Internationale fighter ontwikkelingen

[jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter)]

Knap, dapper die zweden.

Zeker knap en ik denk ook dat ze het kunnen maar.... ik denk, vooralsnog, dar zij zich zullen aansluiten bij één van de twee in ontwikkeling zijnde Europese initiatieven al zou de NAVO wereld ook een 6e generatie één pitter kunnen gebruiken.

[Zander]

Knap, dapper die zweden.

Iemand moet het doen. En als er een land is dat het kan.....

[Huzaar1]

Knap, dapper die zweden.

[Harald]

Sweden asks Saab to study 'future fighter concepts'

As Stockholm plots its way forward, Saab CEO Micael Johansson had called for such a study in a previous interview with Breaking Defense.

The Swedish military has asked local defense giant Saab to conduct "conceptual studies for future fighter systems," the company announced today.

"This includes conceptual studies of manned and unmanned solutions in a system of system perspective, technology development and demonstrations," Saab said in a press release. The Stockholm-based firm said it would work with government agencies and industry partners on the study.

The announcement comes after Saab CEO Micael Johansson called for additional study in an interview with Breaking Defense in September.

At the time, Johansson said Saab was already part of an initial Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) study but said he hoped the agency "will now move forward with a more comprehensive study and put more money into it so we can test and simulate things."

Weeks after those comments, an official speaking at the International Fighter Conference in Madrid told the audience that Sweden planned to delay a decision on how to approach its future fighter jet needs until 2031 and in the meantime would be assessing the "risks and possibilities" of different approaches.

Three options are on the table: Either "build a system, develop a system with someone, or... acquire a system," the official said, speaking under Chatham House Rules. "It's an open question."

Saab, it appears, has been contracted to answer at least part of that question.

For a time Sweden had been party to the UK-led Future Combat Air System (FCAS) but has paused its participation. FCAS is one of several competing international initiatives to explore next-generation "system of system" concepts in which a new fighter plays a central role in a multi-part combat effort.

Sweden, however, is not in the greatest of hurries as it weighs its options; the Saab-made Gripens it flies now are expected to be able to serve for decades to come.

"We do not have an immediate need for a new fighter, which perhaps is different for other nations," Gen. Lars Helmrich, director of air and space systems at the Swedish Defence Material Administration, said at an event hosted by the Swedish Air Force Fan Club in Paris in June 2023. "We're looking to start early [for planning purposes] and be better situated for when we need to decide on the next fighter. It's a matter of pace."

https://breakingdefense.com/2024/03/sweden-asks-saab-to-study-future-fighter-concepts/?_ga=2.92889246.2067843798.1711093416-1958275474.1666165906

[Harald]

Erg jammer, had voor de prestaties van de F35 een flinke boost kunnen geven.
Meer vermogen, lager verbruik, groter bereik.

[Huzaar1]

Was een budgetbeslissoing destijds om geen 2 motoren te ontwikkelen voor de JSF.

Gaan we nu idd voelen.

[Sparkplug]

It's official: The F-35 will not get a new engine anytime soon

After rancorous debate, a new engine for the stealth fighter was already in doubt, but legislation released by congressional appropriators today seemingly puts the issue to rest.

With text of the fiscal year 2024 spending agreement finally released today, lawmakers have officially decided the future of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter's engine.

According to explanatory text accompanying the legislation, lawmakers will provide $280 million for advanced engine development work — money that will mostly go to Pratt and GE Aerospace, which have both developed prototype powerplants through the Air Force's Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP) and are competing to build an engine for the service's secretive Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter.

But that $280 million is just for the engine industrial base, the text says. In fact, "[t]he agreement does not support the integration of an alternative engine on the F-35, and includes a new general provision that prohibits the use of funds to integrate an alternative engine on any F-35 aircraft."

.../...

https://breakingdefense.com/2024/03/its-official-the-f-35-will-not-get-a-new-engine-anytime-soon/

Jammer. Bij de F-16 zorgde de strijd tussen P&W en GE voor betere motoren. Wel met de kanttekening dat beide verschillend zijn qua grootte en dus niet uitwisselbaar. Bij de F-35 was drop-in juist gewenst.

Hopelijk heeft de P&W F135 motor nog voldoende ruimte voor doorgroeimogelijkheden.

[Harald]

It's official: The F-35 will not get a new engine anytime soon

After rancorous debate, a new engine for the stealth fighter was already in doubt, but legislation released by congressional appropriators today seemingly puts the issue to rest.

With text of the fiscal year 2024 spending agreement finally released today, lawmakers have officially decided the future of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter's engine.

According to explanatory text accompanying the legislation, lawmakers will provide $280 million for advanced engine development work — money that will mostly go to Pratt and GE Aerospace, which have both developed prototype powerplants through the Air Force's Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP) and are competing to build an engine for the service's secretive Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter.

But that $280 million is just for the engine industrial base, the text says. In fact, "[t]he agreement does not support the integration of an alternative engine on the F-35, and includes a new general provision that prohibits the use of funds to integrate an alternative engine on any F-35 aircraft."

