Supply Chain   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
Bloomberg • Anthony Capaccio

Pentagon: F‑35 Record Year Masks Two‑Year Delivery Backlog

The Pentagon says the 191 F‑35s it accepted last year — a program record — include slightly less than half that should have been delivered about two years earlier. That suggests recent handovers are clearing a backlog, not reflecting on‑time production, with consequences for readiness and budgeting.

Also: Simple Flying and Bloomberg Law
2026-01-27T18:09:29.839678-08:00
Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
The War Zone • Thomas Newdick

China’s Massive PL-17 Air-To-Air Missile Seen Up Close

By The War Zone: A photo has surfaced that appears to show a mock-up of the roughly 20-foot-long weapon on display at an exhibition. A photo has appeared that appears to show a mock-up of the roughly 20-foot weapon on display in an exhibition.

2026-01-27T16:18:03.966237-08:00
Supply Chain   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Defense Policy  
The War Zone • Howard Altman, Joseph Trevithick

Air Force Restructures Troubled Sentinel ICBM Program Nearly Two Years After Cost Breach

By The War Zone: A top Air Force general sees a long future for Sentinel after it enters service, but there is still a lengthy road ahead to get there.

Also: insidedefense.com
2026-01-27T11:37:50.366011-08:00