Japan is reportedly now setting its sights on acquiring 40 F-35s next decade and not F-22s to replace its aging F-4 fighters. The Kyodo News reported Monday (via The Japan Times) that the Japanese defense ministry is preparing to make budgetary requests for the F-35 as early as its Fiscal 2011 spending plan. Japan has expressed an interest in buying an export version of the F-22. But despite some senior US Congressional lawmakers working this year toward overturning a standing ban on F-22 exports, Pentagon leaders have reacted coolly to the idea of providing F-22s for Japan or other allies, instead promoting the inherent exportability of the F-35. And the Air Force leadership has been equally unenthusiastic about the prospect of pumping dollars into developing an export model.
B-21 Raider First Flight Now Postponed to 2023
May 20, 2022
The Air Force says the B-21 Raider won't make its first flight until 2023; about a six-month delay from the last official estimates. No reason was given for the delay. While other programs have recently chalked up schedule slips to supply chain and labor shortages, the Air Force has said…