Latest news with #F‑47
Arabian Post
11-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
F-35 Procurement Halved as Pentagon Reprioritises Budget
Pentagon officials have trimmed the U.S. Air Force's F-35A fighter jet order dramatically, requesting just 24 aircraft in fiscal year 2026—cutting it by half from the previously projected 48 jets. The revised procurement proposal, submitted to Congress, seeks approximately $3.5 billion for the jets and an additional $531 million set aside for advance materials procurement. This downsizing is part of a broader strategy by the Department of Defence to shift funding toward emerging defence priorities and cost-saving measures. The Navy and Marine Corps are also affected: the Navy's carrier variant request has dipped from 17 to 12 aircraft, and the Marine Corps' numbers have been reduced by two. Analysis indicates that delays tied to the F-35's TR-3 software upgrade have created bottlenecks in deliveries. Lockheed Martin paused shipments for software integration and sustainment testing; Congress also withheld acceptance of about 20 jets until those issues are resolved. Despite these setbacks, Lockheed still managed to deliver 110 F‑35s globally in 2024, and the F‑35 programme continues to represent approximately 30 percent of the company's annual revenue. Defence analysts describe the halving of F‑35A orders as both a fiscal recalibration and a window of opportunity. One investment commentary noted that while the short‑term cut may rattle markets, the production backlog and sustained international demand—especially among NATO allies—could help cushion Lockheed's pipeline. Already, partner nations such as the UK, Italy and the Netherlands have active procurement plans, while recent buyers like Germany, Greece, Singapore and Romania are proceeding with their orders. ADVERTISEMENT The shift comes amid a wider Pentagon push to realign procurement budgets; recent directives aim for an 8 percent reduction in total defence spending over five years. Cuts will support new programmes such as the F‑47 sixth‑generation fighter, Collaborative Combat Aircraft drones, hypersonic weapons and border security initiatives. House appropriations hearings have highlighted this transition, with Pentagon leaders confirming investment of more than $4 billion in next‑generation combat platforms in fiscal 2026, including funding for the F‑47 and the CCA 'loyal wingman' drones. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth described these as vital to maintaining air dominance in increasingly contested environments. Lockheed Martin has urged stakeholders to view the F‑35 as a long‑term strategic asset. The company's finance chief told investors that a final contract is anticipated once TR‑3 upgrades are cleared, signalling confidence in the jet's future viability. International sales remain central. With over $176 billion in export backlog at the end of 2024, Lockheed's reliance on foreign partners has grown. The U.S. share of global F‑35 orders has dropped from 70 percent a decade ago to about 55 percent today. Advocates argue that the jet's fifth‑generation stealth and interoperability continue to give it a unique edge over systems like Saab's Gripen E or Dassault's Rafale. Still, risks persist. Continued TR‑3 roll-out delays could erode confidence, and broader fiscal dynamics—such as the fate of reconciliation spending and geopolitical tensions—could further influence procurement. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy is forging ahead with its own next‑generation development: opting out of Lockheed for the F/A‑XX carrier fighter competition in favour of Boeing and Northrop Grumman designs. The Navy will continue to acquire F‑35C jets, purchasing them alongside future carrier‑based platforms. Budget documents reveal the Air Force intends to allocate $24.8 billion to aircraft procurement in FY 2026. F‑35A purchases form a smaller slice of that pie, with funds also directed to the hypersonic ARRW missile, Boeing's F‑15EX fighters, T‑7A trainers, and KC‑46A refuellers. In the meantime, Lockheed is focusing on resolving the TR‑3 integration challenges and progressing Block 4 upgrades—critical for retaining export competitiveness and meeting evolving defence needs. Despite reduced U.S. orders, strong international demand and technological advancement keep the F‑35 programme poised for continued relevance.
India.com
08-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
What's Trump Hiding? Japan's Game-Changer Jet Faces F-47 Sabotage Plot
New Delhi: Stirring fresh controversy, U.S. President Donald Trump has allegedly put pressure on Japan to abandon its advanced sixth-generation fighter jet program. According to a report by Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun, Trump unexpectedly called Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru and pushed him to consider buying the American F‑47 jet. This is the same Washington that once refused to sell its F‑22 fighter jet to Tokyo, citing its sensitive technology. The world is now racing to develop sixth-generation fighter aircraft. India, Japan, Russia, China, the United States and several European countries are in the race. Japan among them has taken the lead. Through its Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), Japan is working with Italy and the United Kingdom to build a next-gen jet. The country is known for its advanced technology – something even the United States acknowledges. But now, Trump's direct intervention has raised eyebrows. The report says he spoke to Ishiba about his recent Middle East trip. Then, suddenly, he started talking about the F‑47. He praised the aircraft and even told the Japanese prime minister that '47 is a lucky number'. The US president urged Japan to buy the jet. He also praised the F‑22, which Japan had long wanted but was denied. Following this, Trump brought up the F‑55 – a newer and twin-engine version of the F‑35 stealth fighter. He asked Ishiba if he would like to see 'the best fighter jet America has'. 'We will give Japan the best,' he has been quoted by the newspaper as saying. However, it remained unclear what exactly Trump meant. Later, Japanese officials confirmed Trump had simply asked if Japan was interested in buying U.S.-made jets. Reports suggest the United States wants to sell a slightly downgraded version of the F‑47 to close allies. Trump had previously joked that allies call often, wanting the F‑47, and that the United States gives a 10% discount 'because who knows if they will stay allies?' At present, Japan operates the F‑35 and may expand its order. It has also shown interest in the U.S.-made C‑17 Globemaster III transport plane. However, Japan is already developing its own sixth-gen fighter under GCAP. So, Trump's sudden push for the F‑47 has raised suspicion. Italy, the United Kingdom and Japan agreed in 2022 to jointly build a sixth-gen fighter jet using cutting-edge technology. This led to the creation of GCAP. The project is massive, with a budget between $40-50 billion. But it has faced criticism in Japan's parliament due to rising inflation and a shrinking welfare budget. Is U.S. Trying to Undermine GCAP? Some defence analysts believe that the United States wants to disrupt the GCAP. Many European nations are supporting this project. If it succeeds, America could lose buyers for the F‑47. That would hurt the U.S. defence industry and weaken its influence. If Japan chooses the F‑47, the GCAP may lose credibility. But if Japan stays with the GCAP, it could be a diplomatic blow to the United States, especially since Tokyo is seen as a key pillar in the QUAD and the Indo-Pacific strategy. The United States might offer financial incentives and easier deals for the F‑47, but experts warn it could be a short-term gain and a long-term loss. Japan's decision will influence many other nations, including India, which is also developing its own jet under the AMCA project. If Japan sticks with the GCAP, it may inspire India to pursue a more balanced and independent defence strategy.
