Latest news with #F-35ALightningII
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Utah skies to be filled with F-35A jets for Fourth of July. Here's where to watch
A float of F-35A Lightning II jets will grace Utah skies in celebration of Independence Day. An annual tradition from Utah's premier Air Force Reserve unit, the 419th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, has been conducting flyovers for 37 years. Between 8:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. MDT on Friday, pilots will fly over multiple cities across the state, starting at West Point and ending at Park City. Lt. Col. Justin Cleveland will lead the flyover formation alongside Maj. Daniel Huber, Maj. Justin Newman and Maj. Dustin Smail — collectively adding up to more than 8,000 flight hours of experience in military aviation. The 419th Fighter Wing is made up of over 1,200 personnel, who are 'Citizen Airmen,' meaning they are full-time members of their local communities while also serving part time in the military. Most members of the 419th Fighter Wing live, work and raise families in northern Utah. They contribute $115 million to Utah's economy. These 'Citizen Airmen' train one weekend a month and two weeks a year to be ready for deployment if needed. About 50% have served on active duty, but they regularly volunteer to deploy in support of contingency operations and humanitarian efforts. The logistics of the flyover including aircraft maintenance and airfield operations will be managed by the active duty counterpart maintainers from 388th Fighter Wing and operators from the 75th Air Base Wing. The flyover traditions stands as a visible testament to the enduring relationship between Hill Air Force Base and the communities they inhabit and serve, while also honoring the values of freedom, unity and service. As usual, the flight paths are subject to change due to weather conditions or operational requirements. Real-time updates on flyover schedule will be posted in the 419th Fighter Wing's official Facebook page. 9:04 a.m.- West Point 9:09 a.m.- Millcreek 9:14 a.m.- Pleasant Grove 9:23 a.m.- Riverdale 9:24 a.m.- Clearfield 9:25 a.m.- Kaysville 9:28 a.m.- South Salt Lake 9:43 a.m.- Neola 9:47 a.m.- Vernal 10:06 a.m.- Huntsville 10:13 a.m.- Lewiston 10:20 a.m.- North Ogden 10:25 a.m.- Henefer 10:28 a.m.- Salt Lake City 10:30 a.m.- West Jordan 10:31 a.m.- Riverton 11:00 a.m.- Park City
India.com
2 days ago
- Business
- India.com
US to sell F-35 jets to Turkey, Erdogan's meeting with Trump..., threat to these friends of India, they are...
New Delhi: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that he has expressed his desire to rejoin the F-35 fighter jet programme. Erdogan's statement came after meeting US President Donald Trump at the NATO summit held in The Hague. It is being said that Erdogan has also talked to Trump about F-35. The US had removed Turkey from the F-35 programme due to its purchase of S-400 defense system from Russia. Not only this, the US also imposed sanctions on Turkey's defense industries. However, it is feared that if Turkey gets F-35, it may increase the tension of India's four friendly countries. What did Erdogan say on F-35? Speaking to reporters on his return flight from the NATO summit in The Hague, Erdogan said he hoped to make progress following their discussions on the issue. 'We have not given up on the F-35. We are discussing our intention to return to the programme with our counterparts,' his office said on Thursday, June 26. 'We discussed the issue in our meeting with Trump, negotiations have begun at the technical level. God willing, we will make progress,' Erdogan was quoted as saying in the statement. How was news broken to Turkey? Meanwhile, the US envoy in Ankara said on June 29 that US sanctions imposed on Turkey's defence sector over its purchase of Russian air defence systems are likely to be lifted by the end of the year. Speaking to Anadolu state news agency, Tom Barrack said that US President Donald Trump and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan will instruct their top diplomats to 'find a way and end this. I believe that by the end of the year, we are likely to have a solution.' What was Turkey's role in F-35 consortium? Turkey was previously a partner in the F-35 consortium, which was making about 900 parts for the fifth-generation stealth aircraft. At the time, Turkey planned to buy 100 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II aircraft and reportedly paid US$1.4 billion upfront for the project. However, Turkey pulled out of the program in 2019 after it purchased the Russian S-400 air defense system despite strong US opposition. Additionally, sanctions were imposed on Ankara's defense industry under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). How did India help Turkey in getting offer of F-35? Turkey's attempt to re-enter the F-35 programme comes after the US made an informal offer of this aircraft to India. India is using the Russian S-400. Despite this, US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have offered India the F-35 fighter aircraft. In such a situation, it seems that the US has overcome its concerns about the joint operation of the F-35 and S-400. Earlier this year, Fox News reported that Donald Trump was considering the idea of completing the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey and selling the F-35 to Ankara, provided both sides reach a consensus that Turkey's Russian S-400 system be deactivated. Threat to India's friends If America sells F-35 fighter aircraft to Turkey, it can increase the threat to India's four friends. These include Israel, Greece, Armenia and Cyprus. India has strong bilateral and defense relations with these four countries. However, the relations of these four countries with Turkey are tense. At the same time, Turkey has a dispute with Greece over the islands. Armenia has been facing the aggression of Turkey's friend Azerbaijan since its inception. Cyprus is also a country oppressed by Turkey and Turkey has occupied a large part of its territory.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Switzerland in talks with US as cost of F-35A fighter jets rises
