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Air Data News • Ricardo Meier

F-35A expands Japan’s role in Wild Weasel SEAD—first Japanese-built F-35A joins Misawa mission as wing proves F-35A reach in NAT

The U.S. Air Force is transferring the historic Wild Weasel air-defense suppression mission to F-35A fighters based at Misawa, replacing F-16s in locating and destroying radar-guided surface-to-air missile systems. Japan also produced its first F-35A and is using the type to demonstrate NATO integration and combat-airpower generation during Exercise Ramstein Flag 26.

2026-06-22T04:09:28.124115-07:00

FlightGlobal

Ukraine plans IRIS-T integration on Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters

2026-06-15T06:02:33.285688-07:00

Associated Press

Peru delays $3.5B F-16 Block 70 deal as ministers resign and US presses for faster decision

2026-04-22T13:34:55.426590-07:00

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin backs Fortem with $25M investment to expand airspace security against counter-UAS

2026-04-23T03:35:01.360735-07:00

News Timeline

Air Data News

F-35A expands Japan’s role in Wild Weasel SEAD—first Japanese-built F-35A joins Misawa mission as wing proves F-35A reach in NAT The U.S. Air Force is transferring the historic Wild Weasel air-defense suppression mission to F-35A fighters based at Misawa, replacing F-16s in locating and destroying radar-guided surface-to-air missile systems. Japan also produced its first F-35A and is using the type to demonstrate NATO integration and combat-airpower generation during Exercise Ramstein Flag 26.

2026-06-22T04:09:28.124115-07:00

F-35A expands Japan’s role in Wild Weasel SEAD—first Japanese-built F-35A joins Misawa mission as wing proves F-35A reach in NAT

FlightGlobal

Ukraine plans IRIS-T integration on Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters Ukraine is set to begin arming its Lockheed Martin F-16 fleet with the German-produced IRIS-T short-range air-to-air missile, according to the weapon’s manufacturer. The move underscores how donor-provided fighters are being rapidly adapted with European air-combat effects.

2026-06-15T06:02:33.285688-07:00

Ukraine plans IRIS-T integration on Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters

The War Zone

Report: F-16s shoot down unidentified object over Lake Huron as U.S./Canada down three incursions in three days A reported third object was shot down by F-16s over Lake Huron, following two other airspace interceptions over the U.S. and Canada within a three-day window. The flurry of shootdowns came after the Chinese spy balloon incident, underscoring the fast-moving demand for short-notice air-defense tasking and confirmation of targets.

2026-05-22T11:54:20.071654-07:00

Report: F-16s shoot down unidentified object over Lake Huron as U.S./Canada down three incursions in three days

Aviacionline

Argentina grounds A-4AR Fightinghawk fleet to make way for F-16M Fighting Falcon integration The Argentine Air Force has formally retired the A-4AR Fightinghawk fighter-bombers, ending nearly three decades of service. The service says the decision is tied to sustainability and logistic/cost criteria as it shifts institutional resources to the incoming F-16M Fighting Falcon.

2026-05-14T09:32:03.466000-07:00

Argentina grounds A-4AR Fightinghawk fleet to make way for F-16M Fighting Falcon integration

FlightGlobal

Dutch airprox flags “weak” see-and-avoid after F-16 encounter; Belgium tests F-16-launched 70mm FZ275 drone-intercept capability A Dutch investigation found “weak” see-and-avoid rules contributed to a high-speed close encounter involving an F-16 formation and a light trainer near Lelystad. Separately, Belgium’s Defense Ministry says its Air Force tested F-16s firing 70mm FZ275 missiles to intercept drones.

2026-05-01T12:43:32.868135-07:00

Dutch airprox flags “weak” see-and-avoid after F-16 encounter; Belgium tests F-16-launched 70mm FZ275 drone-intercept capability

DefenseNews.com

Taiwan earmarks six years to upgrade 144 F-16s as AIDC starts work at Taichung facility Taiwan’s state-owned Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. (AIDC) says four Air Force F-16s have entered its new Taichung facility, with modernization for the full 144-jet fleet expected to finish within six years. The statement frames the effort as a sustained in-country upgrade program under AIDC’s facilities.

2026-04-27T15:49:14.707671-07:00

Taiwan earmarks six years to upgrade 144 F-16s as AIDC starts work at Taichung facility

DefenseNews.com

Poland mulls US F-16 purchase alongside expanded air-defense, fleet and cybersecurity upgrades Poland’s Defence Ministry is considering acquiring new U.S.-sourced F-16s, alongside additional anti-aircraft and air-defense systems. The review also encompasses submarines and helicopters, plus an upgrade to the military’s cybersecurity capacities.

2026-04-27T15:49:14.074034-07:00

Poland mulls US F-16 purchase alongside expanded air-defense, fleet and cybersecurity upgrades

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin backs Fortem with $25M investment to expand airspace security against counter-UAS Lockheed Martin announced a $25 million investment in Fortem Technologies, a provider of airspace security solutions, citing urgent demand tied to countering UAS threats. The move signals sustained defense-prime focus on scaling detection/mitigation capabilities for rapidly evolving drone risks.

2026-04-23T03:35:01.360735-07:00

Lockheed Martin backs Fortem with $25M investment to expand airspace security against counter-UAS

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F-16 News

F-35A expands Japan’s role in Wild Weasel SEAD—first Japanese-built F-35A joins Misawa mission as wing proves F-35A reach in NAT

Ukraine plans IRIS-T integration on Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters

Peru delays $3.5B F-16 Block 70 deal as ministers resign and US presses for faster decision

Lockheed Martin backs Fortem with $25M investment to expand airspace security against counter-UAS

News Timeline