Reuters
The framework would cover F-35 production and sustainment over the next decade, guaranteeing at least 850 fighters for the U.S. military. The agreement would be the program’s largest contract to date and its longest commitment yet, but lawmakers’ approval and funding remain necessary.
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The framework would cover F-35 production and sustainment over the next decade, guaranteeing at least 850 fighters for the U.S. military. The agreement would be the program’s largest contract to date and its longest commitment yet, but lawmakers’ approval and funding remain necessary.
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The service’s plan calls for F-47s to replace F-22s and says steady funding and a healthy industrial base are needed to reach the target. Lt. Gen. David Tabor confirmed the Air Force is considering a new-build F-16, but said that decision is not urgent.
The Royal Thai Air Force wants to include funding for eight additional Saab Gripen E/F fighters in its 2027 budget, earlier than previously planned. The purchase would bring its planned Gripen fleet to 12 aircraft, replacing older F-16s.
Ukraine is struggling to keep enough of its F-16 fighters ready for combat as intensive operations consume the remaining service life of the aging aircraft. The resulting maintenance burden and demand for spare parts are further constraining the fleet’s availability.
Romania said its F-16 fighters shot down two drones over its territorial waters, about 20 kilometers southeast of Sulina, after they entered Romanian airspace. The drones were described as jet-powered and of the Geran family, but the Defense Ministry did not identify their country of origin.
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Ukraine is testing an experimental interceptor drone as Russian forces expand the use of jet-powered attack drones capable of flying at up to 600 km/h. Separate reporting describes Russia rapidly completing a large drone launch base, while Belgium has pledged 10 F-16s to Ukraine, which officials say can help strike the new threat.
Greece has agreed to spend up to $4 billion upgrading additional F-16 fighters and acquiring advanced missiles from the United States, two senior sources told Reuters. The reported agreement followed a visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
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