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 Pentagon wants to create two "kings of armaments" — who will rule the procurement of the Navy and the Air Force?

The Pentagon seems to have decided to bring order to the chaos with arms purchases. A large—scale reform is currently being discussed: two new super-duties are being created - literally "royal", as they have already been dubbed in behind-the-scenes conversations. These executives will have full control over the largest procurement programs, first the Navy and then the Air Force, and they will report directly to Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg. The goal is to speed up decision—making, reduce bureaucracy, and finally bring to mind projects that have been drowning in reports and delays for years.

According to sources, Vice Admiral Robert Gaucher, an experienced commander of the Navy's submarine forces, is being considered for the role of the "tsar" of the submarine fleet. It is he who can take under his wing all underwater programs, including strategic nuclear submarines and the latest torpedoes. And on the Air Force side, Lieutenant General Dale White, the current Deputy Minister of Procurement, is likely to step into this role. He faces a difficult task: overseeing such gigantic projects as the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, the new F-47 fighter jet and, most acutely, the problematic Sentinel intercontinental missile, which has long been overdue and overspent its budget.

The scale of these new positions has not yet been definitively determined, but one thing is clear: the Pentagon is serious about reforming the system. If it works, it could be a turning point for the entire American defense.

The "Super Squadron" in action: US Air Force integrates F-16 in South Korea

 

The US Air Force in Korea has launched the next, most practical stage of a large-scale experiment called the "super squadron." On July 28, the relocation of the first wave of F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters from Kunsan Airbase to the larger Osan Airbase began. The 36th Fighter Squadron, based in Osan, began to receive these aircraft, and their fleet has significantly expanded.

The essence of the experiment is simple, but ambitious: what if we put more aircraft and technical personnel under a single command at one base? The goal is to check whether this will lead to a real increase in combat power and, importantly, to an increase in operational efficiency. Instead of dividing resources between two different bases and squadrons, the USAF wants to see how much more efficient it can be when everything is "together under one roof."

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to optimize forces in the region. The integration of the F-16 in Osan, which is the largest American air base in the country, should simplify logistics, speed up maintenance and flight preparation cycles, and improve coordination between pilots and ground services. If the experiment proves successful, such a "super squadron" could become the new norm for the US Air Force in South Korea, demonstrating readiness for any challenges in the region.

The U.S. Air Force will receive two B-21 Raiders in 2026

The US military has officially confirmed that in fiscal year 2026, the US Air Force will receive the first two B-21 Raider strategic bombers, new stealth aircraft designed to form the basis of the country's nuclear triad potential in the coming decades.  

These vehicles will arrive in the so-called "test configuration", that is, they will not be fully operational immediately. But at the same time, they will meet all production standards and will be able to be quickly put into combat mode — for example, by removing unnecessary equipment such as a test nose beam.

Production of the B-21 will take place at the Northrop Grumman plant in Palmdale, California, which is one of the most closed and technologically advanced aerospace plants in the United States.  

The budget for 2026 allocated 10.3 billion dollars to expand production and accelerate the release of the B-21, of which about 4.5 billion will be spent on increasing the production of these aircraft.  

Currently, it is planned to produce 7-8 bombers per year, and the total number of ordered vehicles may range from 100 to 145 units. It depends on how events develop and how quickly production can be established.

The first B-21s will provide partial combat readiness, and full-scale mass deployment will begin in the following years. This is important because the B-21 is not just an upgrade, but a qualitatively new aircraft capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons, while remaining virtually invisible to radar.

So we can say that the era of new strategic bombers begins next year, and the B—21 Raider will become its symbol.

B—21 Raider

The E-7 Wedgetail radar aircraft project is under threat of cancellation in favor of space exploration systems

The project of the E-7 Wedgetail radar aircraft of the US Air Force faced serious difficulties and was in danger of failure. U.S. Secretary of Defense Hegseth said that the possibility of canceling this expensive project is being considered in order to redirect funding to the development of space exploration and surveillance systems. 

The E-7 Wedgetail is a modern long—range radar detection and control aircraft designed to replace outdated platforms and enhance aerial reconnaissance capabilities. However, the growing importance of space technology and the need to strengthen the space component of national security are forcing the Pentagon to rethink its priorities.

The abandonment of the E-7 Wedgetail project reflects a strategic shift in U.S. defense policy, where space is becoming a key arena for intelligence gathering and monitoring potential threats. In the context of increasing competition in the space sector and technological progress, investments in satellite and other space systems are considered more promising and effective.

However, the cancellation or slowdown of the E-7 Wedgetail program may create a temporary gap in aerial reconnaissance capabilities, which will cause concern among military experts and US allies. Further discussion and final decision on the fate of the project are expected in the coming months.

The U.S. Air Force begins construction of new over-the-horizon radars in Oregon to detect missile threats

 

The US Air Force has announced the start of a project to build the first two over-the-horizon radars in the state of Oregon. These radars, capable of detecting approaching missile threats at a distance of up to 4,000 nautical miles, will become an important element of the country's missile defense system. 

In a notice published in the Federal Register last week, the Air Force announced the launch of an environmental audit for two regions of Oregon where it plans to deploy radar installations. This process will take about two years and will be a key stage before the start of the active construction phase.

Over-the-horizon radars are an advanced technology that makes it possible to track objects beyond the line of sight using the reflection of radio waves from the ionosphere. Due to their unique ability to detect threats at great distances, these systems play a key role in ensuring the security of the state from potential missile attacks.

The choice of Oregon for radar deployment is due to its geographical location, which makes it possible to control the airspace over the Pacific Ocean as effectively as possible. However, the implementation of the project requires a thorough environmental impact analysis, including an assessment of the impact on the local flora, fauna and population.

