Stealth Saga #72

Iranian RQ-170 Copy:

The Iranian knock-offs of the RQ-170 have been involved in an air battle in Syria after a knock-off flew into Israel and then the Israelis retaliated.  An Israeli F-16 was shot down.

Shadow Star:

China's stealthy Shadow Star UCAV is expected to have a first flight in 2019.

Project Azm:

Pakistan is gearing up to attempt to manufacture a 5th gen fighter.  I'd bet there's heavy Chinese help and it looks a lot like the FC-31.

KFX:

Due to budget issues, Indonesia's participation in the KFX fighter might get rescoped.

UTC will provide the environmental unit for the KFX.

Tornado Replacement:

The F-35 has been (supposedly) very aggressively banned from being considered as the Tornado replacement.  

Su-57:

Two Su-57s appear to have been deployed to Syria (video above).  Not as yet officially confirmed though.  Some are stating this was a very dangerous move.  The Israelis confirmed two are at the airbase in Syria.

Supposedly another two Su-57 have arrived in Syria following the first two.  No second source, just some twitter based pix.  There is a little more info.

The Russians have started weapon integration tests.

Russia will buy no more than 60 Su-57s by 2027.

The Russians have not yet signed the contract for the next 12 Su-57s.  This postpones their delivery to at least 2019.  Also, the Su-57 with the new engines has not flown since December.  The UAC is now saying they DO have a contract for delivery of 19 Su-57s starting in 2019.

The FGFA variant of the Su-57 remains in contract limbo.

J-20:

China may be struggling to manufacture the J-20.  There may be issues at Chengdu in the manufacturing line.

China reiterated the J-20 is in combat service or, more properly, handed over to combat units.

H-20:

Has the H-20 bomber been delayed?  Is that why China is mass producing the H-6K still?

B-2:

As the B-21 bomber comes online, the B-2 will be retired.  The plans are now for the B-2 to be retired in 2032.  (B-1 by 2038, fwiw).  Are the USAF's new bomber plans a violation of the New START nuclear disarmament treaty?

This B-2 replica is how airmen practice arming the monster bomber.

Ten years ago, a B-2 crashed in Guam.

B-21:

Despite the budget woes, the B-21 remains on schedule. Supposedly.  There are also rumors of multiple prototypes in the air.  No verification on the claim though.

Next Generation Air Dominance/Penetrating Counter Air:

The budget request for the NGAD/PCA 6th generation fighter has risen to half a billion.  There is something definitely afoot.  Demonstrators, perhaps?  There are rumors.

USAF is investing heavily next gen tech to replace the F-15 and F-22.  How the USAF does this is up in the air.

E-8C Joint Stars Replacement:

The JSTARS replacement might be on stealthy aircraft.

F-22:

The US Air Force is fast tracking Rapid Raptor, a program to have four F-22s be deployable within 24 hours to anywhere in the world.

ADS-B transponders might be a security risk for the F-22.

F-35:

An F-35 round-up.

The F-35 is getting automatic ground collision avoidance software.

The F-35A's gun still struggles with accuracy.

LRIP 11 negotiations have restarted after over a year hiatus.

All three F-35 variants went through cold-weather testing at Eielsen AFB.

The USAF's 62nd Fighter Wing had its first B Course graduates.

The USAF has named the next bases to get the F-35.

An F-35 in Japan was spotted about to takeoff without its radar reflectors.

The USMC has been testing the F-35B landing on sloped pads.

The Japanese based USMC F-35Bs have made their debut at the Singapore air show.

USMC's 13th MEU with the Essex ARG are deploying with F-35Bs.

The US Navy has ordered the development of a new anti radiation missile that will fit inside the F-35's missile bay.

The US Navy will upgrade its networks to get the most out of the F-35C.

Trump's proposed 2019 budget has 9 F-35Cs, 20 F-35Bs and 48 F-35As.

Belgium has been cleared to buy up to 35 F-35s.

Belgium could still reject the F-35.

The British have their first F-35B graduates that have not flown other fighters first.

India has requested a classified briefing on the F-35A and is expressing interest in procuring 126.

No, Israel wanting to buy more F-15s is not a condemnation of the F-35.

Israel is getting more spare parts through a contract signed by the US Navy for its F-35s.

