Phalanx Robot Cannon: 4,500 rounds per minute to protect US ships

The last line of defense on deck

Every major US Navy ship has one special guardian on board — not a sailor, not a radar, but a robot cannon. This is the MK 15 Phalanx melee system. Her task is a last—ditch attempt to stop something that has already broken through: an anti-ship missile, a drone or an aircraft that has slipped through all the external lines of defense. If it doesn't work, the body will be hit.

Phalanx is not just a turret. It is an autonomous robot that sees, thinks and shoots by itself.

How does an autonomous cannon that shoots faster than a human work?

Imagine: a rocket is flying at supersonic speed, just a couple of kilometers from the ship. Seconds to impact. The person will not have time to react. But Phalanx is.

The system is equipped with its own radar, which continuously scans the sky. As soon as it notices the target, it calculates the trajectory itself, turns around and opens fire from a 20-mm six-barrel Gatling cannon. The tempo is 4,500 rounds per minute. The target is covered by a barrage of projectiles that explode nearby, knocking down a rocket or setting it on fire.

All this happens without the participation of the crew — in a split second.

Raytheon upgrades the system for $205 million

The Pentagon has just awarded defense giant Raytheon a $205 million contract. This money will be used to upgrade and repair existing Phalanx systems. The work includes refurbishment, major repairs and the supply of related equipment. It is planned to complete everything by January 2029.

It's not just THAT. This is a confirmation: despite all the new lasers and rockets, Phalanx remains a reliable and necessary system.

Why is artillery needed even in the age of rockets?

High-tech threats require high-tech responses. But sometimes the simplest is the most effective. The cannon hits the area, does not depend on electronic interference and does not need complex guidance systems. She works when everything else is running out of time.

That is why, decades after its creation, Phalanx still stands at its combat post — like a steel guard who does not blink or get tired.

Sources

1. CHVVAKUSH — MK 15 Phalanx CIWS detailed specs and history
2. Integral Russia — Phalanx CIWS US Navy last line defense
3. Wikipedia (Russian) — MK 15 Phalanx CIWS overview

The Israel Defense Forces is testing an upgraded JLTV for long-range operational missions

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is conducting a series of tests of the advanced Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) armored vehicle, adapted to perform long-range operational tasks outside traditional conflict zones. During the recent exercises, scenarios were worked out in which the JLTV is transported both by air, using heavy transport aircraft, and by sea in preparation for possible operations in remote regions. These tests reflect a strategic shift: JLTV, originally designed for local tactical tasks and anti-bombing, is now considered a mobile platform for deep raids and expeditionary operations. The military assesses its endurance, compatibility with long-range communication and navigation systems, as well as its ability to support autonomous groups in conditions of limited logistical support. Special attention is paid to the integration of the machine into interspecific operations, including interaction with the Air Force and naval forces. Successful completion of the tests can lead to an expansion of the role of JLTV in the AOI structure — from tactical transport to a universal means of rapid response at the strategic level.

The destroyer HMS Defender has received a new modular missile silo after extensive modernization

The first images of the British Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender, undergoing a deep modernization at the Portsmouth dock, have appeared. The ship, which is scheduled to return to service in the summer of 2026, became the first in the Royal Navy to receive a new modular missile silo. Instead of the original plan to expand the existing Sylver mine in the bow, the engineers abandoned the complex and risky integration on board. Instead, the new section was completely fabricated on land as a ready—made block and then installed on the ship using a heavy crane - this approach reduces work time and increases the accuracy of installation.

The new silo will accommodate additional cells of the universal launcher (VLS), which will significantly increase the ship's ammunition, especially in the context of the future deployment of attack missiles. Previously, there was an empty space three decks deep in the bow of the destroyer, which the team even adapted for a gym. Now it turns out that this place was originally intended to install longer VLS cells capable of carrying long-range cruise missiles, but the project was not implemented then. The current modernization can be a step towards restoring and realizing these capabilities, especially in light of the UK's strategic need to increase the strike potential of its destroyers. The updated HMS Defender will not only strengthen the fleet's air defense, but also gain the potential to conduct offensive operations.

The British Army will receive the latest Jackal 3 vehicles from the first batch

The British Army is completing the delivery of the first batch of Jackal 3 light reconnaissance vehicles. In the near future, troops will receive the last two vehicles, which will be an important step in the modernization program for ground equipment.

