When Eagles Strike

Contracts for F-35 airframes in Lot 18 and 19 should be signed in the spring, but an engine deal is still not in hand and could take months longer. The delays don't seem to be driven by anticipation of how the new Trump administration will influence the program.

Experts and advocates say a new Pentagon report on pay and compensation will guide much-needed changes on housing allowances and military spouse employment.

Lockheed Martin has approved F-35s flying with a 50-50 blend of standard jet fuel and Synthetic Aviation Turbine Fuel, made from waste oils, coal, gas, and other carbon products. Norway flew two F-35s using a 40/60 mixture of standard and SAT fuels earlier this week.

Derek M. Tournear, director of the Space Development Agency, has been placed on administrative leave pending the results of an investigation, the Department of the Air Force announced late Jan. 16. 

American B-1 bombers flew alongside Japanese and South Korean fighters on Jan. 15 in the three countries’ first flight together in 2025—while at the same time, Japan hosted a Chinese military delegation. The moves highlight the delicate moment in the strategic environment of the Indo-Pacific. 

President-elect Donald Trump has picked Dr. Troy E. Meink to become the next Secretary of the Air Force, he announced Jan. 16. Meink is currently the principal deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office, a Department of Defense intelligence agency that works closely with the Space Force.

Anduril Industries plans to establish its first “Arsenal” factory of the future at a site near Columbus, Ohio. The new factory should employ some 4,000 people and make various autonomous air vehicles and other defense product at an expected high volume.

The Defense Innovation Board adopted a series of new recommendations and praised the Air Force for its big bets on emerging technology in recent years that seem primed to help new entrants to the defense market bridge the so-called valley of death between initial investment and actual production contracts.

A new report released by the Defense Department Jan. 15 lays out eight steps Pentagon officials can take to better pay and compensate service members and their families.