DefenceTalkA delegation from the Taiwan-US Inter-Parliamentary Amity Association of Taiwan’s Legislature said Wednesday in Washington that Taiwan wants to purchase advanced F-35 fighter jets that best suit its defense needs. Kuomintang (KMT) Legislator and Association Chairman Lin Yu-fang briefed reporters in Washington after the delegation’s meeting at the Pentagon with David Helvey, deputy assistant secretary […]https://www.defencetalk.com/taiwan-makes-pitch-for-purchase-of-f-35-fighter-jets-48416/

DefenceTalkFrom Jennies to jets to stealth bombers, the 131st Bomb Wing’s history really began with its co-located flying squadron, now the 110th Bomb Squadron, which traces its roots back to the 110th Observation Squadron. The 110th OS was organized by Maj. Bill Robertson and his brothers, Lieutenants Frank and Dan Robertson, owners of Robertson Aircraft […]https://www.defencetalk.com/jennies-to-jets-to-stealth-bomb-wing-turns-90-48316/

DefenceTalkThe first Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II Navy carrier variant (CV) aircraft, CF-6, arrived at Strike Fighter Squadron 101 located at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., on Saturday. The jet is the Navy’s first 5th generation F-35 production aircraft. Strike Fighter Squadron 101 will serve as the F-35C Fleet Replacement Squadron, training both pilots and […]https://www.defencetalk.com/first-lockheed-martin-f-35c-reports-to-the-navy-48235/

DefenceTalkWorking with Lockheed Martin and the UK Ministry of Defence, we have linked simulation facilities across five UK sites to create a common synthetic environment to evaluate F-35 interoperability with other UK military platforms. Linking Air and Maritime A recent trial saw Royal Navy, RAF and US Navy pilots operating the F-35 fighter jet during […]https://www.defencetalk.com/ukus-trials-review-f-35-interoperability-in-a-simulated-maritime-scenario-48193/

DefenceTalkThe Air Force’s most advanced strike aircraft, the F-35 Lightning II, is a vital capability that the nation needs to stay ahead of adversary technological gains, the Air Force chief of staff told a Senate panel here, June 19. Testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Defense, Gen. Mark A. Welsh III said air […]https://www.defencetalk.com/f-35-is-backbone-of-air-forces-future-fighter-fleet-welsh-says-48196/

DefenceTalkThe largest fleet of F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighters grew to 25 aircraft as the F-35 Integrated Training Center here welcomed two new Air Force F-35A variants of the multi-role fighter to the Emerald Coast, June 5. The expansion gives the 58th Fighter Squadron the ability to fly an expanded schedule and more readily […]https://www.defencetalk.com/fleet-grows-training-increases-for-f-35-48089/

DefenceTalkAn F-35A conventional takeoff and landing aircraft completed the first in-flight missile launch of an AIM-120 over the Point Mugu Sea Test Range, June 5. It was the first launch where the F-35 and AIM-120 demonstrated a successful launch-to-eject communications sequence and fired the rocket motor after launch — paving the way for targeted launches […]https://www.defencetalk.com/f-35a-completes-1st-in-flight-missile-launch-48060/

DefenceTalkRussia will start state flight tests of its fifth-generation T-50 fighter jet in 2014, United Aircraft Corporation’s President Mikhail Pogosyan told reporters on Tuesday. “In 2013 we are expected to wrap up its preliminary tests and start operational testing. In 2014, we are planning to start official state tests,” Pogosyan said on Tuesday, adding “the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/russian-t-50-fighter-jet-to-start-state-flight-test-in-2014-47573/

DefenceTalkThe F-22 Raptor has resumed normal flight operations after modifications to aircrew life-support equipment were completed across the fleet, including the upper pressure garment and related hoses, valves and connectors. Completion of this task eliminates the need to restrict flight operations to remain within a 30-minute flying distance from an airfield suitable for landing. F-22 […]https://www.defencetalk.com/f-22-resumes-normal-flight-operations-47364/

DefenceTalkThe first international student aviator at the 33rd Fighter Wing, training to be an F-35B Lightning II instructor pilot, completed his first sortie in the joint strike fighter here March 19. United Kingdom Royal Air Force Squadron Leader Frankie Buchler flew with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron-501. “There were no surprises, the jet was fun […]https://www.defencetalk.com/first-international-student-pilot-flies-f-35-47226/