By John Revill and Marleen Kaesebier ZURICH (Reuters) -Switzerland is holding talks with the United States after Washington tried to raise the price of new fighter jets Bern is buying for its air force, the government said on Wednesday. Bern chose Lockheed Martin's F-35A Lightning II as its next-generation fighter plane in 2021, with a fixed price of around 6 billion Swiss francs ($7.4 billion) for 36 jets, a decision that attracted controversy in neutral Switzerland. But the U.S. Joint Program Office overseeing the project said last year the price could be higher, and the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency told Switzerland in February that the fixed price was a misunderstanding. Switzerland was informed the price for the F-35s would be dearer because of higher raw materials and energy costs, as well as higher U.S. inflation, with the sum potentially increasing by $650 million to $1.3 billion, the government said. "A contract is a contract," said Urs Loher, head of Swiss defence procurement agency Armasuisse. "With the procurement of the F-35A fighter aircraft, we're suddenly faced with a different reality, despite a clear fixed price." As the agreement prevents a legal settlement of the dispute, a diplomatic solution must be sought, the government said. Defence Minister Martin Pfister said talks were now under way with the U.S. authorities. "We still believe we'll find a solution with the U.S. authorities because they also have an interest in being perceived as a reliable contractual partner," Pfister said, while as a last resort Switzerland could cancel the deal. The decision to buy the F-35A was contested in Switzerland, with opponents arguing against replacing the country's aging F/A-18 jets with an unnecessary "Ferrari" option. Critics said Switzerland did not need cutting-edge warplanes to defend its territory, which a supersonic jet can cross in 10 minutes. The F-35A beat bids from Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet, the Rafale produced by France's Dassault and the four-nation Eurofighter built by Italy's Leonardo, Britain's BAE Systems and Airbus representing Germany and Spain. Still, Switzerland said it remained committed to the F-35A, and that cancelling the order would have serious consequences. "Switzerland would no longer be able to guarantee the safety of its airspace and population from 2032, as the current F/A-18 fighter aircraft would reach the end of their service life," Pfister said. ($1 = 0.8067 Swiss francs)
Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Switzerland seeks talks with US as cost of F-35A fighter jets rises
FILE PHOTO: A Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jet performs during an exhibition flight at the 55th International Paris Airshow at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, France, June 16, 2025. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo/File Photo Switzerland seeks talks with US as cost of F-35A fighter jets rises ZURICH - Switzerland is seeking talks with the United States, the government said on Wednesday, after Washington tried to raise the price for new fighter jets the neutral country is buying to upgrade its air defences. Bern chose Lockheed Martin's F-35A Lightning II as its next-generation fighter plane in 2021, with a fixed price of around 6 billion Swiss francs ($7.44 billion) for 36 jets, a decision that attracted controversy in Switzerland. But the U.S. Joint Program Office overseeing the project said last year that the price could be higher, while the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency told Switzerland in February that the fixed price was a misunderstanding. Switzerland was informed that the price for the 36 F-35s would be dearer because of higher raw materials and energy costs, as well as higher inflation in the United States, the Swiss government said. It gave no concrete figures for the increased price now being sought, although Swiss broadcaster SRF said the United States could now charge up to 1.5 billion Swiss francs more, citing government sources. The Swiss government said the fixed price remained valid. As the agreement prevents a legal settlement of the dispute, "a diplomatic solution must be sought," it added. The decision to buy the F-35A was contested in Switzerland, with opponents arguing against replacing the country's aging F/A 18 jets with an unnecessary "Ferrari" option. Opponents said Switzerland did not need cutting-edge warplanes to defend its Alpine territory, which a supersonic jet can cross in 10 minutes. The F-35A beat bids from Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet, the Rafale produced by France's Dassault and the four-nation Eurofighter built by Italy's Leonardo, Britain's BAE Systems and Airbus representing Germany and Spain. Still, Switzerland said it remained committed to buying the F-35A, and that cancelling the contract would have "considerable consequences." "For example, Switzerland would no longer be able to guarantee the safety of its airspace and population from 2032, as the current F/A-18 fighter aircraft would reach the end of their service life," the government said. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Newsweek