.../...

https://breakingdefense.com/2024/03/its-official-the-f-35-will-not-get-a-new-engine-anytime-soon/

[Harald]

Boeing Receives Super Hornet Order From US Navy

The U.S. Navy awarded The Boeing Company a $1.3 billion contract March 19 for the purchase of 17 F/A-18 Super Hornets and delivery of a technical data package vital to the sustainment of the platform.

NAVAIR press release

"The technical data package was a crucial part of this negotiation; it is necessary for naval aviation's operational readiness and post-production sustainment," said Rear Adm. John Lemmon, Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs. "The Super Hornet remains a predominant aircraft in the carrier air wing and will continue to provide significant combat capability into the 2040s." 

The Navy received appropriated funds from Congress to purchase these Super Hornets to help mitigate the strike fighter shortfall. The award is an Undefinitized Contract Action with the intent to definitize within the next few months.

"I am very proud of our team; their mission-focused mindset, data-driven approach and persistence resulted in an agreement that will greatly benefit the sustainment of the Super Hornet and Growler aircraft well into the future," said Capt. Michael Burks, Program Manager for the F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office. "It is our job to ensure our warfighters have all the necessary resources to defend our nation and return home safely."

Delivery of the new Super Hornets is scheduled to begin in the winter of 2026, with final delivery no later than spring 2027.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/03/boeing-receives-super-hornet-order-from-us-navy/

[Harald]

How F-35s Deployed To A Narrow Highway In California
https://www.twz.com/sea/how-f-35s-deployed-to-a-narrow-highway-in-california

The War Zone was on the scene for VMX-1's exercise Obsidian Iceberg, that served as a glimpse of what's to come in the Pacific.

[Harald]

Brazilian air force plans a new squadron of Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighters

The Brazilian Air Force is considering a new squadron of Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighters. According to an order issued on March 5, 2024, by the Brazilian Air Force General Staff (Emaer), a working group has been established to develop guidelines for activating the 1st/4th GAV Pacau Squadron at Anápolis Air Base (BAAN), one of the largest air bases in South America. The order discusses the reactivation of the Pacau Squadron in Anápolis, a unit many thought would remain disbanded in favor of the 1st/16th GAV - Adelphi Squadron, which ceased operations in 2016 when it was flying Embraer A-1 AMX tactical fighters.

Currently, the SAAB Gripen fighter is only operated by the 1st Air Defense Group of the Anápolis Air Base (BAAN). The 1st GDA is traditionally an air defense unit, specialized in interception, air superiority, and air dominance. However, it is envisaged that the Pacau Squadron might be deployed for air-to-ground missions, while the 1st GDA would maintain its traditional air-to-air combat profile.

In December 2023, the 1st Air Defense Group at Anápolis Air Base, which operates Gripen fighters, had seven aircraft, including the test aircraft 4100 performing trials from the Gripen flight test center at Embraer in Gavião Peixoto (SP) since 2020. Saab had agreed to a contract for a fleet of 36 aircraft with the South American country in 2013. As part of this transfer to the Brazilian Air Force, training was organized in partnership with Saab and the Swedish Air Force's Phoenix Squadron. Additionally, Swedish support groups are also present at Anápolis Base to assist the FAB in commissioning the Gripen E.

The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a versatile, fourth-generation multi-role fighter aircraft developed by the Swedish aerospace company Saab. Featuring a delta wing and canard configuration, it offers exceptional agility and performance. The Gripen entered service with the Swedish Air Force in 1997 and has been adopted by several other countries. Known for its cost-effectiveness, ease of maintenance, and advanced avionics and systems, the Gripen can execute a variety of missions, including air defense, reconnaissance, and ground attack. Continuously updated since its production began in the late 1980s, the Gripen represents a contemporary solution for modern air forces looking for operational flexibility.

This initiative to strengthen Anápolis with the activation of a new squadron of F-39 Gripen highlights the strategic importance of this air base for the defense of Brazilian territory. It also reflects the versatility and advanced capabilities of the Gripen fighter, capable of adapting to various types of missions and thus enhancing the operational efficiency of the Brazilian Air Force.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_march_2024_global_security_army_industry/brazilian_air_force_plans_a_new_squadron_of_saab_jas_39_gripen_fighters.html

[Harald]

USAF Seeks NGAD Fighter Boost, Navy F/A-XX Investment Slows In New Budget

The Air Force and Navy appear to have prioritized their next generation fighter programs differently in the Pentagon's 2025 budget request.

https://www.twz.com/air/usaf-seeks-ngad-fighter-boost-navy-f-a-xx-investment-slows-in-new-budget


F-15EX Fleet To Be Cut Down To 98 Jets In New Air Force Budget

The USAF is still trying to get a handle on how many F-15EXs it actually wants, but how many it really needs is another question.

https://www.twz.com/air/f-15ex-fleet-to-be-cut-down-to-98-jets-in-new-air-force-budget

[Sparkplug]

F-35 Program Achieves Milestone C and Full Rate Production (eindelijk)

March 12, 2024

Earlier today, the Milestone Decision Authority, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Dr. William A. LaPlante, approved the Milestone C / Full Rate Production (MSC/FRP) of the F-35 Lightning II aircraft with the signing of an Acquisition Decision Memorandum (ADM) after a meeting with the Defense Acquisition Board (DAB).