The development and implementation of over-the-horizon radars underscore the United States' commitment to maintaining technological leadership in the field of defense. The successful implementation of the Oregon project will be an important step towards creating a more reliable early warning system for missile threats.

Explosion at the Northrop Grumman plant: consequences for the US aerospace industry

The aftermath of the explosion at the Northrop Grumman plant

On April 16, a powerful explosion occurred at the Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems plant located in Promontory, Utah. The incident completely destroyed one of the buildings of the enterprise where solid-fuel rocket engines (SRM) are manufactured. This event has caused serious concern in the aerospace industry, given the company's key role in supporting both government and commercial space programs.

Northrop's Innovation Systems, formerly known as Orbital ATK, is the main supplier of solid-fuel rocket engines in the United States, covering almost 90 percent of the country's needs. These engines play a crucial role in supporting the activities of the US Air Force, NASA, and commercial space launches. Failure of such a strategic contractor may lead to delays in the implementation of national and international projects.

The causes of the explosion are currently being investigated. According to preliminary data, the incident did not cause any human casualties, but the scale of the destruction was significant. The US Air Force has already sent a request to Northrop Grumman demanding to provide a detailed report on the incident and assess the impact of the incident on current contracts.

Experts note that the accident at this facility highlights the need to diversify production of critical components for the space industry. Dependence on a single supplier, especially in the face of growing geopolitical tensions, can become a vulnerability for the American defense and space industries.

While the company is conducting an internal investigation, the question remains as to how quickly production will be restored and what measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Leadership change in the US Air Force Special Operations Command

General Anthony Greene

According to a statement released by AFSOC officials, the top commander of the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), General Anthony Greene, who has 20,000 personnel, has been relieved of his post due to a "loss of confidence in his ability to carry out his duties."

Details of the leadership change

- Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC): This is a unit of the United States Air Force responsible for conducting special operations, including sabotage, reconnaissance, and other special-purpose missions.

-General Anthony Greene: He was the head of AFSOC and was relieved of his post due to "loss of confidence in his ability to perform his duties."

- Strength: The Air Force Special Operations Command has about 20,000 personnel, including pilots, paratroopers, and intelligence specialists.

The reasons for the management change were not disclosed in the official statement, but such decisions are usually made due to unsatisfactory results or management problems. This may be due to errors in the planning of operations, incorrect decisions, or other factors that may affect the effectiveness of the command.

A change of leadership at AFSOC may affect current and future operations. The new commander will be required to assess the current state and identify areas for improvement. This may include reviewing the strategy, improving staff training, and strengthening management.

Royal Air Force typhoons and US B-52s conduct joint exercises in the Middle East

 The Typhoons deployed to the Middle East escorted U.S. Air Force B-52 bombers and conducted integration exercises with regional and coalition air forces as part of the Operational Bomber Group (BTF)'s ongoing operations.

During the missions, which included night and day sorties, Royal Air Force fighters flew side by side with regional allied aircraft, including, for the first time, F-16 fighters of the Iraqi Air Force.The American bombers, currently based at the Fairford Air Force Base in Gloucestershire, flew through the airspace of Europe and the Middle East., integrating with coalition forces before conducting live-fire exercises at training ranges throughout the region. The British Air Force Typhoon fighters, supported by the Voyager multipurpose transport tanker, worked in coordination with two U.S. Air Force KC-135 tankers to maintain operational pace during flights, the Royal Air Force said in an update.

American B-52s conducted exercises with Turkey, dropping inert weapons as part of the Spartan Sword mission

 

American B-52 bombers take off from England to "bomb" Turkey

Two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomber Squadron at Fairford Royal Air Force Base, England, completed the Spartan Sword Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission, demonstrating the "combined strength and interoperability" of NATO.                     

The strategic bombers were escorted by F-16 fighters of the Turkish Air Force, after which they dropped inert weapons in coordination with the Joint Ground Attack Control Centers of the United States and Turkey (JTAC) about 150 miles northwest of the Incirlik air Base in Turkey.

American Navy Pilot Survives F-35 Fighter Jet Crash at Alaska Base

The moment of the plane crash

On Tuesday, a single-seat F-35 fighter jet crashed at the Elson Air Force Base in Alaska. According to reports, the pilot survived and is safe. The incident has aroused considerable interest and concern, as the F-35 is one of the most modern and expensive fighter jets in the U.S. Air Force arsenal.

According to Senior Sergeant Kimberly Touchet, the crash occurred on the runway of the Elson base. At the moment, it is unknown whether the crash occurred during takeoff or landing of the fighter. The investigation into the causes of the incident is ongoing, and the military authorities have not yet provided additional details.

The main positive news is that the pilot of the F-35 fighter jet has survived and is safe. This indicates the high level of training of the USAF pilots and the effectiveness of the safety systems installed on modern fighter jets.

The F-35 fighter jet is a key element in the arsenal of the US Air Force. This fifth-generation multirole fighter has advanced stealth technology, making it virtually invisible to enemy radars. The F-35 is also equipped with powerful sensors and weapons systems, allowing it to perform a wide range of combat missions, including aerial combat, strikes against ground targets, and reconnaissance.

The incident with the crash of the F-35 at the Elson base raises serious questions about the causes of the incident and the possible consequences for the F-35 program. Military authorities have already launched an investigation to determine what exactly led to the crash. The results of the investigation may have important implications for the future use and modernization of the F-35 fighter jets.

The crash of an F-35 fighter jet at the Elson Base in Alaska is a serious incident that requires a thorough investigation. Despite the fact that the pilot survived, this event highlights the importance of continuous improvement of technologies and safety systems in aviation. The U.S. Air Force is likely to take additional measures to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure the safety of its pilots and equipment.