Lockheed is delivering a special variant of the Block 3F software for Israel's F-35Is.

Italy took delivery of the first F-35B assembled outside the US.

An Italian F-35B arrived at NAS Patuxent River.

Japan has deployed the F-35 to Misawa AFB, apparently AX-6.

Japan and South Korea want the F-35B for their assault ships.  Stratfor takes a gander at the idea.

Japan's Izumo may have been designed from the start to be a jeep carrier.

Japan is considering replacing its F-15Js with F-35Bs.

Japan is looking at an additional buy of 20 to 25 F-35As.

Norway has completed its tests of the braking chute.  Watch here.

Lockheed won a $7.5 million contract mod for the F-35.

Lockheed has denied offering India the F-35.

Lockheed favors future incremental software improvements.

META:

China will equal the West in military air power soon.

Stealth Saga #69

Have Blue & Tacit Blue:

A test pilot that flew both the Tacit Blue and Have Blue prototypes recounts his experiences.

X-2:

Japan will conclude the X-2 program in March 2018.  The RCS was better than expected and all the data required was gathered in 34 flights.  What the path forward for the F-3 program will be will be based on the evaluation of the X-2 data brings to light.  Two options being considered are building a fighter indigenously or with a foreign partner.

FC-31/J-31:

Is the FC-31 being used to help sell...cars?

FGFA:

The Russians are trying to convince the Indians to not abandon the Su-57 derivative for India's first stealth aircraft.

Su-57:

A Su-57 prototype flew with the new engine for around 17 minutes.

Is the Su-57 program toast though?  Some think so.

B-21:

Is the construction at Area 51 related to the B-21 Raider?

B-2:

The B-2 Spirit might be deployed to South Korea for exercises.

The B-2 is getting a new GPS receiver.

F-22:

Six F-22s arrived in South Korea for exercises.

Watch an F-22 hunt and kill an A-4 in an exercise.

An F-22 can actually save fuel by flying faster.  

F-35:

US DOD gave Pratt & Whitney a $351 million contract for logistics and maintenance on the F135 engine.

South Korean media are reporting USAF F-35As deployed to the Korean Peninsula right after the F-22s.  They are both participating in exercises with South Korea.

Does the US Navy actually think the F-35C is important to the carrier air wing?

Some are STILL angry over the F-35 program.

Lockheed certified various weapons for the F-35.

Lockheed is touting the synthetic training capabilities of the F-35.

The F-35 is undergoing cold weather testing in Alaska.

Israel has declared its F-35I to be combat operational.

Two Dutch F-35s did a flyover in Star Wars canyon.

Drag chute deployment tests are underway in Alaska for the Dutch and Norwegian F-35s.

The Netherlands might have problems paying for their last three F-35As due to currency exchange rates.

Counter Stealth:

China is attempting to build a satellite based imaging system that can detect stealth aircraft.

Stealth Saga #66

AMCA:

The Indians have a lot of work before they have their own stealth fighters.

J-20:

The J-20 is now officially in military service for China (here, too).

The J-20 outclasses its regional rivals.

A J-20 has been spotted with the WS-10 engine (G variant?  maybe?).

Su-57 (PAK-FA):

Some are calling the Su-57 underpowered.

The 9th Su-57 was delivered to the Russian air force and it shows progress with the design.

Some are still saying the Su-57 is underpowered.

PAK-DA:

KRET is designing new electronic warfare equipment for the PAK-DA.

KF-X:

The fraud probe into KAI has cast a pall on the KF-X program and found circumstantial evidence of corruption in the program.  The former head of KAI has been arrested.  A VP has committed suicide.

6th Generation Fighters:

Lockheed teased a concept again for its 6th gen fighter that reminds everyone of the F-23.

The US sixth gen fighter could be revolutionary.

BAe is optimistic on the use of lasers by fighters.

BAe has a stealthy UAV concept.

Will China outfit its own sixth generation fighter with a new type of radar?

B-21:

The USAF is keeping costs in check for the developing B-21.

How many bombers the US needs vs what the budget realities are.

F-117:

The F-117 might be officially retired, but its still flying.

F-22:

The F-22 appears to still be the best air superiority fighter out there so far.

The F-22 is being used as an aerial scout in Syria.

