KC 135 Refuels F 35A Over Rockies During Guard Training
A KC 135 Stratotanker conducted an aerial refueling of an F 35A Lightning II over the Rocky Mountains on Jan. 10, 2026, highlighting the Air National Guard’s role in sustaining fifth generation fighter operations across the United States.
The tanker aircraft was assigned to the Iowa Air National Guard’s 185th Air Refueling Wing, while the receiving aircraft, an F 35A Lightning II, belonged to the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 115th Fighter Wing. The operation took place during a routine training mission designed to maintain aircrew readiness and interoperability.
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Aerial refueling remains a core enabler of U.S. airpower, extending the range and endurance of combat aircraft while reducing reliance on forward bases. For the F 35A, which is increasingly fielded across Guard units, reliable tanker support is critical for both homeland defense and overseas deployments.
The KC 135 Stratotanker, despite its age, continues to serve as the backbone of the U.S. Air Force’s refueling fleet. According to the U.S. Air Force, the aircraft provides fuel to a wide range of receivers, including fighters, bombers, and intelligence platforms, and is expected to remain in service alongside the newer KC 46 Pegasus for years to come.
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Training missions over complex terrain such as the Rockies add realism, requiring precise formation flying and fuel transfer under challenging weather and altitude conditions. Air National Guard officials regularly note that these missions mirror the demands crews would face during real world operations.
The 115th Fighter Wing was among the first Guard units to transition to the F 35A, marking a major modernization step for state based air defense forces. The Iowa Air National Guard’s 185th Wing continues to support both domestic and global missions through its refueling role.
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L3Harris Navy contract activity continues with a new $9.57 million award to support U.S. Navy F/A-18 aircraft, reinforcing sustainment of the Super Hornet and Growler fleets.
L3Harris Technologies Inc., based in Clifton, New Jersey, has been awarded a firm-fixed-price contract valued at $9,571,947 for the procurement of 74 radio frequency amplifiers. The equipment will support Navy F/A-18E, F, and G aircraft operated across carrier air wings and expeditionary squadrons.
Contract Details and Scope
The contract covers the production and delivery of radio frequency amplifiers used in mission-critical avionics and electronic warfare systems aboard the F/A-18E F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler. These components play a key role in signal strength, radar performance, and electronic attack capabilities.
All work under the L3Harris Navy contract will be performed in Clifton, New Jersey. Completion is scheduled for April 2027. The agreement does not include option provisions, indicating a defined production scope tied to current fleet requirements.
Fiscal 2026 Navy working capital funds will fully cover the contract value at the time of award. According to the Navy, the funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.
Acquisition Strategy and Oversight
The Navy pursued the procurement as a sole-source requirement under the authority of Title 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(1). One source was solicited, and one offer was received. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is serving as the contracting activity.
Sole-source awards of this type are common for specialized avionics tied to proprietary designs or certified aircraft configurations, particularly for mature platforms like the F/A-18 family.
Platform Sustainment Context
The F/A-18E F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler remain central to U.S. Navy carrier aviation and airborne electronic warfare. Ongoing investments in avionics, sensors, and electronic systems are intended to maintain readiness as the Navy transitions toward next-generation platforms.
VH-92A engine torque testing is moving forward after the US Navy awarded Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. a not-to-exceed $21.6 million cost reimbursable undefinitized order to support test and certification work on the VH-92A Patriot helicopter program.
Contract Details and Scope
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a Lockheed Martin subsidiary based in Stratford, Connecticut, received the award under a previously issued basic ordering agreement. The order supports instantaneous access to 105 percent Transient Engine Torque testing and certification activities tied to planned modifications on the VH-92A aircraft.
The work focuses on validating engine performance margins needed to meet demanding mission profiles and safety standards for the Navy’s executive transport helicopter fleet. The VH-92A serves as the replacement for the legacy VH-3D and VH-60N helicopters.
Workshare and Schedule
According to the Navy, contract work will be performed across multiple US locations. The largest share will take place in Lynn, Massachusetts, accounting for 44 percent of the effort, followed by Stratford, Connecticut, at 36 percent. Additional work will occur in Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, and New Jersey.
