A Forecast International blog about the arms trade, geopolitics, defense and security, and military spending.
The F-35 program, which faced significant challenges recently, is showing signs of recovery. After a period of delivery delays, including TR-3 software issues, which resulted in “training-only” jets and subsequent …
Lockheed Martin F-35 Gains Production Contract Momentum Read More
By Derek Bisaccio and Jon Hemler Infographics by Jorge Morejon Production of Poland’s FA-50PL fighters by Korea Aerospace Industries is ongoing. Image – Lockheed Martin On the wave of increased …
Poland’s Military Pursues a New Era of Airpower Read More
The U.S. and Poland have agreed to a Foreign Military Financing loan worth $3.08 billion. The deal represents the third loan by the U.S. to the Polish Ministry of National …
U.S. and Poland Fortify Defense Ties with Aircraft and Financing Deals Read More
The Dutch Ministry of Defense issued a new white paper on military development last week, urging further funding for new procurement and personnel. The paper, which follows a similar missive …
Dutch Ministry of Defense Publishes New Defense White Paper Read More
On June 1, 2024, the Netherlands made history, becoming the first country to officially assign its F-35A stealth fighters to the nuclear strike role, a significant milestone for NATO’s military …
Netherlands Enhances Nuclear Arsenal with F-35A: A New Era in NATO-Russia Tensions Read More
BY AUDREY DECKER, Staff Writer, Defense One The estimated lifetime cost to operate and maintain the Pentagon’s F-35s just took a big jump, even though the U.S. military is flying …
The F-35 Program is Costing More and Doing Less, GAO Says Read More
During its earnings call for the fourth quarter of 2023, Lockheed Martin detailed its 2023 financial results and its plans for deliveries of its F-35 fighter aircraft in 2024. The …
Lockheed Martin Details 2024 F-35 Delivery Plans Read More In May 2023, the U.S. rejected Thailand’s bid to procure Lockheed Martin F-35A aircraft, citing production constraints and inadequate existing infrastructure on the receiving end. While partially true, other evidence …
F-35 – A Litmus Test for U.S. Alliance Strength Read More
Lockheed Martin recently indicated that it will deliver only 97 F-35s in 2023. The company had originally planned to deliver 147-153 F-35s during the year, but subsequently reduced this target …
Lockheed Martin Reduces 2023 F-35 Delivery Plan, But Maintains Build Rate Read More
The House’s recent version of the FY24 defense appropriations bill provided a lifeline for the alternate engine being developed for the F-35, but the legislation doesn’t foresee actually using the …
House Bill Keeps Alternate F-35 Engine Afloat, but Only for Research Purposes Read More