The first F-22 flew 20 years ago.

F-35:

Some are complaining that Congress is giving the F-35 a pass for its problems.  Those problems are claimed to be being worked on.

The USAF expects OBOGS testing on the F-35 through the end of 2017.

F-35 ejection seats are still problematic.

The F-35 was to join the F-22 in South Korea's ADEX.

Silicon Valley style software development might be coming for the F-35 (and F-22).

Some F-35As may not be combat coded and stick with the 2b software.

USMC F-35Bs (with radar reflectors) participated in exercises with South Korea and Japan.

The F-35B might be placed in rotational deployment to South Korea (along with the F-22).

USMC's VMFA-121 practiced hot loading the AIM-120s onto F-35Bs.

USAF airmen are helping with the F-35C aviator carrier quals.

The USS Abraham Lincoln is testing the F-35C at sea.

Australia has ordered the Small Diameter Bomb II for its F-35As and the US approved the order.

The British have outlined their plans for the F-35 IOC.

The Brits consider both their CVs necessary for the F-35 trials.

Two more F-35s were delivered to the Israelis.

The Japanese assembled F-35As are falling behind schedule.

Japan wants to start integrating locally made parts into their F-35s starting in 2018.

Pratt & Whitney finished testing the adaptive fan for the F135 engine and is offering depot upgrades for the F-35 (but not with the new engine yet).

META:

A crash by a classified plane and death of its pilot (Lt Col Eric Schultz) has people wondering what aircraft had been flying.  

Stealth Saga #65

6th Gen Fighters:

Russia claims it will incorporate lasers to shoot down missiles in its 6th gen fighter.

PAK-FA:

The PAK-FA engaged in mock combat at MAKS-2017.

The developmental stage of the PAK-FA is set too end by the end of 2017 with the flight testing of the new engine.  However, there may be a translation error as that the development is now stated to be finishing in 2019.  Or was it?

New flight controls were to be demoed on the PAK-FA at MAKS 2017.

The Russians are considering an LRIP of 12 PAK-FAs.

The KH-38ME missile has been modified for a better fit for the PAK-FA.

PAK-DP:

The Russians have revised what they said about when the PAK-DP will start.  2019 is the earliest.

PAK-DA:

In the same article above, the PAK-DA has been postponed for first flight until 2025 to 2026 and production later.

MiG-29 Replacement:

The Russians are talking about a light fighter, Mig-29, replacement by 2025.  Maybe.

FGFA:

The Russians have reiterated the FGFA contract with India will be signed momentarily.  Maybe.

Hunter-B:

A supposed Russian stealthy UAV has surfaced in slides at least: meet the Hunter-B.

H-20:

Status of the H-20 project is discussed at James Town.  Tech demonstrators for the H-20 have likely flown and the first prototype is likely to fly around 2020.

Franco-German Next Gen Fighter:

The French and Germans have signed an agreement to develop a next gen fighter.

Is it a good idea?

The new Franco-German fighter is not a threat to the Franco-British UCAV effort.

B-2:

A cool video of the B-2.

The B-2 is getting a massive upgrade and some sources are starting to call the upgraded B-2s the B-2B.  Unofficially.

F-35:

The F-35 has passed 100,000 flight hours.

The F-35 might get nuclear capabilities faster than previously planned.

The F-35 helmet had a significant glitch with the night vision camera during shipboard testing for the F-35B.

The F-35B has started ski jump testing.

The Gripen withdrew from the Belgian fighter competition, leaving the Eurofighter, Rafale and F-35.

Lockheed is still optimistic about the purchase rate for the F-35.

Lockheed has stated it is on track to finish the SDD flight trials by the end of the year.

META:

The scandals at KAI have brought scrutiny to the F-35 and KF-X programs in South Korea.

Stealth Saga #64

Sixth Generation Fighters:

The USAF Sixth Gen Fighter is likely to be a rather different aircraft than the 5th generation, potentially not even being a traditional fighter at all.

Is America facing an air superiority crisis?

The designer of the J-20 embraces and extends Lockheed's OODA 2.0 concept.

KF-X:

Hanwa unveiled a prototype AESA radar for the KF-X.

TF-X:

The decision on where the TF-X's engine will come from is approaching.