Despite the relatively small scale of the purchase, the delivery of Jackal 3 is perceived as a significant step in updating the fleet of mobile reconnaissance and strike platforms. These high-speed vehicles are designed to operate in difficult conditions, including operations in desert and rough terrain, and are actively used by special forces and intelligence units.

The Jackal 3 model features improved protection, increased cross-country capability, and the ability to install various weapons, including heavy machine guns and automatic grenade launchers. The vehicle retains high mobility and is capable of quickly transferring to perform reconnaissance, convoy escort, or pinpoint strikes.

Although the program so far covers a limited number of pieces of equipment, it demonstrates the course of the British armed forces to strengthen rapid reaction capabilities and increase the combat effectiveness of light mobile units.

India's largest Rafale fighter jet deal under threat due to source code dispute

India's largest fighter purchase in history, the acquisition of 36 Rafale aircraft from the French company Dassault Aviation— has faced serious complications. The deal, concluded in 2016, initially included a requirement from the Indian side to transfer the source codes of the aircraft's on-board software, which is necessary for the independent integration of Indian weapons and the modernization of systems in the future.

However, Dassault Aviation has reportedly categorically refused to provide access to the source codes, citing French national security concerns and commercial confidentiality. This refusal calls into question India's ability to fully adapt the fighters to its tactical needs, as well as limits long-term autonomy in the maintenance and modernization of the Rafale fleet.

The situation is aggravated by the fact that the Indian Air Force is currently experiencing a critical shortage of combat aircraft. The number of squadrons has reached a historic low of about 31 squadrons, compared to 42. This creates a serious gap in combat readiness and the ability to ensure air superiority in potential conflicts.

The Indian military and experts have expressed concern that dependence on a foreign manufacturer for software could become a strategic vulnerability. This is especially true against the background of India's plans to purchase even more fighter jets, including a possible new deal with France.

Without access to the source codes, India risks being left in a position where even simple upgrades or integration of new weapons will require Dassault's approval and participation, which slows down the processes and increases the cost of operation.

Raytheon has received a $72 million contract to support the TOW missile guidance system in the US Army

Raytheon has received a new contract from the US Army worth $72 million. Raytheon will now support and maintain the advanced target detection system, ITAS. This is an important component for targeting TOW anti-tank missiles, which have long and reliably served the US Army.

The ITAS platform helps to accurately detect, track and hit armored targets. The work under the contract will ensure the smooth operation of this system in all conditions, including upgrades and maintenance.

Such a contract is a sign that even long—standing developments like TOW remain in the spotlight and continue to play a key role in defense, especially given the importance of anti-tank capabilities on the modern battlefield.

Japan received the first three F-35B fighter jets to revive carrier-based aviation after World War II

Japan has taken an important step in updating its Air Force - on August 8, the first three fifth—generation F-35B fighters with a shortened takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) arrived at the Nyutabaru Airbase in Miyazaki Prefecture. This marks the country's return to carrier-based aviation operations for the first time since the end of World War II.

For now, the aircraft will be based at the Nyutabaru Air Force Base, but in the future they will be operated from Izumo-class naval helicopter carriers — JS Izumo and JS Kaga, which are currently being upgraded to receive carrier-based fighters. Interestingly, these ships have already received the F-35B of the US Marine Corps during joint exercises.

The pilots of the American Marine Corps have not only delivered planes to Japan, but will also train Japanese military personnel in piloting and operating the F-35B.

In total, Japan plans to receive 42 such fighters, of which eight are expected to arrive by the end of fiscal year 2025. Full operational readiness of carrier-based aircraft on Izumo and Kaga is planned for 2027-2028.

The arrival of the F-35B is a big step for Japan, strengthening its naval and air defenses, especially amid growing tensions in the region and China's increased military presence.

Israel has successfully completed extended trials of the upgraded David's Sling system in the Iron Swords War

 

The Israeli Defense Ministry recently announced the successful completion of a series of serious tests of the David's Sling air defense and missile defense system, which helped make it even more reliable and effective in the difficult conditions of the current war, known as "Iron Swords." The tests were conducted as part of planned flight tests led by the Israeli missile defense organization IMDO, with the support of the Defense Research and Development Authority and in active collaboration with the Americans from the Missile Defense Agency and Rafael, which developed the system.