The project is expected to be completed by July 2027.
Funding and Oversight
At the time of award, the Navy obligated $5 million in fiscal year 2026 research, development, test, and evaluation funds. These funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.
Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River, Maryland, is serving as the contracting activity, overseeing execution and compliance.
Program Context
The VH-92A engine torque testing effort supports ongoing maturation of the platform as the Navy continues to refine performance, reliability, and certification standards. Sikorsky remains the prime contractor for the VH-92A, which is operated by Marine Helicopter Squadron One in support of presidential and executive transport missions.
Northrop Grumman Delivers 1,500th F 35 Center Fuselage
Northrop Grumman has delivered its 1,500th F 35 center fuselage, marking a major production milestone for the F 35 Lightning II program and the broader U.S. and allied fighter fleet.
The center fuselage is a critical structural section of the aircraft, integrating the cockpit, weapons bays, and key avionics. Northrop Grumman produces the component at its Integrated Assembly Line in Palmdale, California, before shipping it to Lockheed Martin for final aircraft assembly.
According to the company, the delivery reflects more than a decade of continuous manufacturing in support of the Joint Strike Fighter program. The F 35 center fuselage is common across all three variants of the aircraft, including the conventional takeoff F 35A, the short takeoff and vertical landing F 35B, and the carrier based F 35C.
Northrop Grumman stated that its role in the F 35 program extends beyond fuselage production. The company also provides the AN APG 81 active electronically scanned array radar, communications subsystems, and mission systems integration support. These components are central to the aircraft’s stealth, sensor fusion, and multi domain capabilities.
The F 35 program remains the largest fighter aircraft program in the world, with more than 1,000 aircraft delivered globally and operators across the U.S. military and allied air forces. Sustained delivery of the F 35 center fuselage supports ongoing production lots and long term fleet growth.
Industry officials have consistently highlighted the importance of production stability and supply chain resilience as the program transitions toward sustainment and modernization. The 1,500th fuselage delivery underscores the maturity of the industrial base supporting the F 35.
USS Midway Legacy and Modern US Airpower
The F-22 Fighter Jet stands at the center of current US airpower, but its story connects to a longer lineage that began with aircraft carriers like USS Midway. Commissioned in 1945, USS Midway shaped how the US Navy projected airpower across oceans for decades. That legacy still matters today as the Pentagon balances fighter jet contracts, base readiness, and pilot training across the Air Force and Navy.
While USS Midway itself is now a museum, the operational concepts it supported, sustained sortie generation, forward deployment, and joint force integration, remain core to US fighter operations. Modern stealth fighters now deploy from land bases rather than decks, but the strategic logic is familiar.
USS Midway and the Evolution of Carrier-Based Airpower
USS Midway was designed to operate heavier and faster aircraft than earlier carriers. During the Cold War, it supported jets such as the F-4 Phantom II and later the F A 18 Hornet. These aircraft represented major steps in speed, radar capability, and weapons integration.
The carrier’s long service life reflected continuous adaptation. Flight deck modifications, improved arresting gear, and updated command systems allowed Midway to remain relevant as aircraft grew larger and more complex. This adaptability set a pattern the US military still follows when integrating new fighter platforms.
Although the f-22 fighter jet is not carrier capable, its development benefited from lessons learned in earlier eras about sustainment, sortie rates, and pilot workload, many of which were refined aboard carriers like Midway.
F-22 Fighter Jet Role in Today’s Force Structure
The F-22 fighter jet remains the primary US air dominance platform. Entering service in the mid 2000s, it was designed to counter advanced adversary aircraft through stealth, supercruise, integrated sensors, and high agility.
Unlike multirole fighters, the F 22 focuses on air superiority first. It can strike ground targets, but its main mission is to control contested airspace, escort other assets, and deny adversaries the ability to operate aircraft or cruise missiles.
Key characteristics include:
- Low observable airframe optimized for radar evasion
- Supercruise capability above Mach 1 without afterburner
- Advanced avionics that fuse radar, electronic support, and data links
- High maneuverability for close range engagements
These features place the F 22 among the fastest US fighter jet platforms in operational service, especially when sustained speed and combat effectiveness are considered together.
