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The War Zone • Thomas Newdick

Scale model exposes F-22 'Raptor 2.0' fit: stealth external tanks and underwing IR pods

A newly revealed scale model of the F‑22 'Raptor 2.0' shows stealthy external fuel tanks and underwing infrared sensor pods, indicating an upgrade package that preserves low-observable shaping while extending range and adding passive IR search-and-track capability. The model details point to a concrete modernization path for the fleet.

2026-02-24T09:53:49.446296-08:00

The War Zone

Lockheed flight‑tests AI‑enhanced Combat ID on F‑35, solves real‑time unknown‑emitter recognition

2026-02-24T05:34:12.673226-08:00

FlightGlobal

USAF injects $4.5B to boost B-21 production by 25%; first Raider due at Ellsworth AFB in 2027

2026-02-23T22:00:38.274005-08:00

DefenseNews.com

Opinion: U.S. airpower shortfall for an Iran contingency — joint assets, not just advanced fighters, are decisive

2026-02-24T03:36:07.005000-08:00

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The War Zone

Scale model exposes F-22 'Raptor 2.0' fit: stealth external tanks and underwing IR pods A newly revealed scale model of the F‑22 'Raptor 2.0' shows stealthy external fuel tanks and underwing infrared sensor pods, indicating an upgrade package that preserves low-observable shaping while extending range and adding passive IR search-and-track capability. The model details point to a concrete modernization path for the fleet.

2026-02-24T09:53:49.446296-08:00

Scale model exposes F-22 'Raptor 2.0' fit: stealth external tanks and underwing IR pods

The War Zone

Lockheed flight‑tests AI‑enhanced Combat ID on F‑35, solves real‑time unknown‑emitter recognition Lockheed Martin flight‑tested an AI‑enhanced Combat Identification capability integrated into the F‑35's information‑fusion system, using a tactical AI model during a company‑led in‑flight demonstration (Project Overwatch) to solve an unknown‑emitter recognition problem in real time and speed threat identification.

2026-02-24T05:34:12.673226-08:00

Lockheed flight‑tests AI‑enhanced Combat ID on F‑35, solves real‑time unknown‑emitter recognition

DefenseNews.com

Opinion: U.S. airpower shortfall for an Iran contingency — joint assets, not just advanced fighters, are decisive Recent U.S. force buildups for a potential strike on Iran underscore a critical airpower gap: advanced fighters alone cannot sustain high‑tempo, long‑range operations. Operational mass — tankers, AWACS, strategic lift, munitions and integrated C2 — matters decisively for both strike credibility and sustained deterrence.

2026-02-24T03:36:07.005000-08:00

Opinion: U.S. airpower shortfall for an Iran contingency — joint assets, not just advanced fighters, are decisive

FlightGlobal

Leonardo pins Yeovil helicopter plant's future on Proteus as UK procurement delays threaten continuity Leonardo is tying the future of its Yeovil helicopter plant to Proteus, an autonomous military-helicopter programme, even as Defence Investment Programme delays and outstanding contract awards threaten operational continuity. The company warns prolonged procurement slippage could imperil production capacity and thousands of local jobs before Proteus delivers capability.

2026-02-24T01:30:43.404182-08:00

Leonardo pins Yeovil helicopter plant's future on Proteus as UK procurement delays threaten continuity

Reuters

Iranian Bell 212 crashes into Isfahan market, killing four; images raise aircraft‑type questions A Bell 212 military helicopter crashed into a fruit and vegetable market in Isfahan on Tuesday, killing the pilot, co‑pilot and two merchants and igniting a fire extinguished by emergency services. Twin‑exhaust images have prompted questions about the aircraft type; the incident follows an F‑4 crash near Hamedan days earlier.

2026-02-24T00:41:42.175776-08:00

Iranian Bell 212 crashes into Isfahan market, killing four; images raise aircraft‑type questions

FlightGlobal

BAE demonstrates modular airborne electromagnetic-attack pod in USAF flight tests BAE Systems on Feb. 23 confirmed it had flight-tested a scaled, modular electromagnetic-attack (EA) system mounted in a weapon pod during multiple U.S. Air Force events. The scalable prototype — aimed at neutralizing adversary air defences and disrupting battlefield spectrum use — can be fitted to manned aircraft and large UAS.

2026-02-24T00:34:00.647028-08:00

BAE demonstrates modular airborne electromagnetic-attack pod in USAF flight tests

FlightGlobal

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USAF, General Atomics validate F‑22 control of MQ‑20 Avenger in milestone manned–unmanned 'loyal wingman' demo The U.S. Air Force and General Atomics demonstrated manned–unmanned teaming when F‑22 pilots commanded an MQ‑20 Avenger during a live autonomy exercise at Edwards AFB. The trial validated MUM‑T control and loyal‑wingman concepts, advancing autonomous coordination for future combat operations and uncrewed strike roles.

2026-02-23T22:00:38.780286-08:00

USAF, General Atomics validate F‑22 control of MQ‑20 Avenger in milestone manned–unmanned 'loyal wingman' demo

FlightGlobal

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USAF injects $4.5B to boost B-21 production by 25%; first Raider due at Ellsworth AFB in 2027 The U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman are accelerating B-21 Raider production with a $4.5 billion investment to expand capacity by about 25%, aiming to speed deliveries and place the first operational bomber at Ellsworth Air Force Base in 2027.

2026-02-23T22:00:38.274005-08:00

USAF injects $4.5B to boost B-21 production by 25%; first Raider due at Ellsworth AFB in 2027

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Military Aircraft Procurement News

Scale model exposes F-22 'Raptor 2.0' fit: stealth external tanks and underwing IR pods

Lockheed flight‑tests AI‑enhanced Combat ID on F‑35, solves real‑time unknown‑emitter recognition

USAF injects $4.5B to boost B-21 production by 25%; first Raider due at Ellsworth AFB in 2027

Opinion: U.S. airpower shortfall for an Iran contingency — joint assets, not just advanced fighters, are decisive

News Timeline