As futuristic aviation programs gain priority, the F-35—the only in-production, fifth-generation American fighter—is facing new headwinds. Fresh debate over its challenges and its potential in the coming months will shape its future role in the force.
The Boeing T-7 Red Hawk advanced trainer won't be ready for a low-rate initial production decision until February 2025—six and a half years after Boeing won the initial contract in 2018. The new date for the "Milestone C" initial production decision is as much as ...
A Pentagon declaration that the F-35's initial development is complete is still months away, but even when it comes, it won't trigger a surge in production of the fighter. “I don’t think you’ll see a large deviation” in production when full-rate is declared, according to ...