During the tests, David's Sling worked out combat scenarios that are as similar as possible to real threats — this is how they tested how the system would react to medium-range missiles and various aerial targets. The missiles of the complex have two types of guidance, which helps to accurately shoot down targets in any weather and under different conditions.

David's Sling occupies a niche in Israel's overall defense system, between the Iron Dome, which operates at short range, and large systems at long range. Thanks to the latest updates, it is becoming a more powerful and reliable element of defense.

This is a very important step for Israel, because today the country is facing a great missile threat. The better the system works, the calmer people will be and the stronger the protection of strategically important facilities. Working together with the United States and companies like Rafael helps to improve technologies and make them more efficient.

The US Army has invested 265 million in a "shield" against drones and missiles: the IFPC system is being updated

 The US Army has made a serious bet on strengthening its air defense. Dynetics Inc. of Huntsville, Alabama, has received a new contract worth $264.6 million to further improve its IFPC (Indirect Fire Protection Capability) system, which can be translated as "Area—based Fire Protection Capability."

This system is one of the key elements of the army's plan to protect its bases, logistics facilities and allies from the rapidly changing landscape of aerial threats. Modern combat involves not only ballistic missiles, but also drones (including disposable FPV drones), cruise missiles, and other small, low—flying targets that traditional air defenses are difficult to intercept.

The IFPC upgrade with this major contract aims to make the system even more efficient, faster, and versatile in dealing with this "zoo" of threats. The work will be carried out at the Dynetics plant in Huntsville, which is a center for the development of advanced defense technologies.

The investment in IFPC underscores that the Pentagon considers protection against "non-kinetic" and low-profile threats to be a priority in the context of current and future conflicts.

The French Rafale has passed a "technical inspection" before going into production: DGA has completed tests of the F4 standard.3

 

Rafale F4.3

The General Directorate of Armaments of France (DGA) has put an important point in the development of the Rafale fighter. It has successfully completed a large—scale campaign to assess the operational capabilities of the aircraft in its future standard configuration, the F4.3. All tests took place at the DGA flight Test center in Istres, which is a key testing ground for new French military equipment.

This campaign was not just a formality. Its goal is to thoroughly test all the new features and improvements that are included in the F4.3 standard to ensure that the aircraft is fully operational. The successful completion of these tests is a critical step towards official certification of Rafale according to this new standard. After certification, all new Rafales will be produced in the F4.3 configuration, and the existing fleet aircraft will be gradually upgraded to this level.

The F4.3 standard is designed to significantly enhance the combat capabilities of Dassault Aviation's flagship fighter, making it an even more deadly and technologically advanced player on the modern battlefield.

The US Army is investing in Humvees again: 126 million for new upgraded vehicles

Humvee

The US Army continues to believe in the time—tested "workhorse" - the Humvee. AM General has received a major order: a modified contract worth $126.5 million to continue the supply of advanced highly mobile multi-purpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWV), namely the M1165A1B3 model. This is not just another batch, but part of a large-scale fleet renovation program. Thanks to this change (it carries the number P00023 to the main contract W912CH-24-F-0229), the total value of the contract with AM General jumped to an impressive $ 3.05 billion. The money will be used to finance additional supplies of these upgraded Humvees, which, despite the new JLTVs, are still in demand for a variety of tasks. All production and assembly work will take place at AM General's main plant in South Bend, Indiana, where these machines have been built since the 1980s. Deadlines are tight: all deliveries for this modification must be completed by August 28, 2027. This decision underscores that even in the era of new technologies, the army needs reliable, proven and easily maintained vehicles in combat.

South Korea is reinforced: the old air defense system has become a "Blue Sword" — now it catches both planes and missiles

South Korea has seriously upgraded its air defenses. The old Cheongung-I system (which translates to "Blue Sky") has been completely upgraded, and now it has become Cheongung-II — much more powerful and intelligent. Now it's not just an anti-aircraft gun, but a real multi-purpose system capable of intercepting both enemy aircraft and ballistic missiles, including those that can come from North Korea.

This was officially announced on Monday by the Office of Defense Procurement Programs (DAPA), the main supplier of weapons to the South Korean army. According to them, the updated system has already begun to enter the army and is undergoing initial deployment. It will be fully operational at 100% by 2027.

