Italy Signs Up for JSF: Italy has signed the Joint Strike Fighter memorandum of understanding to proceed with the next phase of the program, according to a Defense Department release. The MOU covers production, sustainment, and follow-on development. Norway was the most recent to sign a similar MOU, and the Pentagon has reached agreements with Australia, Britain, Canada, the Netherlands, and Turkey. Denmark is expected to sign the MOU by the end of February.
F-35As from the Vermont Air National Guard have deployed to Puerto Rico in recent days, continuing a major buildup of U.S. Air Force assets in Latin America aimed at combating drug trafficking and pressuring the regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

