Europe   North America   Military Aircraft Procurement   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
Air & Space Forces Mag • Chris Gordon

US forward‑deploys six F‑35As to RAF Lakenheath as force posture tightens near Middle East

Six U.S. F‑35A Lightning IIs landed at RAF Lakenheath on Feb. 9 after crossing the Atlantic, part of a forward movement positioning stealth fighters closer to the Middle East. The deployment follows inconclusive U.S.–Iran talks and reflects a tighter regional force posture amid rising tensions.

Also: The War Zone and defence-industry.eu
2026-02-09T18:09:59.912566-08:00
Supply Chain   Military Aircraft Procurement   Orders   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
Breaking Defense • Patrick Dawson

USAF Pauses C-130J Deliveries Over Faulty Communications Package

By Breaking Defense: Despite continued expansion of C-130J usage worldwide, deliveries to the US Air Force have been temporarily paused due to an issue with the aircraft’s communications package.

2026-02-10T12:10:09.058584-08:00
Aircraft Carrier   Middle East   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
Reuters • Idrees Ali, Jana Choukeir, Phil Stewart

Trump says he may send second U.S. aircraft carrier to Middle East as talks with Iran approach

By Reuters: U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he was considering sending a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East, even as Washington and Tehran prepare to resume negotiations aimed at averting a new conflict.

Also: The Independent and South China Morning Post
2026-02-10T12:23:53.420363-08:00
Middle East   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
Reuters • Marine Delrue

Satellite images show US deployed mobile missile launchers at al-Udeid air base amid Iran tensions

By Reuters: U.S. forces in Qatar's al-Udeid, the biggest U.S. base in the Middle East, put missiles into truck launchers as tensions with Iran ratcheted up since January, analysis of satellite images showed, meaning they could be moved more quickly.

2026-02-10T09:59:10.647179-08:00
Middle East   L3Harris   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
FlightGlobal • Craig Hoyle

L3Harris details RE-3A upgrade activity for Royal Saudi Air Force

By FlightGlobal: L3Harris is using the third biennial World Defense Show to underscore its decades-old presence in Saudi Arabia, as work continues to upgrade Riyadh's most sophisticated airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability.

2026-02-10T10:52:59.107133-08:00