What's cool about Cheongung-II? First, she sees further and more accurately: improved radars and guidance systems allow her to detect targets earlier and react faster. Secondly, the new interceptor missiles can operate at different altitudes, from low-flying drones to medium-range ballistic missiles. This is critically important considering how many times North Korea has tested missiles in recent years.

In addition, the system is better integrated with other components of South Korea's air defense, including the American THAAD and Patriot complexes, which creates a multi-layered defense. If one system misses the target, the other will intercept it.

This modernization is a direct response to the growing threat from the north. Cheongung II is not just an upgrade, but a step towards full independence in defense matters. Seoul is becoming less dependent on other people's technologies and is building its own reliable protection system.

The Cornet now has four times more fire: new ammunition changes the rules of the game

 

Kornet

The Kornet anti—tank missile system has become four times more powerful, Rostec State Corporation has officially announced. And it's not just about upgrading, but about a real leap in combat capabilities.

The secret lies in the new cassette developed by the High—Precision Complexes holding company inside Rostec. Now one such cassette can carry four 9M134 Bulat light missiles at once, instead of one heavy one, as it was before. This means that a soldier can fire four times as many missiles in the same mission — without reloading, without delay, just by pressing the trigger several times.

Imagine: you used to have one shot, and that's it, you need to change the charge. Now - four accurate shots in a row. It's not just convenient, it changes tactics. One fighter can clear an entire position without risking going out into the open.

The 9M134 Bulat missiles are not just mini versions of their older counterparts. They are guided by a laser beam, which makes them very accurate, and their range is up to several kilometers (according to Rostec, the exact figures are not disclosed, but we are talking about kilometers). This means that the shooter can fire from a safe distance without being noticed.

In addition, the Bulat was designed to destroy not only tanks, but also lighter targets: armored personnel carriers, bunkers, and equipment in shelters. That is, the Kornet is no longer just "against tanks" — it is now a universal destroyer.

Earlier, in May, Rostec had already boasted that the Kornet was capable of penetrating any armor, including active protection and a tank turret. Now, with the new cassette, he is also four times more resilient — he can work in conditions of intense combat, where every shot decides.

The updated complex is currently undergoing pilot military operation - that is, it is already being tested in real conditions, with the participation of the military. If everything goes well, the new version of the Cornet will quickly enter service.

The US Space Force unites purchasers and the military to make satellites smarter and more reliable

 

The US Space Force is taking a serious step towards becoming a truly combat-ready and well-coordinated structure. Now, those who buy and build satellites will work in conjunction with those who then use them in real operations. This was announced on July 23 by Lieutenant General Philip Garrant at the Ascend conference, the main space forum from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).

In fact, we are talking about a complete restructuring. Instead of developing satellites "at random" or according to abstract technical specifications, now everything will be built around specific tasks — for example, warning of missile attacks or space surveillance. For this purpose, new divisions are being created — the so-called delta system units. They will be responsible for the purchase, creation and launch of satellites.

And in parallel, there are delta missions that are already working in the Space Operations Command and control these very satellites every day. Now these two teams — those who build and those who use — will work hand in hand. Moreover, operators will now be responsible for updating, maintaining, and even decommissioning equipment themselves. That is, the full life cycle — from the idea to the disposal.

Why all this? To remove bureaucracy and speed up processes. Previously, if a satellite had a problem, you had to wait for the two generals (procurement and operations) to come to an agreement. Now, two colonels — one from the "system delta", the other from the "delta mission" - just sit down at the table and resolve the issue on the spot.

According to Garrant, the Space Force is moving from the stage of "we are just being created" to the stage of "we are a full—fledged military service." Now the form adapts to the function: everything is built around specific combat missions, and not abstract departments like "intelligence" or "cybersecurity".

As a result, satellites should become more reliable, appear faster in space and better meet the real needs of the army. And this, in turn, can greatly strengthen the US position in the space race, especially against the background of the activity of China and Russia.

Czech Republic to strengthen air defense: buys 24 MARS combat vehicles with RBS 70 NG missiles

MARS

The Czech Republic is taking a serious step towards strengthening its air defense — the country has ordered 24 MARS (Mobile Artillery Rocket System) combat vehicles equipped with modern RBS 70 NG anti-aircraft missiles. This is not just a replacement of old equipment, but a real modernization aimed at combating the threats of modern times — drones, helicopters and low-flying targets.

