NATO scrambled its first fighter Sept. 13 under its new plan to bolster its defenses against Russian air incursions that was put into place after an array of Russian drones flew into Polish airspace last week, the officials from the alliance’s military command said.
After protracted political uncertainty, Canada, an original partner in the F-35 developmental program, has formally agreed to buy 88 of the fighters in a deal worth $15 billion U.S. The first aircraft will be delivered in 2026, with full operational capability between 2032 and 2034.