FGFA:

The Russians are trying to reassure the Indians the FGFA will not be inferior to the PAK-FA.

PAK-FA:

Rumors Vietnam is buying the PAK-FA are probably bunk.

The Russians will have two more PAK-FA delivered this year (more on the 'news').

PAK-DP/MiG-41:

The Russians will formally start the replacement for the MiG-35 in 2019 and it has been designated the PAK-DP.

PAK-DA:

Other sources are stating the PAK-DA is delayed.

J-20:

The Chinese did some formation flying with five J-20s, seven J-11s and some AWACS.

The J-20 might make an appearance over Hong Kong.

J-31/FC-31:

The J-31 sorta made an appearance at the Paris air show.

China was attempting to market the FC-31 version.

B-21:

Virginia Rep Wittman is pleased with the progress of the B-21 program and the article hints there are or have been flying prototypes.

The USAF is about to conduct a critical design review for the B-21.

A report was sent to the USAF warning not to make the B-21 nuclear capable when it is unmanned.

F-22:

To restart the F-22 line to make another 194 F-22s will cost $50 billion.

The HASC received a secret report on the subject.

Why the F-22 didn't get the Su-22 kill in Syria.

The F-22 is getting a billion dollar upgrade to allow it to last for more than 40 years more.

The F-22 was to participate in France's Bastille Day.

F-35:

The F-35 went from 'zero to hero.'

On the other hand, others still hate the F-35.

The F-35A and F-35B will be flying together at the Red Flag exercise this year.

The House authorizers only put in for 87 F-35s this year.  The Senate put in for 94.  They will have to reconcile.

The Pentagon announced a contract for 91 F-35s.

Due to the smaller buy than planned, the total acquisition costs have gone up.

Colorado Engineering will be developing GPUs for the Block 4 radar upgrade on the F-35s.

The F-35As at Paris showcased their acrobatics for the airshow.  Some are claiming the F-35 is superior in visual range combat (dog fighting).

The pilots that experienced hypoxia in the F-35 at Luke AFB were flying above FL250.  The USAF was still investigating.

The Luke AFB F-35As returned to flight on June 21st.

Hill AFB F-35As will participate in 4th of July celebrations.

The USAF F-35A engine fire is being blamed on a strong tail wind?

Due to problems with the ALIS software system, some F-35Bs were grounded.  That pause has been lifted.  More info.

The USMC would like another 13 F-35Bs ordered.  And they have.

Watch the F-35Bs land in Okinawa.

An F-35C test fired a sidewinder inverted.

Britain has declared the 207 Squadron the third RAF unit to be converted to using F-35Bs.

Britain will also decide on whether to do a split buy on the types of F-35s in the future.

Germany was given a classified briefing on how to buy F-35s (FMS process).

Israeli F-35s will be declared operational in December.

Italy has the first F-35s with special tail markings.

Rumors claim Japan may equip its F-35s with Norway's Joint Strike Missile.  The Japanese MoD denies them.

Lockheed is about to do a bulk sale of 440 F-35s to 11 countries.

Elbit and Harris will be replacing the heads-up display on the F-35.

Raytheon is making progress on getting work from the F-35 program.

Rockwell Collins has a fix for the so-called green glow of the F-35 helmets.

META:

Russia will finally and formally merge Mikoyan and Sukhoi under the United Aircraft Corporation.

Why the European fighter market is worth fighting for.

Stealth Saga #63

5th Generation Fighter:

Poland is planning on buying a 5th generation fighter around 2025.

6th Generation Fighter:

Airbus is calling on France to join Germany and Spain in developing the next generation weapon system, a potentially sixth gen fighter.  A bit more on the Airbus backed European next gen fighter (not sure whether it will be 5th or 6th gen).  What exactly is going to happen is up in the air though.  Dassault may not join the paneuropean fighter and that might be a good thing.

Lockheed has unveiled its updated penetrating counter air concept.

Are 6th generation fighters going to be stealthy drone herders?

TFX:

Turkey is mostly relying on local manufacturers for their next fighter, but also a dash of the British.

J-20:

China has tested a solid rocket ramjet missile for use with its J-20 fighters, potentially tripling the range of the J-20's missiles to kill.

H-20:

The Pentagon confirmed the Chinese H-20 stealth bomber is being designed with nuclear weapon carriage in mind.

