, electronic warfare and propulsion technologies for the combat aircraft.
Australia clears JASSM-ER, LRASM for Super Hornets
Australia has declared initial operational capability for two long-range strike missiles carried by its F/A-18F Super Hornets, the Australian Department of Defense said in a release published on September 11, 2026.
NATO must exercise more – and closer to Russia
Large multinational exercises are becoming one of the most important elements of deterrence. They test logistics, interoperability and the ability to deploy combat aircraft over thousands of kilometres, but they also have a political function. Russia regularly uses military exercises close to NATO borders to demonstrate pressure and readiness. The Alliance should do exactly the opposite: show that allied forces can move quickly, integrate with partners and operate effectively from the Arctic to the Black Sea and the Indo-Pacific.
KC-46A Exports: America Just Tripled Its Tanker Sales Ceiling
The US Air Force has just raised the spending ceiling on its Boeing KC-46A export contract from $5.7 billion to $19.1 billion. No aircraft were ordered. No money changed hands. It is, on paper, one of the least dramatic $13.4 billion announcements you will ever read.
Russia Ditches Its Syrian Bases – OpEd
After ~18 months of talks, Syria and Russia signed an Aug. 9 MoU putting Tartus and Hmeimim under Syrian civilian control and recasting them as joint training sites. NATO sources say Tartus has been empty since June; Russia still talks of “military cooperation,” and some personnel may stay.
Russia offers India advanced engine to modernise Su-30MKI fighter fleet
Russia has offered India its advanced Izdeliye 177S engine for the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fleet, Russian state-owned news agency Sputnik reported, as Moscow pushes a wider package of defence proposals during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi.