Fastest US Fighter Jet Claims and Reality
The phrase fastest US fighter jet is often used loosely. Historically, aircraft like the F 15 and retired F 14 reached very high top speeds under specific conditions. The F 22 does not chase raw speed records, but its ability to supercruise gives it a real operational advantage.
Sustained supersonic flight without afterburner reduces fuel consumption and infrared signature. This allows the f-22 fighter jet to arrive earlier, remain longer, and engage with less warning. In modern air combat, this matters more than peak speed numbers.
Pentagon officials have consistently emphasized that speed, stealth, sensors, and networking must be evaluated as a system rather than isolated statistics.
Fighter Jet Pilot Training and Readiness
Operating the f-22 fighter jet requires extensive pilot training. F 22 pilots transition from other advanced fighters and undergo specialized instruction focused on sensor management, beyond visual range tactics, and joint operations.
Unlike earlier eras, pilots now manage large volumes of data while flying. Sensor fusion reduces workload, but decision making remains complex. Training exercises increasingly integrate cyber, electronic warfare, and space based inputs.
Readiness is also shaped by flight hours, maintenance availability, and simulator access. High fidelity simulators now play a central role, allowing pilots to rehearse scenarios that cannot be safely replicated in live flights.
Selfridge Base Fighter Jets and National Guard Readiness
Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan is a key node in US air defense and readiness. While it does not host F 22 aircraft, its fighter jets support homeland defense missions and joint exercises.
Selfridge base fighter jets readiness has drawn attention in recent years due to aircraft transitions and infrastructure investments. The base supports air sovereignty alert missions, training deployments, and integration with active duty forces.
From a strategic perspective, bases like Selfridge free high end assets such as the f-22 fighter jet to focus on overseas contingencies while maintaining credible domestic coverage.
Pentagon Fighter Jet Contract Landscape
The Pentagon fighter jet contract environment remains active as the US balances legacy sustainment with future platforms. Production of the F 22 ended in 2012, but contracts continue for upgrades, maintenance, and capability enhancements.
Current efforts include:
- Sensor and avionics modernization
- Improved data links for joint and allied operations
- Sustainment initiatives to raise mission capable rates
At the same time, investment is shifting toward next generation air dominance programs. Lessons from the F 22 program strongly influence these efforts, especially in cost control, modular upgrades, and industrial base resilience.
USS Midway Lessons Applied to Modern Deployments
The connection between USS Midway and modern fighters is not symbolic alone. Midway demonstrated how forward presence, logistics, and trained personnel create deterrence. Today, the same logic applies to rotational deployments of the f-22 fighter jet to Europe, the Indo Pacific, and the Middle East.
These deployments reassure allies and complicate adversary planning. They also stress test sustainment chains and command structures, much like extended carrier deployments once did.
Analysis: Strategic Value of the f-22 Fighter Jet Today
Despite its limited numbers, the f-22 fighter jet continues to deliver outsized strategic value. Potential adversaries must account for its presence even when it is not forward deployed. This uncertainty shapes air defense planning and investment decisions.
However, challenges remain. Aging airframes, supply chain constraints, and workforce issues affect readiness. The Air Force must balance near term upgrades with long term transition planning.
In this context, the F 22 mirrors the late career phase of USS Midway. Both platforms remained highly capable, but required careful management to extend relevance without overcommitment. The key lesson is that dominance platforms demand sustained investment long after initial procurement ends.
FAQs
What makes the f-22 fighter jet different from other US fighters?Its combination of stealth, supercruise, sensor fusion, and agility is unmatched in the US inventory.
Is the f-22 fighter jet the fastest US fighter jet?It may not have the highest top speed, but its sustained supersonic capability gives it a practical speed advantage.
Why was F 22 production stopped?Budget constraints and shifting priorities led the Pentagon to cap production at 187 aircraft.
Do fighter jet pilots need different training for the F 22?Yes, F 22 pilots require specialized training focused on data management and advanced air combat tactics.
