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Aviation Today • Frank Wolfe

Pentagon IG Flags Persistent F-35A/C Readiness Shortfalls Affecting Strike Operations

A Pentagon Inspector General report last month found persistent readiness shortfalls in Lockheed Martin F-35A and F-35C fleets that affected strike operations, including a U.S. strike package that deployed both variants against Venezuela on Jan. 3. The findings heighten concerns about sustainment and mission availability.

2026-01-08T13:22:23.965197-08:00

Flying Magazine

FCC narrows foreign-drone ban to exempt Pentagon 'Blue List' systems — DJI remains excluded

2026-01-08T12:18:45.411054-08:00

The War Zone

NORAD Canada commander warns of rising drone threat, urges new satellites and airborne radar jets

2026-01-08T12:08:16.431172-08:00

DefenseNews.com

Italy to open first F-35 training school outside the U.S. at Trapani‑Birgi by 2029

2026-01-08T08:35:06.980476-08:00

News Timeline

Aviation Today

Pentagon IG Flags Persistent F-35A/C Readiness Shortfalls Affecting Strike Operations A Pentagon Inspector General report last month found persistent readiness shortfalls in Lockheed Martin F-35A and F-35C fleets that affected strike operations, including a U.S. strike package that deployed both variants against Venezuela on Jan. 3. The findings heighten concerns about sustainment and mission availability.

2026-01-08T13:22:23.965197-08:00

Pentagon IG Flags Persistent F-35A/C Readiness Shortfalls Affecting Strike Operations

Flying Magazine

FCC narrows foreign-drone ban to exempt Pentagon 'Blue List' systems — DJI remains excluded The Federal Communications Commission has narrowed its foreign-drone restrictions by exempting unmanned aircraft and critical components that appear on the Pentagon's Blue List, allowing those systems to retain or regain approval. The FCC did not extend that relief to DJI, which remains blocked under the broader ban.

2026-01-08T12:18:45.411054-08:00

FCC narrows foreign-drone ban to exempt Pentagon 'Blue List' systems — DJI remains excluded

The War Zone

NORAD Canada commander warns of rising drone threat, urges new satellites and airborne radar jets Maj. Gen. Chris McKenna, commander of NORAD Canada, warned that proliferating drones pose a rising threat to North American airspace and urged urgent investment in new surveillance satellites and airborne radar‑equipped jets to close detection gaps and strengthen response and attribution.

2026-01-08T12:08:16.431172-08:00

NORAD Canada commander warns of rising drone threat, urges new satellites and airborne radar jets

DefenseNews.com

Italy to open first F-35 training school outside the U.S. at Trapani‑Birgi by 2029 Italy will establish the first F-35 pilot training school outside the United States at Trapani‑Birgi Air Base by 2029, turning the Sicilian base into the nation’s third operational F-35 hub and a planned multinational NATO training centre. The F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin will oversee readiness.

2026-01-08T08:35:06.980476-08:00

Italy to open first F-35 training school outside the U.S. at Trapani‑Birgi by 2029

Payload

Why Golden Dome’s Fate Will Hinge on Sensor Endurance — How to Make Its Eyes Last The Golden Dome missile‑defense concept will depend on the endurance and survivability of its space‑ and air‑based sensors; whether those sensors can operate continuously in contested, hostile environments will determine the system's operational effectiveness. This analysis examines technical approaches to extend sensor life and mission persistence.

2026-01-08T05:04:18.202323-08:00

Why Golden Dome’s Fate Will Hinge on Sensor Endurance — How to Make Its Eyes Last

FlightGlobal

Southeast Asia accelerates fighter procurement amid heightened geopolitics Southeast Asian air forces are rapidly recapitalising combat fleets as rising regional tensions push governments to prioritise defence spending. Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand are leading procurement drives — ordering multirole fighters and light‑attack aircraft — despite tight budgets and fragmented acquisition strategies that complicate sustainment and industrial planning.

2026-01-08T04:08:10.223761-08:00

Southeast Asia accelerates fighter procurement amid heightened geopolitics

New York Times

Damaged U.S. Helicopter Nearly Crashed During Maduro Raid, Raising Questions About Trump’s Venezuela Plan A damaged U.S. special-operations helicopter nearly crashed while struggling to stay aloft over Caracas during the raid to capture Nicolás Maduro, imperiling the mission and prompting fresh questions about the operational planning, risk assessment and command decisions behind the Trump administration's Venezuela strategy.

2026-01-07T20:06:17.295096-08:00

Damaged U.S. Helicopter Nearly Crashed During Maduro Raid, Raising Questions About Trump’s Venezuela Plan

The War Zone

MH-6 'Little Bird' Demonstrates Rapid Maritime Deployability in Nighttime Tanker Raid An MH-6 'Little Bird' Night Stalker demonstrated rapid maritime deployability during a nighttime tanker raid, using its small size and transportability to insert from sea platforms and littoral ships. The exercise highlighted the platform's ability to appear virtually anywhere, shortening response times for special-operations maritime missions.

2026-01-07T15:50:27.346411-08:00

MH-6 'Little Bird' Demonstrates Rapid Maritime Deployability in Nighttime Tanker Raid

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Defense Policy News

Pentagon IG Flags Persistent F-35A/C Readiness Shortfalls Affecting Strike Operations

FCC narrows foreign-drone ban to exempt Pentagon 'Blue List' systems — DJI remains excluded

NORAD Canada commander warns of rising drone threat, urges new satellites and airborne radar jets

Italy to open first F-35 training school outside the U.S. at Trapani‑Birgi by 2029

News Timeline