The MARS system, developed by the Swedish company Saab, is a mobile complex on a wheeled chassis that quickly turns around, shoots and leaves the position. Instead of artillery, there are launchers for RBS 70 NG, light but very accurate laser—guided missiles. They are ideal for short and medium range damage.

The RBS 70 NG is no longer just an old anti—aircraft gun. It is a digital, interference-proof system capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 9 km. And the main thing is to react quickly to sudden threats, for example, when a drone appears from behind a hill and flies directly to the base.

For the Czech Republic, which is actively modernizing its army and strengthening its defense in the face of an unstable situation in Europe, such an order is a logical and timely move. Now the Czech troops will have a modern, mobile and effective shield against air attacks — and all this on wheels, without being tied to stationary objects.

The US Space Force will digitize old radars to keep up with new threats

The old radars, which have been tracking rockets and objects in space for decades, risked becoming museum exhibits. But the US Space Force decided not to change them, but simply to "reset" them. A large-scale digitization of six outdated ground-based radars across the country is currently underway.

The bottom line is this: instead of building new stations from scratch (which is expensive and time-consuming), we decided to modernize the old ones. The antennas and the basic structure will be left inside, but the "brains" will be completely changed — modern digital stuffing will be installed. This will give several advantages at once: radars will become more accurate, process data faster, see better what is happening both in the sky and in space, and they will break less often.

In addition, such an upgrade will save a lot of money on maintenance — old analog systems have long been "demanding mercy": spare parts are difficult to find, there are few specialists, and breakdowns are frequent. Now everything will be easier and more reliable with digital systems.

All this is for a reason. Threats are changing: supersonic missiles, Chinese spy satellites, Russian anti-satellite systems... America needs to keep its finger on the pulse. And these "updated grandmothers" are supposed to help keep things in order, both in orbit and above the Earth.

Northrop Grumman and the US Air Force have found a way out of the impasse with Sentinel missiles

Do you remember that big scandal surrounding the new American LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile? The project, which Northrop Grumman is engaged in, is literally stuck: the cost has skyrocketed, and deadlines are shifting, and work on the launch complexes had to be frozen. It was a real headache for both the company and the US Air Force.

But it seems that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The CEO of Northrop Grumman officially announced today: the company and the US Air Force have finally reached an agreement to restructure this entire problematic program. What does this mean in a simple language? They sat down at the negotiating table, reviewed their plans, perhaps redistributed money and risks, and now they have found a common language.

The most important thing is that work on the launch complexes has resumed. Workers can dig, concret, and build infrastructure for new rockets again. This is a huge step forward, because without ready-made silos, the Sentinel rocket itself will simply have nowhere to put it.

The program to replace the old Minuteman III missiles with modern Sentinels is a cornerstone in updating the American ground—based nuclear shield. The delays were critical, and the pressure on Northrop Grumman was enormous. Now, after this agreement, the project seems to be heading in the right direction again.

The Italian army has officially commissioned the first upgraded Ariete C2 main battle tank

 

The Italian army has officially commissioned the first upgraded Ariete C2 main battle tank, an updated version of the Italian Cat, whose prototype was first rolled on the parade ground of the Cecchignola military complex in Rome. The ceremony was attended by the Chief of the General Staff of the Italian Armed Forces, General Giuseppe Cauza, Deputy Minister of Defense Francesco Loredan, as well as the leadership of the Iveco – Oto Melara consortium (CIO), which plays a key role in the tank lifecycle program.  

What has changed in Ariete C2  

1. Electronics and sensors: now there is a new generation digital fire control system with a 3rd generation thermal imaging channel and a high-precision laser rangefinder.  

2. Reservation: modular composite protection class 4+ (STANAG 4569 standard) with the possibility of quick replacement of damaged segments.

3. Engine: 1,500 hp Iveco MTCA 12V turbodiesel and new ZF LSG 3000 automatic transmission provide a specific power of 27 hp/t and a maximum highway speed of 70 km/h.  

4. Armament: retained 120mm smoothbore Rheinmetall Rh-120 L/44, but added an electromechanical gunner and the ability to fire guided LAHAT projectiles.  