How does USS Midway relate to modern fighter deployments?Midway established operational concepts of forward presence and sustained airpower that still guide deployments today.
F-35 Deliveries Set Annual Record in 2025
Lockheed Martin’s F-35 deliveries hit a record 191 aircraft in 2025, the company said in a statement, marking a sharp increase from the 110 jets delivered in 2024. The 2025 F-35 deliveries figure underscores strong demand from the United States and allied partners and rising defense budgets worldwide.
Lockheed said annual F-35 production is now running at a pace five times faster than any other allied fighter jet in production.
The F-35 program accounts for roughly one-third of Lockheed’s overall revenue, reflecting its central role in the company’s business mix.
What the Numbers Tell Us
In 2024, Lockheed delivered 110 F-35s. The jump to 191 in 2025 signals both stronger production lines and sustained demand among U.S. services and international partners.
Annual delivery totals like this one matter because they show how fast the U.S. and allied fleets can grow. The F-35 remains the most widely built allied fighter in production today.
Production Momentum and Defense Budgets
Lockheed said F-35 production is outpacing that of other fighters in allied service. This higher pace comes as several countries expand defense spending in response to shifting global security conditions.
The growth in F-35 deliveries also reflects efforts to streamline manufacturing and supply chains, improving throughput at Lockheed’s facilities.
Global Demand for the F-35
The 2025 F-35 deliveries cover aircraft for the U.S. military and allied air forces. Demand remains high as partners modernize their air fleets and retire older combat jets.
The program’s global footprint continues to expand, with many nations receiving new aircraft under Foreign Military Sales and direct orders.
China J-35A Stealth Fighter Sees Dual Aircraft Test Flight
China’s J-35A stealth fighter made a significant step toward serial production with the first publicly observed test flight of two production-standard aircraft flying together, according to footage posted on January 7, 2026.
The two Shenyang J-35A jets were seen in coordinated flight near the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation production facility in Liaoning Province. Defense observers say the paired flight of ostensibly new airframes is among the clearest public signs that China has moved beyond lone prototype testing toward structured production and multi-aircraft flight validation.
The J-35A is the land-based variant of China’s fifth-generation stealth fighter family developed under the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China. The type is intended to expand the People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s capabilities with a modern stealth design, advanced avionics, and internal weapons carriage.
Production and Testing Development
The dual flight came with video published by The Daily CPEC on social platform X, showing the two jets flying in formation near the manufacturing complex. Analysts familiar with Chinese military aviation said the sight of two factory new jets operating together strengthens earlier indications that structured flight testing and production buildup are underway.
China state media have in recent years highlighted the J-35A’s development progress, including assembly line activity and test aircraft movements. The program stems from earlier prototypes based on Shenyang’s FC-31 design, with incremental refinements aimed at meeting PLA Air Force requirements for multi-role operations.
Broader Context
The J-35 family appears to be part of a broader modernization effort in Chinese military aviation. Both land and carrier variants have featured in trials and limited operational demonstrations, including naval testing aboard the Fujian aircraft carrier.
Reporting in early January 2026 noted Pakistan is poised to acquire large numbers of J-35 series fighters under a major procurement plan, though official confirmations remain limited.
Philippines Requests KF-21 Fighter Jet Delivery Timeline
The Philippines has formally requested the delivery of the KF-21 fighter jet from South Korea between 2027 and 2029, marking a potential step forward in Philippine Air Force modernization. The request was reported by Reportera, citing defense industry and government sources familiar with the discussions.
Manila’s interest in the KF-21 fighter jet reflects growing focus on restoring credible air combat capability after decades without a modern multirole fighter fleet. The Philippine Air Force currently operates FA-50 light combat aircraft acquired from Korea Aerospace Industries, which have strengthened bilateral defense ties with Seoul.
KF-21 Boramae and Regional Context
The KF-21 Boramae is a 4.5 generation fighter developed by South Korea to replace older F-4 and F-5 aircraft. It is designed to bridge the gap between legacy fighters and fifth generation platforms, offering advanced sensors, modern avionics, and multirole capability.
