Lockheed Presses For Sale Of 75 F-35s To Israel; Boeing Touts F-15s

Lockheed Presses For Sale Of 75 F-35s To Israel; Boeing Touts F-15s
Lockheed Presses For Sale Of 75 F-35s To Israel; Boeing Touts F-15s

A senior military source told Breaking Defense that both competitors are needed and the question is — is who will get bought first: “The IAF needs 75 F-35s and the advanced version of the F-15, and the question is, who will be the first to be purchased.”

Israeli Election Politics Slowing IAF Acquisitions

Israeli Election Politics Slowing IAF Acquisitions
Israeli Election Politics Slowing IAF Acquisitions

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) ground forces command want an immediate replacement for the CH-53 . “It is natural that operational needs differ, but this is the task of the highest command to evaluate the needs and make a decision,” a senior Israeli defense official said.

Crunch Time For Israeli Air Force: F-15X Or F-35?

Crunch Time For Israeli Air Force: F-15X Or F-35?
Crunch Time For Israeli Air Force: F-15X Or F-35?

Last month, the defense ministry issued official inquiries into acquiring both aircraft — but, for now, the budget can buy only one.

Senate Passes Defense Bill, Prepares To Battle House On Nukes, War Powers

Senate Passes Defense Bill, Prepares To Battle House On Nukes, War Powers
Senate Passes Defense Bill, Prepares To Battle House On Nukes, War Powers

The $750 billion defense policy bill sticks with the administration’s topline, but huge fights loom with the House version. Prepare for a long, hot summer.

House Armed Services Scrutinizes F-35 Costs, ABMS, Army Modernization

House Armed Services Scrutinizes F-35 Costs, ABMS, Army Modernization
House Armed Services Scrutinizes F-35 Costs, ABMS, Army Modernization

The HASC wants an independent cost estimate on the F-35 and some detail — any detail — on the plan to replace AWACS. It’s also a little curious about robot tanks.

NDAA 2020: SASC Emphasizes Tech Race With China

NDAA 2020: SASC Emphasizes Tech Race With China
NDAA 2020: SASC Emphasizes Tech Race With China

The senators’ draft of the annual defense bill puts a new emphasis on technological competition, including industrial policy moves to strengthen US companies.

House Dems Block Wall Funds, Slash Sub, But Add F-35s

House Dems Block Wall Funds, Slash Sub, But Add F-35s
House Dems Block Wall Funds, Slash Sub, But Add F-35s

The House Dems launch the first salvo in what promises to be a long defense budget saga, and they are drawing lines that will be hard to cross.

Parts Problems Slow F-35 Production; CAPE Says Flying Costs Target Not Likely

Parts Problems Slow F-35 Production; CAPE Says Flying Costs Target Not Likely
Parts Problems Slow F-35 Production; CAPE Says Flying Costs Target Not Likely

F-35 Program Executive Officer Vice Adm. Mat Winter today told the HASC tactical air and land subcommittee that Lockheed was guilty of just that, adding that this had helped lead to a shortage of an average of 600 parts each month, causing production line slowdowns and cost increases.

Lockheed Says It Can Fit 2 More Missiles In F-35 Bay

Lockheed Says It Can Fit 2 More Missiles In F-35 Bay
Lockheed Says It Can Fit 2 More Missiles In F-35 Bay

Adding extra firepower to the F-35 shows how loudly Lockheed hears the footsteps of Boeing’s F-15X approaching.

DoDIG Completely Clears Shanahan Of Ethics Charges

DoDIG Completely Clears Shanahan Of Ethics Charges
DoDIG Completely Clears Shanahan Of Ethics Charges

Acting Defense Secretary Shanahan did not abuse his office, the DoD Inspector General found.

2020 Budget: One Half Step Towards A Great Power Strategy

2020 Budget: One Half Step Towards A Great Power Strategy
2020 Budget: One Half Step Towards A Great Power Strategy

The Trump defense budget takes significant steps to move from a focus on regional conflicts and counter-insurgency to a focus on great power conflicts. But the Army, Navy Air Force and Marines clearly are struggling with this balance.

Shanahan Ethics Agreement Out; How The F-15X Decision Was Made

Shanahan Ethics Agreement Out; How The F-15X Decision Was Made
Shanahan Ethics Agreement Out; How The F-15X Decision Was Made

The Air Force wants more planes – and believes it has found a way to get them.

Mitchell Weighs In: More F-35s or New, Old F-15s?

Mitchell Weighs In: More F-35s or New, Old F-15s?
Mitchell Weighs In: More F-35s or New, Old F-15s?

Fifth gen or fourth gen? F-35A or F-15X. Stealth, sensors and fusion or lots of missiles? Lockheed or Boeing? See what the Mitchell Institute says.

SecAF Questions Space Development Agency; Air Force Didn’t Want Boeing F-15X

SecAF Questions Space Development Agency; Air Force Didn’t Want Boeing F-15X
SecAF Questions Space Development Agency; Air Force Didn’t Want Boeing F-15X

We’ve already got SMC and the NRO. What the heck will a Space Development Agency do that’s different, and why.