5. Connectivity and network centricity: Fully integrated into the Forza NEC digital tactical network of the Italian Army, which allows real-time data exchange with UAVs, artillery and infantry.  

A total of 90 Ariete machines are planned to be upgraded to the C2 standard by 2030. The order is divided into two lots:

- lot 1 — 35 tanks, contract €350 million, completion until 2027.;  

- Lot 2 — 55 tanks, €480 million contract, options for further upgrade to C3.  

The work is being carried out at the OTO Melara plant in La Spezia: the hulls are being cut, the frontal projections are being reinforced, new tower modules are being installed and the internal "stuffing" is being changed. The first 10 vehicles will be tested in Sardinia at the Salto di Quirra training ground, after which they will be delivered to the 132nd Ariete Tank Regiment in Taranto.  

The renewal of the fleet will allow Italy to keep the only domestic MBT in service until the arrival of the promising Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) together with France and Germany (2035+). The Ariete C2 is to complete the tasks of strengthening NATO's eastern flank, participating in EU Battlegroup missions, and ensuring compatibility with Allied Leopard 2A8 and M1A2 SEPv4 tanks.

The return of the nuclear-powered missile carrier USS Connecticut (SSN-22) to service has been postponed until at least the end of 2026

  The reason for such a long downtime was the severe damage to the hull and equipment sustained in October 2021 in a collision with an unknown seamount in the South China Sea, as well as the rarity of the boat itself: the Connecticut belongs to the small Seawolf class, designed at the end of the Cold War to confront the Soviet navy. In total, three such submarines have been built, and each of them is considered a strategic asset, so restoration requires unique components and technologies that are no longer produced.

The Pentagon stresses that the return of Connecticut to combat duty is critical for the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region. China's growing naval presence, including the expansion of its fleet of nuclear submarines and the creation of new bases on artificial islands, is forcing the US Navy to keep every available unit in service. At the same time, the Columbia program, the next generation of strategic submarines, is experiencing delays due to a shortage of qualified shipyards and a shortage of components. As a result, until 2030, the fleet can have only a limited number of high-class nuclear submarines capable of performing long-term covert patrols.

An internal investigation by the US Navy revealed that the accident was the result of systematic errors by the crew. In particular, the team violated navigation procedures, ignored sonar warnings and did not conduct a proper risk analysis in an unexplored area. As a result, the ship's commander and his deputy were dismissed, and several officers were reprimanded. The Navy has also revised the standards for training navigation calculations and will introduce additional simulators for submariners to avoid a repeat of the incident.

The Connecticut is being repaired at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton. First, engineers must completely cut out and replace the affected bow compartment, where the sonar system is located, and then upgrade the communication systems, weapons and reactor. It is expected that the work will require at least 400,000 man-hours and over 450 million dollars. In parallel, an upgrade to the Seawolf Block III level will be carried out, including new sensors and launch capabilities for unmanned underwater vehicles.

Israel is modernizing the Air Force: 75 F-35I "Adir" are expected by 2030

 F-35I "Adir"

Israel continues to build up its air force and relies on the F-35I "Adir", its unique version of the American fifth—generation fighter F-35A. According to an agreement with Lockheed Martin and the US government, Israel plans to receive 75 such aircraft by 2030.

The first two F-35is were delivered back in 2016, and since then deliveries have been coming in batches. All this time, the aircraft have been building up their combat potential at the Nevatim Airbase, where several squadrons based on them have already been created.

This is not just a copy of the American F-35 — it is a full-fledged joint project in which Israeli specialists have implemented their technologies. For example, the electronic warfare complex from Elbit Systems, its own communication and control systems, enlarged fuel tanks, and even weapons developed in Israel.

Thanks to these improvements, the Adir is considered one of the most advanced F-35s in the world, capable of operating effectively in a complex electronic environment and delivering precision strikes at long distances.

By 2025, the Israeli Air Force already has about 46 F-35I fighters distributed in three squadrons. Deliveries are continuing, and the fleet is expected to reach 75 aircraft by 2030, which will be a major boost for Israeli aviation.

The F-35I Adir program is a key element of the modernization of the Israeli Air Force and an important part of its strategic superiority in the region. These fighters provide not only a qualitative leap in combat capabilities, but also emphasize the close military-technical cooperation between Israel and the United States.