September 10, 2015
The first F-35 to be assembled overseas took flight in Italy this week. Aircraft AL-1 took to the skies for a 22-minute flight at Italy's Cameri Air Base.
http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/2015/09/08/f-35-soars-over-italy-first-time-outside-us/71866044/
http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/2015/09/08/F-35-Program-Gets-Major-Boost-Italy
Concerns continue to be raised regarding the ability of the supplier base to support the planned increase in F-35 production over the next three years. The F-35 is expected to ramp up from some 40 airplanes this year to more than 120 per year three years from now.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/09/09/lockheed-martin-f35-usa-idUSL1N11F28X20150909
French officials are optimistic about the prospects for a sale of Rafale fighters to Malaysia. Malaysia is currently looking to purchase 18 fighters to replace its MiG-29 fleet.
http://news.asiaone.com/news/malaysia/france-optimistic-about-malaysia-rafale-warplane-deal-diplomatic-source
News sources are suggesting that the final details surrounding France's planned sale of 36 Rafale fighters to India have still not been ironed out, despite a visit to India by French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.
http://www.defenseworld.net/news/13945/Are_India_and_France_Still_to_Bridge_Differences_on_Rafale_Deal_#.VfDR_tJViko
As part of the F-22's first European deployment, two Raptors were deployed this past week to Estonia to take part in military training maneuvers, providing air cover for A-10 Warthogs.
http://www.dodbuzz.com/2015/09/08/f-22-raptors-join-a-10-warthogs-in-estonia/
New details are beginning to emerge surrounding the USAF's LRS-B strategic bomber program. A winner for the coveted contract is expected to be announced in October, with competing proposals submitted by both Boeing/Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman. The program is expected to cost $41.7 billion over the next ten years - assuming that there are no cost overruns - making it a potential budget-buster for other programs competing for funding during that time period.
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/new-details-emerge-about-lrs-b-as-contract-announcem-416426/
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