MiG-41:

Mikoyan claims to be working on the MiG-41, the successor for the MiG-31 Foxbat.

PAK-FA:

The PAK-FA is supposed to be in the final stages of development.

Russia is supposed to take delivery of two more PAK-FA this year.

FGFA:

Is the PAK-FA derivative fighter deal going to be scuttled?

LCAAS:

Some are claiming the LCAAS 'disposable' UCAV will be stealthy.

RQ-170:

Some beautiful pictures of the RQ-170 were taken at Vandenberg a while back.

B-21:

McCain is pushing on the USAF to reduce the level of secrecy of the B-21 program.

B-2:

Orbital ATK won a contract for composite structures for the B-2.

B-2 bombers have deployed to Britain.

F-117:

Iraq's brushes with the F-117.

F-22:

More on the modified airliner that acts as an avionics testbed for the F-22.

F-35:

Canada will fork out another $30 million to stay part of the F-35 team despite not planning (currently) to buy any.

Japan has its first two F-35 pilots.

Japan has rolled out its first locally assembled F-35.  You can watch the roll out here.

The first Japanese assembled F-35 had its first flight.  You can see that here and its landing here.

Spain is considering replacing its AV-8Bs and F/A-18s with F-35s.

A proposed upgrade to the F-35's engine may improve fuel use and increase power.

How the F-35 fared at the Red Flag exercise and what it may portend.

Elbit of America won cockpit related work for the F-35.

Lockheed is preparing for the F-35A premier at the Paris Airshow.  The fighter was filmed practicing for its aerobatics at the show.

USAF F-35As at Luke AFB have stopped flying due to hypoxia problems much like most of the US fighters.  The grounding is indefinite until they find the problem.

Interestingly, the F-35B is NOT having hypoxia problems.

Stealth Saga #62

6th Generation Fighters:

Japan has teamed with Britain to study its next generation fighter.

The penetrating counter air system may be fast tracked and only a small number bought.

The PCA program under the Trump budget was $143 million.

The NGAD/F-X program may have merged with the PCA program.  The new budget under the latest Trump proposed budget is $294 million.

Some are saying the FA-XX really ought to be an F-14 replacement rather than for the F/A-18.

Engine studies have ramped up for the USAF F-X and USN FA-XX 6th generation fighters.

Will the MiG-41 actually be a sixth gen platform?

F-313:

Iran's "stealth" fighter has started taxi tests much to everyone's surprise.

TFX:

Rolls Royce has formed a joint venture to produce the engines for the Turkish indigenous 5th generation fighter.

KFX:

South Korea has selected Elta Systems to develop the KFX's radar.

FGFA:

The Russians are claiming they are on the cusp of signing the next deal related to the PAK-FA derived FGFA with India.  India is...silent.

PAK-FA:

The ninth PAK-FA/T-50 fighter prototype had its first flight.

The Russians claim the next gen engine is nearing readiness for the PAK-FA.

The Russians are claiming deliveries will start in 2019.  This is a slip by another year.

The PAK-FA avionics are advanced enough to do most of the flying for the pilot (supposedly).

The PAK-FA will carry an antiship cruise missile, confirming the PAK-FA is a multirole fighter rather than an air superiority specialist.

PAK-DA:

The PAK-DA has a digital model completed.  Presuma bly this is a completion of the CAD drawings rather than just another rendering.

The PAK-DA's first flight has been postponed until 2025.

The whole program is in question given the funding problems and given the announcement of the purchase of 50 new Tu-160 White Swan bombers, its looking rather likely the PAK-DA program may go the way of the MiG 1.44.

FC-31/J-31:

Shenyang has been continuing development of the FC-31/J-31 stealth fighter.

J-20:

The Chinese J-20 stealth fighter has entered service and achieved at least by American parlance, initial operating capability.

B-21:

The inspector general for the Pentagon is worried the B-21 program is excessively secret.The USAF is extremely reluctant to say anything about the program.

The B-21 program took a small budgetary hair cut, losing $20 million.

The USAF is starting to talk about needing 165 B-21 Raider stealth bombers.

KC-Z:

The next generation tanker may not be truly stealthy but then again reports are mixed.