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
U.S. Air Weapons Show Dominance in Israel's Strike on Iran
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Israel conducted precision airstrikes on Iran Friday, deploying over 200 fighter jets and launching 330 munitions, the Israeli military said. Despite Iran's claims of full military readiness to repel Israeli or U.S. attacks, the results of "Operation Rising Lion" laid bare the true capabilities on both sides, showcasing Israel's success with a reliance on advanced U.S.-made aircraft and munitions that overcame Iran's air defenses. Why It Matters The successful execution of the strike without reported losses underscores the effectiveness of U.S.-made military technology at a time of growing competition in the global arms industry. This is especially significant in a region where the U.S. has long limited the sale of top-tier fighter jets to Arab countries to maintain Israel's qualitative military edge. It also reflects the broader competition in modern air warfare—where stealth, precision, and electronic warfare capabilities increasingly define battlefield success. U.S. Air Force Maj. Melanie "Mach" Kluesner, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team commander assigned at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, pilots her aircraft over the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force... U.S. Air Force Maj. Melanie "Mach" Kluesner, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team commander assigned at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, pilots her aircraft over the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, May 24, 2025. More Tech. Sgt. Daniel Peterson/DVIDS What To Know The strikes involved Lockheed Martin F-35s and F-16s, as well as Boeing F-15s, and targeted multiple sites across Iran, including the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility, which houses critical infrastructure for Iran's nuclear program. The IDF releases footage showing Israeli Air Force fighter jets heading out for the strikes in Iran this morning, as well as landing following the attacks. — Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) June 13, 2025 Israel also said it struck "hideouts" of senior operatives in the Iranian military leadership, killing the Iranian Armed Forces chief of staff and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander. Israel also said it killed IRGC Air Force Brig. Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh. The Israeli attack on Iran highlighted key operational capabilities in dismantling Iran's air defenses and retaliatory capabilities, targeting medium- and long-range systems, disrupting command networks, and penetrating nuclear facilities, military analyst Sayed Ghoneim noted. Tehran has long sought to acquire the systems to deter Israeli strikes. Iran's air defense system primarily relies on Russian-made missile systems, including the S-300 and Pantsir surface-to-air missiles, which provide layered protection against aerial threats but Israel's strikes in 2024 severely damaged defense infrastructure. An Israeli fighter jet returning to base flies above an area near Tel Aviv on September 26, 2024. Israel's defence ministry said on September 26 that it had secured an $8.7 billion aid package from... An Israeli fighter jet returning to base flies above an area near Tel Aviv on September 26, 2024. Israel's defence ministry said on September 26 that it had secured an $8.7 billion aid package from the United States to support the country's ongoing military efforts, including upgrading air defence systems. More GIL COHEN-MAGEN/AFP/Getty Images What People Are Saying Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said: "This morning, the IDF began preemptive and precise strikes targeting the Iranian nuclear program in order to prevent the Iranian regime's ability to build a nuclear bomb in the immediate timeframe." Retired Egyptian Army Major General Sayed Ghoneim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi-based Institute for Global Security and Defense Affairs (IGSDA) told Newsweek: "Iran's air defenses lag significantly in both quality and quantity, especially given its constant threat from a technologically superior adversary. The stealth capabilities of F-35s proved particularly difficult to detect, exposing critical vulnerabilities, to already weak capabilities." President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, as quoted by Mehr News Agency: "The Iranian nation and the country's officials will not remain silent in the face of this crime, and the legitimate and powerful response from the Islamic Republic of Iran will make the enemy regret its foolish action." What Happens Next The power of advanced weapons such as the F-35 signals continued dominance for U.S. weaponry, with defense stocks soaring after Israel's strike on Iran. Israel is likely to continue attacks while Iran may target Israel with ballistic missiles and drones — again potentially blocked by U.S. aircraft.
