For the first time in history, the F-35B was delivered by helicopter — the CH-53K carried the Lightning as cargo

Not a flight, but a flight — like taking a disassembled fighter

On August 27, 2025, what used to sound like a joke happened: the F-35B Lightning II fighter jet was delivered by helicopter. For the first time in history, the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps conducted an aerial loading of an F-35B airframe using a CH-53K King Stallion heavy transport helicopter. The aircraft, known as the BF-1, flew not under its own thrust, but as a load on an external suspension.

Route: from Patuxent River Naval Air Base in Maryland to Beaufort Marine Corps Air Base in South Carolina - more than 800 kilometers.

CH-53K — heavy "taxi" for airplanes

The CH-53K is one of the most powerful helicopters in the world. It is designed to transport heavy loads in conditions where there are no roads or ships. In this case, he took on the role of a "flying crane": the F-35B was mounted on an external suspension and carefully lifted into the air.

The operation required precise coordination: the fighter is not a bag of cement. Its aerodynamics, fragile surfaces and shape make transportation difficult. But the CH-53K coped — and showed what it is capable of.

The BF-1 no longer flies — it's now a museum piece

The BF-1 aircraft is not just an F-35B. This is the first prototype that has ever taken to the air. It has passed all the test stages, including vertical landings and takeoffs. But over time, its engine and control systems were removed — it can no longer fly.

Now his destiny is to become part of the permanent static exhibit at Beaufort Air Base. This is a tribute to the first Lightning, which paved the way for the entire series.

Why not by land or sea — and why was all this necessary?

It would be possible to transport the aircraft by land or water. But the air route is the fastest and safest. There is no need to block roads, coordinate routes, or risk damage during loading and unloading.

In addition, the operation was an excellent demonstration of the capabilities of the CH-53K. If he can move the F-35B, it means he can get a damaged helicopter, artillery or other equipment out of the battle zone.

It's not just transportation. This is a signal: the Marines have the power to take their own — even from the air.

Sources

1. Wikipedia — F-35 Lightning II variants overview
2. YouTube — CH-53K transporting F-35B footage
3. YouTube — F-35B demonstration
4. Bastion Karpenko — F-35B Lightning II details

The US Navy has allocated $2.9 billion to Pratt & Whitney for F135 engines for F-35 fighter jets

141 engine contract for Navy and Allies

The US Navy has signed a $2.9 billion contract with Pratt & Whitney for the production of F135 engines for fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters. The agreement provides for the supply of 141 engines to be installed on aircraft for the US Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy, as well as for countries participating in the international F—35 program and foreign military customers.

This contract is part of the Defense Ministry's long-term strategy to maintain and grow the F-35 fleet, the most massive fifth-generation fighter in the world. The engines will be manufactured at Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation.

The role of the F135 in the F program-The F135 engine is the heart of the F-35 fighter and provides unique characteristics, including supersonic speed, low visibility and high maneuverability. For the F-35B version used by the Marine Corps, the engine is equipped with a vertical takeoff and landing (STOVL) system, which allows the aircraft to be operated from aircraft carriers and forward bases.

Reliability, maintainability and unification of engines play a key role in reducing operating costs and ensuring high fleet availability.

Support for global operational compatibility

The supply of engines not only for the American armed forces, but also for international partners — Australia, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Northern Europe and others — underlines the importance of standardization. A single propulsion platform simplifies logistics, staff training, and joint operations within NATO and other alliances.

Pratt & Whitney and the future of fifth-generation engines

Pratt & Whitney has remained a key supplier of power plants for the F-35 program since its launch. At the same time, the company is actively involved in the development of a new line of engines — the Engine Upgrade Program (EUP) and Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP), which are designed to provide the F-35 with even greater thrust, fuel efficiency and the ability to accommodate new systems.

This contract strengthens Pratt & Whitney's position as a leading developer of military aircraft engines and confirms the long-term perspective of the F-35 program.

The Dutch Ministry of Defense is purchasing eight V-BAT drones for naval reconnaissance

Shield AI has announced an important step in the development of the capabilities of the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Marine Corps. The country's Defense ministry has acquired eight V-BAT unmanned aerial systems, which will be used to improve maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.

What is V-BAT?

The V-BAT is a unique drone with vertical takeoff and landing, capable of staying in the air for a long time and performing complex intelligence gathering tasks. Its versatility and autonomy make it an ideal tool for marine operations where fast response and high accuracy are important.