Philippine defense officials have indicated a preference for a delivery window that aligns with the aircraft’s production schedule and the country’s long term capability development plan. Any acquisition would be subject to budget approvals and contract negotiations.
Air Force Modernization Goals
The Philippine Department of National Defense has prioritized air defense, maritime surveillance, and territorial awareness under its ongoing modernization program. A potential KF-21 acquisition would complement existing FA-50 aircraft and improve interoperability with regional partners.
South Korea has positioned the KF-21 as an export friendly platform for allied air forces seeking advanced capability without the political and cost barriers associated with fifth generation fighters.
Broader Defense Implications
If pursued, the KF-21 fighter jet would represent one of the most advanced combat aircraft ever considered by the Philippines. It would also deepen defense industrial cooperation between Manila and Seoul, which already includes training, logistics, and aircraft support.
South Korea will begin deliveries of the first locally developed KF-21 Boramae fighter jets to the Republic of Korea Air Force in 2026, marking a major milestone in the country’s defense modernization and indigenous aerospace capability. The twin-engine multirole aircraft is designed to replace older platforms and expand Seoul’s defense industrial base.
Program Background
The KF-21 Boramae, developed by Korea Aerospace Industries under the KF-X program, is South Korea’s most ambitious aircraft project to date. Initiated to replace aging F-4 and F-5 fighters, the program moved from design and prototyping to production after its first flight in 2022 and extensive flight tests.
Production and Delivery Timeline
Serial production of the KF-21 began in July 2024 with Block-I aircraft, and the initial batch of 20 jets is now scheduled for delivery in 2026. These first aircraft are expected to reach limited operational capability with the ROK Air Force, with full operational status targeted by 2028.
Design and Capabilities
The KF-21 Boramae is classed as a 4.5-generation multirole fighter, featuring advanced fly-by-wire controls, stealth-shaped airframe, and an active electronically scanned array radar. Although it lacks internal weapons bays typical of fifth-generation designs, it offers a balance of modern sensors, avionics, and survivability for regional missions.
Fleet Plans and Export Prospects
South Korea plans to buy at least 120 KF-21 fighters by the early 2030s to modernize its air fleet. The Boramae’s competitive cost and performance have also drawn interest from potential export customers, including Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern air forces. Indonesia remains a development partner, while other countries are keeping watch on export opportunities.
Strategic Impact
The KF-21 program advances South Korea’s defense self-reliance and adds a significant new platform to its aerospace exports. Deliveries in 2026 signal the transition from development to operational fielding, underscoring Seoul’s role in global military aviation amid rising regional threats.
Rolls Royce Begins Engine Testing for US FLRAA Program
Rolls Royce has started engine testing for the US FLRAA program, a major milestone in the US Army Future Long Range Assault Aircraft effort. The company confirmed that testing is underway on its Advanced Turbine Engine designed to power next generation Army rotorcraft.
The engine is intended for the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft, part of the US Army Future Vertical Lift initiative. FLRAA aims to replace the UH 60 Black Hawk with a platform offering greater speed, range, and operational reach.
According to Rolls Royce, the current testing phase focuses on validating performance, durability, and efficiency. The work supports the Army requirement for higher power output while reducing fuel consumption and maintenance demands. The engine is being developed to meet demanding operational profiles, including hot and high conditions and long range missions.
The FLRAA program is led by Bell, which was selected by the US Army in 2022 to develop the V 280 Valor tiltrotor. Rolls Royce is a key industry partner, providing propulsion expertise based on decades of military engine development. The company has stated that lessons from earlier programs are being applied to improve reliability and lifecycle costs.
US Army officials have consistently emphasized that propulsion is a critical element of Future Vertical Lift. Improved engines are seen as essential to achieving the speed and range goals that distinguish FLRAA from legacy helicopters.
The start of engine testing signals steady progress as the FLRAA program moves toward detailed design and risk reduction. While flight testing of full aircraft prototypes remains ahead, propulsion development is a major step in keeping the program on schedule.
Defense analysts note that FLRAA is expected to play a central role in future US Army air assault and air mobility operations, particularly in the Indo Pacific and other large theaters.