F-22:

It appears the Russians might have tried to lure F-22s into an 'intel trap.'

F-22 can now use upgraded missiles.

Even after Trump's missile strike in Syria, the F-22 is just fine patrolling there.  However, if shooting started some have questions whether the F-22 would do well against the newest Russian air defenses in Syria.

How the F-22 and the F-35 will communicate and share data is still TBD.

Two F-22s escorted an airliner when there was a problem onboard with a passenger.

The F-22 avionics flying testbed is now based in St Louis.

F-35:

The Australian Air Force will have an air force entirely made up of F-35s by 2025.  They have ordered 72 F-35As.

The British F-35Bs will have the Meteor missile starting in 2024.

Germany has requested a classified briefing on the F-35 for procurement purposes.

Israel has taken delivery of three more F-35Is bringing their total to five.

Israel will get a special order, sensor laden F-35 for testing.

IAI is seeking engine work contracts for the F-35.

The first Italian built F-35B has been rolled out.

Norway has begun testing parachute braking on the F-35.

Taiwan is inquiring about procuring the F-35.  Normally, that would be a nonstarter.  However, under the Trump administration, who knows?

The GAO is warning of an increase of costs of $1.7 billion and a year delay in the F-35 program.

Some are arguing we ought to be buying F-35s faster.

The F-35 order from the proposed FY2018 budget is 46 F-35As, 20 F-35Bs & 4 F-35Cs.

Will the F-35 be the next jet for the Thunderbirds?

The USAF has lifted the ban on lighweight fighter pilots for the F-35A.

USAF F-35As toured and exercised in Europe.  Starting in Britain, hitting Estonia and Bulgaria along the way.

Hill AFB will be standing up its 4th F-35A squadron and the second combat coded one.

F-35As will participate in the Paris airshow.

QF-16 drones exercised with F-35s to practice working on jamming techniques.

What it is like to train new USAF pilots on the F-35?

USMC has completed gunpod testing on the F-35B.

USMC F-35Bs participated in Northern Edge exercise in Alaska for the first time.

The USMC wants to put 20 F-35Bs on its first few America class assault ships to act as mini carriers.

Lockheed was awarded the contract to upgrade the F-35s to the latest avionics software version.

Lockheed claims to have improved the F-35 logistics system.

A US Navy F-35C tested that software and dropped a bomb on a moving target.

Stealth Saga #61

KF-X:

Indonesia's participation in the South Korean KF-X program has hit a snag over licensing issues for American technologies: they have not been approved to be licensed to Indonesia.

PAK-FA:

The PAK-FA's engine  has been delayed to at least 2020.

The Russians are also signalling production for the PAK-FA, even with a interim engine, has been delayed past 2018.

The Russians and Indians will be bringing a light weight version of the  BrahMos missile to the PAK-FA.

Russian Fifth Generation Fighters:

Mikoyan will develop a 5th generation fighter alongside the PAK-FA. 

TF-X:

The British are helping Turkey build their 5th gen TF-X fighter.

KC-Z:

Lockheed has unveiled its KC-Z concept.

B-21:

Northrop had its B-21 contract modified.

The B-21 will be networked.

B-2:

The B-2 strikes in Libya were used as training exercises.

B-2s trained with F-22s, B-1s and Aussies.

F-22:

The F-22 upgrade has been delayed again.

F-35:

President Trump really does support the F-35 according to SecDef Mattis.

Lockheed's prez stated a deal was close for the next 90 F-35s.  President Trump claims to have helped reduce the price of the F-35 for the next lot purchase by $600 million.  The real amount appears to be over $700 million with the F-35A now costing $94 million each.  Some think the amount saved isn't real.  Some are head scratching over Trump and the F-35.

If Trump wants to reduce the F-35 price, it has been suggested he needs to compete the engine.

SecDef Mattis has ordered a review of the F-35 program, and specifically, a comparison of the Advanced Super Hornet and the F-35C.  The USMC will participate in the review and appears to be confident the F-35 will come out the winner.

The F-35A received a 15:1 kill ratio at the Red Flag exercises.  Some are claiming that was because of the F-22s.

The F-35A will appear at an Australian Airshow.

F-35B, if canceled, will cause problems for the USMC.

First west coast F-35C squadron has been stood up.