How will this help the Dutch Navy?

- Improved intelligence: V-BAT will provide more accurate and timely data on the situation at sea and on the coast.

- Enhanced surveillance capabilities: Drones will be able to operate in difficult conditions, ensuring constant control over important areas.

- Marine Corps Support: With its mobility and autonomy, V-BAT will provide operational support to Marine Corps units in the field.

General Atomics confirms the development of an aerial laser for MQ-9 drones

General Atomics has officially confirmed the existence of a new program aimed at creating airborne laser weapons for MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles. The program was presented at the Sea Air Space 2025 exhibition and is part of a joint initiative of the US Department of Defense. Its goal is to equip the MQ-9 fleet, which is in service with the US Air Force and Marine Corps, with advanced laser weapons.

The MQ-9 Reaper has long established itself as a reliable drone capable of performing surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions. However, the integration of on-board laser weapons can significantly expand its capabilities. Laser weapons will allow drones to effectively destroy air and ground targets with high accuracy and minimal resource expenditure.

The program is aimed at developing compact and powerful laser systems that can be installed on the MQ-9 without significant design changes. This will make it possible to use drones to counter enemy drones, destroy lightly armored vehicles, and even protect against missile attacks.

Onboard lasers have a number of advantages over traditional weapons. They provide almost instant destruction of targets, do not require ammunition and can be used repeatedly. In addition, laser weapons reduce the risk of collateral damage, as they allow precise focus on specific objects.

For the US Air Force and Marine Corps, the introduction of this technology will be an important step in modernizing their fleet. Drones with laser weapons will be able to perform tasks that were previously unavailable for standard weapons systems.

The development of airborne laser weapons for the MQ-9 reflects the United States' desire to maintain technological leadership in the field of weapons. In the face of the growing threat from drones and other high-tech enemy assets, lasers are becoming a key element of modern defense.

The successful implementation of the program could set a precedent for equipping other types of aircraft, including fighter jets and transport aircraft, with laser weapons. It also demonstrates the Pentagon's willingness to invest in innovative solutions to counter future threats.

Despite the promising prospects, the program faces a number of technical and financial challenges. The main issues remain the energy efficiency of lasers, their weight, and their ability to operate in various weather conditions. However, the success of General Atomics in developing similar systems such as HELIOS (High-Energy Laser with Integrated Optical dazzler and Surveillance) is encouraging.

The completion of the program and the start of deliveries of laser weapons for the MQ-9 is expected in the coming years. This event may become a turning point in the development of unmanned technologies and change the rules of modern warfare.

Lockheed Martin integrates foreign missiles into Mark 41 VLS systems

 

Lockheed Martin is working to satisfy foreign interest in Mark 41 VLS road-mobile systems. To make the export of various systems more likely, a leading defense company is ready to integrate non-American missiles, such as those produced by the European MBDA or the Israeli IAI.

The United States' allied partners are showing significant interest in the expeditionary capabilities that Lockheed Martin is currently providing with its Mark 41 VLS family of road mobile systems., At the same time, the company is working on integrating new foreign missiles into various expeditionary systems to meet international interests in the field of air defense.

Lockheed Martin's expeditionary family includes the US Army's Medium Range Capability (MRC; formerly known as Typhon), the US Navy's Mark 70 Payload Delivery System (PDS), and the US Marine Corps' Long Range Fires Launcher (LRFL). All three systems are manufactured and assembled at the Lockheed Martin plant in Moorestown, New Jersey.

The systems use common launch equipment and can be recharged horizontally, eliminating the need for cranes and allowing for rapid reloading using a specialized logistics vehicle that uses rails to load and unload missile containers from the launchers.

For the US Army, interest is focused on Tomahawk and Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) cruise missiles. For the US Marine Corps, interest is primarily focused on Tomahawk cruise missiles from their single-element LRFL carriers. For the US Navy, the entire Aegis missile family is integrated to support increased lethality for Littoral combat ships.

With growing interest from foreign countries, foreign missiles from allied partners are being integrated as part of efforts to develop expeditionary air defense systems. Lockheed Martin was unable to disclose the countries involved, but confirmed that there are interested partners in Asia and Europe. Lockheed Martin's expeditionary launchers can serve as air defense systems for interested customers, Dobek said.