Ralph Heath, vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, says he’s “not losing any sleep” over whether the F/A-22 or F-35 will survive the Pentagon’s Quadrennial Defense Review. “There’s a declining defense budget; … that’s a reality,” Heath observes. So, how does a company survive in such an environment? Heath says the trick is to “have a product that’s relevant to the customer’s needs” and “does what it’s supposed to do.” Both the F/A-22 and the F-35 programs are functioning well, on track, and delivering what was promised, Heath insists, adding, “We have our act together.” In his view, the company has provided no excuse for reducing either program on technical or performance grounds.
F-15E Aviator Missing in Iran Rescued by US Forces
April 5, 2026
The second crew member of the F-15E shot down April 3 has been rescued from Iran. U.S. forces recovered the aviator alive and all American forces involved in the operation are believed to be safe, U.S. officials told Air & Space Forces Magazine.