Stealth Saga #59

ATD-X/X-2/F-3:

The proposed F-3 fighter is planned to be bigger than the F-22.

FC-31:

More on the new testing.

An a bit more: the Chinese are reportedly offering the FC-31 for $70 million (vs F-35 for $105M).

And more still.  Jane's states there are significant changes.

And one last one.

J-20:

The J-20 program is being called the most complicated and riskiest program for China yet.

PAK-FA:

Russia is claiming it will declare IOC (or russian equivalent) for the PAK-FA in 2017.

Some think the Russians are exaggerating the PAK-FA's capabilities.

Sixth Generation Fighter:

Why Russia and China should fear the US Sixth Generation Fighters.

B-21 Raider:

Will the B-21 bring new stealth tech to the light?

F-117:

In 1986, Reagan offered Thatcher (and Britain, dur) the then very secret F-117 stealth fighter.  Britain, obviously, declined.

F-22:

Lockheed just won a $61M sustainment contract for the F-22.

F-22 & F-35:

A nice side by side comparison of the F-22 and F-35 when they fly in formation at RIAT.

F-35:

Some are stating the F-35 may never be combat ready.

Lockheed's CEO has committed to driving down the price of the F-35.

Lockheed won a $450M contract for the F-35.

Soon-to-be President Trump's sniping at the F-35 is threatening the program.

Trump's proposal to replace the F-35 with an upgraded F/A-18E/F is met with derision.

Counter Stealth:

Supposedly, the new E-2 Hawkeye can detect stealth aircraft.

META:

War on the Rocks looks at the future of air superiority.

Stealth Saga #57

Avenger:

General Atomics did its first flight of the extended range Avenger UCAV.

ATD-X/X-2/F-3:

Japan's X-2 proof of concept stealth fighter is being readied for MoD tests.

Some are suggesting Japan step up defense cooperation with Taiwan, including in the X-2 aircraft.

FCAS:

Spain wants a family of systems to replace the F/A-18s it has. 

J-20:

Some are claiming China will have a dozen J-20s declared having reached IOC by the end of the year.  Perhaps next year, I'd think, but I doubt in 2016.

KF-X:

South Korea is seeking to procure more technologies from the US for its KF-X 5th gen aircraft.

PAK-FA:

Russia claims to be developing a new anti radiation (radar killer) missile for the PAK-FA. 

A new engine is being designed for the PAK-FA.   

The Indian variant of the PAK-FA, the FGFA, is claimed to be superior to the Chinese J-20 and Russia thinks it will have the FGFA deal signed by January first.

Sixth Generation Fighters:

The next gen US 'fighter' aircraft are the programs to watch in 2017.

F-22:

F-22s had a weapon systems problem that impacted its stealthiness that has been fixed.

F-35:

McCain has stated the unilateral contract for the F-35 is demonstrating how broken the defense procurement establishment is.

The F-35 program is probably too big for even Trump to kill if he wanted to.

Is the F-35 program's development being cut short?

The developmental F-35s built early in the program are going to need a service life extension due to heavy testing and use.

The F-35 MRO work overseas has been outlined.  RUAG Australia made the list.

Repairs to F-35 insulation have been completed and the affected aircraft returned to flight.

The USMC is investigating the weapon's bay fire on one of its F-35Bs.

The USMC conducted trials of the F-35B on the USS America, one of its jeep carriers.   12 F-35Bs were aboard during the tests.

The USMC will deploy the USS Wasp as a Sea Control Ship with F-35Bs to relieve pressure on the USN's supercarriers in 2017.

Congress' final budget is leaving out the extra 11 F-35s asked for by the Pentagon.

Canada canceled its procurement of F-35s and ordered F/A-18Es.  However, it will remain in the F-35 program and remaining a part of the program is being questioned.  Is it really flipping off the Lightning?

Responses to Finland's RFI for the replacement of their F/A-18s including the F-35.

Israel has ordered 17 more F-35Is.  This brings the total on order for Israel to 50.

The first F-35Is will be arriving in Israel on December 12.

Japan has had its first F-35 delivered.

Poland is postponing it procurement of a 5th gen fighter (probably F-35) to replace its old MiGs and Sukhois.  

Turkey is expecting its first two F-35s in 2018.