November 3, 2016
The Department of Defense has concluded negotiations with Lockheed Martin for the ninth low rate initial production (LRIP) batch of F-35 fighters. The contract covers the delivery of 57 additional aircraft. To close the agreement, however, the U.S. government had to exercise a unilateral contract option - a rarely used clause that automatically imposes standard terms and conditions from previous contracts to bridge remaining differences between the government and Lockheed Martin negotiating positions.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-lockheed-pentagon-contract-f35-exclus-idUSKBN12X2LK
The Pentagon has notified Congress that it will require an additional $530 million in aircraft testing costs to complete the development of the F-35. The request follows the release of another memo from the Pentagon's Director of Operational Testing, recommending that "the program be restructured now."
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-11-02/lockheed-s-f-35-said-to-need-500-million-more-for-development
Turkey has placed an order for a second batch of F-35 fighters, bringing its total order to 116 aircraft.
http://www.defensenews.com/articles/turkey-to-place-new-f-35-order
The first two F-35 fighters are expected to arrive in Israel on December 12th, with another six to be delivered in 2017, out of a total of 33 on order.
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/israel-plans-speedy-introduction-of-f-35i-431012/
The USAF's Scientific Advisory Board is being funded to launch studies in FY 2017 to help outline the requirements for a Penetrating Counterair Aircraft, which many in the industry are already labeling as a sixth-generation fighter.
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/air-force-scientific-advisory-board-takes-second-loo-431023/
China's J-20 stealth fighter made its air show debut at this year's Zuhai Air Show, with two fighters putting on a low altitude performance. The J-20 recently entered low rate production. Also featured at the air show was the latest version of China's J-10 fighter, the J-10B.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/chinas-j-20-fighter-jet-makes-public-debut-1478003124
Also on display at this year's Airshow China were the latest attempts to develop Chinese jet engines, including a display copy of the WS-10A, which is intended to eventually replace the Russian-built AL-31F engines which power China's J-10 and J-11 (Su-27) fighters.
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2042432/china-air-show-shows-latest-fighter-jet-engines
Chinese officials accused Japan of engaging in "unprofessional, dangerous provocative behavior" during the intercept of Chinese warplanes over the East China Sea.
http://thediplomat.com/2016/10/china-accuses-japan-of-endangering-its-military-aircraft/
India's government has set a goal to procure up to 200 single-engine fighters in an effort to recapitalize its air force fleet. The F-16 and Sweden's Gripen are both expected to be entries in the new competition.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/govt-offers-to-buy-200-foreign-fighter-jets-if-they-are-made-in-india/articleshow/55130201.cms
Responding to Russian press reports suggesting that a deal for Indian procurement of Russia's 5th generation stealth fighter, the PAK-FA, was imminent, Indian officials have cautioned that terms for a final arrangement have not yet been closed.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/need-more-time-on-5th-gen-fighter-jet-india-tells-russia/317186.html
No comments:
Post a Comment