The F-35 achieved this milestone after considering the results from the F-35 Combined Initial Operational Test and Evaluation and Live Fire Test and Evaluation Report, System Development and Demonstration exit criteria, statutory/regulatory documentation compliance, future production strategy, and draft acquisition program baseline details. Proceeding to MSC/FRP requires control of the manufacturing process, acceptable performance and reliability, and the establishment of adequate sustainment and support systems.

The DAB, which met on March 7, 2024, was chaired by Dr. LaPlante, and is the department's senior-level forum for critical decisions concerning acquisition programs at the Department of Defense.

"This is a major achievement for the F-35 Program," LaPlante said. "This decision—backed by my colleagues in the Department—highlights to the Services, F-35 Cooperative Program Partners, and Foreign Military Sales customers that the F-35 is stable and agile, and that all statutory and regulatory requirements have been appropriately addressed. The F-35 Program is the premier system that drives interoperability with our allies and partners while contributing to the integrated deterrence component of our National Defense Strategy."

With this milestone, the program is now well positioned to efficiently produce and deliver the next generation of aircraft to meet the evolving needs of our services, partners, and FMS customers.

"I am very proud of our team, and this is a huge accomplishment!" said Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt, Director and Program Executive Officer, F-35 Joint Program Office. "The F-35 enterprise has made significant improvements over the last decade, and we will always be driven to continuously improve sustainability, interoperability, and lethality so warfighters have the capability needed to fight and win when called to do so. Moreover, the Program and our great people can now focus on the future of the F-35 instead of the past."

In September 2023, a key gateway for MS C/FRP was achieved when F-35 Runs for Score in the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) and initial trial validation were completed.

"DOT&E conducted analysis of the results from Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) and Live Fire Test and Evaluation and delivered a comprehensive, combined report as required by statute to inform the Milestone C / Full Rate Production decision. DOT&E also provided a separate annex that assessed post-IOT&E Block 4 operational testing of the 30P06 and 30P07 software." said Dr. Raymond D. O'Toole, Jr., Acting Director, Operational Test & Evaluation. "The Program is working to address DOT&E's findings and recommendations contained in the report. One of DOT&E's concerns is to continue to improve test infrastructure for support development and to ensure readiness to test of the upcoming Block 4 capabilities. This includes timely deliveries of the next iterations of F-35-In-A-Box for integration into the JSE."

Achieving MSC/FRP is important to the program, and it helps to validate the aircraft's capabilities for present and future partners of the F-35 enterprise.

To date, over 990 F-35 aircraft have been delivered to the U.S. Services, F-35 Cooperative Program Partners, and Foreign Military Sales customers.

The F-35 offers multi-mission capability, including strategic attack, suppression/destruction of enemy air defenses (SEAD/DEAD), offensive/defensive counter air, anti-surface warfare, strike coordination and reconnaissance, and close air support. It brings stealth, sensor fusion, and interoperability to enable access in contested environments and enhances situational awareness.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3704808/f-35-program-achieves-milestone-c-and-full-rate-production/

[Harald]

EXCLUSIVE: F-35A officially certified to carry nuclear bomb

The designation marks the first time that a stealth fighter can carry a nuclear weapon, in this case the B61-12 thermonuclear gravity bomb.

The F-35A Joint Strike Fighter has been operationally certified to carry the B61-12 thermonuclear gravity bomb, a spokesman for the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) tells Breaking Defense.

In a statement, JPO spokesman Russ Goemaere said the certification was achieved Oct. 12, months ahead of a pledge to NATO allies that the process would wrap by January 2024. Certain F-35As will now be capable of carrying the B61-12, officially making the stealth fighter a "dual-capable" aircraft that can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons.

"The F-35A is the first 5th generation nuclear capable aircraft ever, and the first new platform (fighter or bomber) to achieve this status since the early 1990s. This F-35 Nuclear Certification effort culminates 10+ years of intense effort across the nuclear enterprise, which consists of 16 different government and industry stakeholders," Goemaere said. "The F-35A achieved Nuclear Certification ahead of schedule, providing US and NATO with a critical capability that supports US extended deterrence commitments earlier than anticipated.�"

.../...

https://breakingdefense.com/2024/03/exclusive-f-35a-officially-certified-to-carry-nuclear-bomb/?_ga=2.86643035.251398763.1709543617-1958275474.1666165906

[Huzaar1]

Nou als je minister van financien al zo uit zn ogen kijkt in een f35 is het wel feest ja.