Aviation Today
• Frank Wolfe
The U.S. Air Force is searching for ways to address supply-chain bottlenecks in the engines supporting Boeing’s F-15EX and Lockheed Martin’s F-16 fighter programs. The effort underscores manufacturing constraints affecting two key tactical-aircraft platforms and the service’s ability to sustain production.
F-16
Latest source-backed stories
The U.S. Air Force is searching for ways to address supply-chain bottlenecks in the engines supporting Boeing’s F-15EX and Lockheed Martin’s F-16 fighter programs. The effort underscores manufacturing constraints affecting two key tactical-aircraft platforms and the service’s ability to sustain production.
The U.S. Air Force is seeking information on alternative engine suppliers for Boeing’s F-15EX and Lockheed Martin’s F-16, potentially challenging the long-standing reliance on Pratt & Whitney and GE Aerospace. Combined annual U.S. and international demand for the fighters could reach 180 aircraft, increasing the stakes for future propulsion competition.
The Department of War is considering alternative engine suppliers for the F-15EX and F-16, a move that could disrupt the long-running engine duopoly supporting two key U.S. Air Force fighter types. The request signals potential competitive and industrial-base implications for both programs.
Ukraine may be able to use its F-16 fleet to target Russian ballistic-missile launchers within weeks, but the effort depends on Washington authorizing or enabling a specific capability. The potential mission would expand the aircraft’s role beyond conventional air operations into counter-launcher missions.
High activity
Ukraine says its F-16s have destroyed more than 2,500 one-way attack drones, but repeated interceptions are wearing down the small fleet. The EU has disbursed €3.47 billion ($4 billion) to fund additional drones, air-defence missiles and Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets, amid renewed Russian missile and drone attacks that killed nine, including children. NATO is also investigating a reported Russian missile hit into Polish airspace.
High activity
Romania reported its first-ever NATO-member case of firing on a drone after a Shahed-type incursion, with an F-16AM cleared to engage from the alliance’s air operations center over Buzău county. Separately, a top US general said a Ukrainian F-16 achieved the country’s first air-to-air kill—an air-defense milestone as the two air forces field more F-16 capability.
Ukraine’s F-16 has downed a Russian fighter jet for the first time, with the kill confirmed by the top U.S. general. The engagement is described as another sign of Kyiv’s improving air power, executed by one of the oldest fighter platforms in the air combat inventory.
U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine told lawmakers that a Ukrainian F-16 shot down a Russian Su-35S in early July, marking the first recorded F-16 air-to-air victory for Ukraine. The announcement underscores shifting air combat effectiveness as Ukraine continues expanding its F-16 role.
Create a free account to see more recent F-16 stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
