USAF F-15 and F-16 fighters struck targets near Baghdad on Dec. 13. The F-16s fired precision-guided munitions to cut off bridge access for insurgents. The F-15s launched PGMs against a bunker used by enemy forces. On the same day, US Navy F-18s provided close air support for coalition troops that encountered enemy forces near Balad.
Congress wants new engines in the F-35 fleet, with installs starting in 2027, according to language in the conference version of the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act. The Air Force is to use at least one of the engines developed under the Advanced Engine Transition Program, but the Navy and…