Defense & Military
US Air Force Proposes 45% Cut to F-35A Purchases in 2026 Budget
Pentagon budget plan reduces F-35A orders from 44 to 24 jets, citing TR-3 delays and NGAD funding. Congress seeks higher procurement to maintain readiness.
The U.S. Air Force’s procurement of the F-35A Lightning II is set for a significant reduction in fiscal year 2026, according to a draft budget plan from the Pentagon. The proposed cut, reducing the buy from 44 aircraft in 2025 to 24 in 2026, marks a notable shift in the Air Force’s fighter acquisition strategy. This move has sparked concern among defense analysts, lawmakers, and industry stakeholders, as it could impact national security, industrial base stability, and long-term modernization goals.
The F-35 program, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a cornerstone of U.S. airpower modernization. Designed to replace aging fleets of F-15s and F-16s, the stealth multirole fighter provides advanced capabilities in air superiority, ground attack, and intelligence gathering. However, the proposed reduction, driven by budgetary pressures, delays in the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) upgrades, and shifting priorities, raises questions about the future trajectory of the program and the readiness of the Air Force’s tactical fighter fleet.
According to documents reported by Bloomberg News, the Air Force plans to purchase 24 F-35As in FY2026 at a cost of $3.5 billion, with an additional $531 million for advance procurement of materials. This is a sharp decline from the 44 aircraft approved for purchase in 2025. The reduction is attributed to constrained budgets, delays in TR-3 upgrades (enhancing weapons, electronic warfare, and target recognition), and the need to fund other priorities.
The unit cost of an F-35A is approximately $82.5 million in recent contracts. Reduced orders disrupt economies of scale, potentially increasing per-unit costs in future years due to fixed production expenses.
The Air Force has emphasized the need to modernize its fighter fleet to counter emerging threats from near-peer adversaries like China and Russia. The aging inventory of F-15s and F-16s, many nearing the end of their operational lives, underscores this urgency. Air Force leaders, as noted by the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, state that acquiring at least 72 new fighters annually is essential to maintain operational readiness and reduce the average age of the fleet.
However, the service’s strategy includes investments in next-generation platforms, such as the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, which aims to provide air superiority through crewed and uncrewed systems, sensor fusion, and artificial intelligence. The F-35 cut is partly a “billpayer” for NGAD and other programs like the B-21 bomber, according to industry sources. Balancing these future investments with current fleet requirements remains challenging, and analysts warn that cutting F-35 procurement could create capability gaps.
“There’s no way the Air Force or the nation can afford to bring down the fighter buy rate,” said Doug Birkey, Executive Director of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. “We need 72 fighters per year just to tread water.”
The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense has advanced a spending bill that would fund 42 F-35As for the Air Force in FY2026, rejecting the Pentagon’s proposed cut. This reflects bipartisan concerns about maintaining fighter readiness and supporting the defense industrial base. Lawmakers have expressed frustration with the administration’s delayed FY2026 budget rollout, which complicates oversight and planning.
Given the F-35 program’s strategic importance and its role in allied interoperability, Congress is likely to push for funding closer to historical norms. President Donald Trump has previously praised the F-35’s capabilities, adding pressure to align the budget with congressional expectations. The F-35 program supports a vast industrial ecosystem across the United States and allied nations. A reduction in orders can create instability, affecting jobs, production timelines, and cost control. Lockheed Martin’s stock dropped approximately 6% following news of the proposed cut, though it later partially recovered, as reported by Business Insider.
Doug Birkey noted that inconsistent procurement targets cause “whiplash” within the supply chain, making it difficult for manufacturers to plan long-term investments and retain skilled labor. This unpredictability undermines efforts to maintain a robust defense industrial base, a priority for both the Department of Defense and Congress. Stable production is critical for surging output in response to future conflicts or geopolitical crises.
The F-35 is a multinational program with participation from allies like the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, and Japan. U.S. procurement decisions directly affect these partners, who rely on program stability for their own acquisition planning and industrial participation. Reductions in U.S. orders could lead to delays or cost increases for allied nations, potentially straining defense relationships and complicating joint operations. The F-35’s interoperability is a key asset in coalition warfare, and disruptions could impact NATO and other alliances, as noted by industry sources.
Globally, air forces are investing in fifth-generation capabilities, and the F-35 remains a benchmark for stealth, sensor fusion, and networked warfare. Ensuring its continued affordability and availability is a shared strategic interest among allies.
The proposed cut to F-35A procurement in FY2026 represents a pivotal moment in U.S. defense planning. Driven by budgetary constraints, TR-3 delays, and investments in next-generation programs, the reduction poses risks to fleet readiness, industrial stability, and international defense cooperation. Congressional efforts to restore funding highlight the program’s importance. Balancing current operational needs with future capabilities will require careful coordination between the Pentagon, Congress, and industry stakeholders.
