DefenceTalkThe Air Force’s most advanced strike aircraft, the F-35 Lightning II, is a vital capability that the nation needs to stay ahead of adversary technological gains, the Air Force chief of staff told a Senate panel here, June 19. Testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Defense, Gen. Mark A. Welsh III said air […]https://www.defencetalk.com/f-35-is-backbone-of-air-forces-future-fighter-fleet-welsh-says-48196/

DefenceTalkThe largest fleet of F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighters grew to 25 aircraft as the F-35 Integrated Training Center here welcomed two new Air Force F-35A variants of the multi-role fighter to the Emerald Coast, June 5. The expansion gives the 58th Fighter Squadron the ability to fly an expanded schedule and more readily […]https://www.defencetalk.com/fleet-grows-training-increases-for-f-35-48089/

DefenceTalkAn F-35A conventional takeoff and landing aircraft completed the first in-flight missile launch of an AIM-120 over the Point Mugu Sea Test Range, June 5. It was the first launch where the F-35 and AIM-120 demonstrated a successful launch-to-eject communications sequence and fired the rocket motor after launch — paving the way for targeted launches […]https://www.defencetalk.com/f-35a-completes-1st-in-flight-missile-launch-48060/

DefenceTalkAir Force officials announced May 29 they are consolidating depot maintenance for the F-22 Raptor at the Ogden Air Logistics Complex at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The depot maintenance work is currently split between the Ogden ALC and the Lockheed facility in Palmdale, Calif. “Palmdale has made a storied contribution to aviation and while […]https://www.defencetalk.com/air-force-to-consolidate-f-22-depot-maintenance-at-hill-afb-47981/

DefenceTalkRussia will start state flight tests of its fifth-generation T-50 fighter jet in 2014, United Aircraft Corporation’s President Mikhail Pogosyan told reporters on Tuesday. “In 2013 we are expected to wrap up its preliminary tests and start operational testing. In 2014, we are planning to start official state tests,” Pogosyan said on Tuesday, adding “the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/russian-t-50-fighter-jet-to-start-state-flight-test-in-2014-47573/

DefenceTalkKadena offers everything from aircraft hangars to radios, ensuring the 94th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron from Langley Air Force Base, Va., is fully able to integrate its F-22 Raptor squadron into daily operations here. The fifth-generation aircraft’s deployment to Kadena, which began earlier this year, not only signifies a continued commitment to regional stability and security, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/langley-f-22s-airmen-integrate-with-kadena-operations-47558/

DefenceTalkThe F-22 Raptor has resumed normal flight operations after modifications to aircrew life-support equipment were completed across the fleet, including the upper pressure garment and related hoses, valves and connectors. Completion of this task eliminates the need to restrict flight operations to remain within a 30-minute flying distance from an airfield suitable for landing. F-22 […]https://www.defencetalk.com/f-22-resumes-normal-flight-operations-47364/

DefenceTalkNorth Korean leader Kim Jong-Un on Friday ordered missile units to prepare to strike US mainland and military bases, vowing to “settle accounts” after US stealth bombers flew over South Korea. The order came after US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, with tensions soaring on the Korean peninsula, said Washington would not be cowed by Pyongyang’s […]https://www.defencetalk.com/north-korea-puts-rockets-on-standby-for-us-strike-47309/

DefenceTalkThe first international student aviator at the 33rd Fighter Wing, training to be an F-35B Lightning II instructor pilot, completed his first sortie in the joint strike fighter here March 19. United Kingdom Royal Air Force Squadron Leader Frankie Buchler flew with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron-501. “There were no surprises, the jet was fun […]https://www.defencetalk.com/first-international-student-pilot-flies-f-35-47226/

DefenceTalkThe second Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II for the Netherlands rolled out of the F-35 production facility on March 2. This is the latest step in the production process leading to its eventual assignment to Eglin AFB, Fla., later this summer. The Netherlands is planning to use this conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) jet, known […]https://www.defencetalk.com/2nd-f-35-for-the-netherlands-rolls-out-of-f-35-production-facility-47086/