As the defense landscape evolves, the F-35 remains a critical component of U.S. and allied airpower. Decisions made in the coming months will shape the future of the fighter fleet and military modernization in an increasingly contested global environment.
Sources: Reuters, Reuters, Defense News, Defense News, Air & Space Forces Magazine
Air Force F-35 Procurement Slashed in Pentagon’s FY2026 Budget Proposal
Budget Realignment and Strategic Trade-Offs
Understanding the Numbers
Balancing Present Needs with Future Capabilities
Congressional Response and Alternative Proposals
Industrial Base and Global Implications
Impact on the Supply Chain
International Considerations
Conclusion
FAQ
The reduction is due to budgetary pressures, delays in TR-3 upgrades, and the need to fund next-generation programs like NGAD.
Under the Pentagon’s draft budget, the Air Force plans to buy 24 F-35As, down from 44 in FY2025.
A cut in orders could disrupt the supply chain, increase per-unit costs, and hinder future production scalability.
Photo Credit: Defense News
Defense & Military
Indonesia Orders 12 Pilatus PC-24 Jets for Air Force Modernization
Indonesia signs contract for 12 Pilatus PC-24 jets and LOI for 24 PC-21 trainers to enhance Air Force training and transport capabilities.
This article is based on an official press release from Pilatus Aircraft.
The Indonesian Ministry of Defense has officially selected the Pilatus PC-24 to modernize the Indonesian Air Force’s transport pilot training, air transport, and liaison capabilities. According to a recent press release from Pilatus Aircraft, a firm contract for 12 PC-24 “Super Versatile Jets” has been signed. The agreement was facilitated by PT E-System Solutions Indonesia, an authorized defense contractor acting on behalf of the Ministry of Defense.
In addition to the jet acquisition, the parties simultaneously signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the supply of 24 Pilatus PC-21 advanced turboprop trainers. This parallel agreement signals a comprehensive overhaul of the Indonesian Air Force’s training pipeline, providing a tiered approach to preparing military aviators for complex modern missions.
For a nation comprising an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, logistical reach and operational flexibility are paramount. The Pilatus press release notes that the PC-24’s unique ability to operate from short, unpaved runways was a decisive factor in the Ministry of Defense’s selection, ensuring greater accessibility to Indonesia’s most remote regions.
The contract for the 12 PC-24 aircraft includes a comprehensive support package. According to Pilatus, the deal encompasses ground support equipment, specialized tools, spare parts, pilot training, and ongoing technical support directly from the manufacturer’s headquarters in Stans, Switzerland. The agreement also includes options for the procurement of additional aircraft in the future.
The PC-24 is uniquely positioned for government and military-aircraft applications. The manufacturer highlights that the aircraft is certified for single-pilot operation and features a standard pallet-sized cargo door. Crucially, it is approved for use on unpaved, dirt, and grass runways. These design elements allow the aircraft to rapidly transition between instrument flight rules (IFR) pilot training, VIP transport, and remote liaison duties.
Operating across thousands of islands presents unique logistical hurdles for the Indonesian military, as many remote outposts rely on short or poorly maintained airstrips. The rough-field capability of the PC-24 directly addresses this challenge, expanding the operational footprint of the Air Force without requiring extensive infrastructure upgrades.
“We appreciate the trust placed in Pilatus by the Indonesian Ministry of Defense. This program marks the beginning of a long-term relationship, and our priority is to support Indonesia in putting the fleet into service smoothly.”, Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus
The simultaneous LOI for 24 PC-21 turboprop trainers highlights a strategic shift in how Indonesia prepares its military pilots. The PC-21 package will include ground-based training equipment, spare parts, and technical support. Industry research indicates that combining high-performance turboprops with light jets mirrors the tiered training architectures currently utilized by NATO and other advanced Asia-Pacific air forces. Defense analysts note that introducing the PC-24 into the training fleet allows student pilots to experience jet performance, multi-engine operations, and complex avionics earlier in their careers, all while maintaining lower operational costs compared to traditional frontline military jets.
“The selection by the Indonesian Air Force emphasizes the growing interest of government operators in our PC-24 Super Versatile Jet. We remain focused on supplying solutions to facilitate various missions ranging from training to transport.”, Ioannis Papachristofilou, Vice President of Government Aviation at Pilatus
The Pilatus acquisition is part of a much larger, multi-layered modernization effort within the Indonesian military. Supplementary industry research reveals that Indonesia has been aggressively upgrading its rotary, heavy transport, and combat fleets. In September 2024, the country ordered four Airbus H145 helicopters for military training and light search-and-rescue. Furthermore, Indonesian crews are currently training to operate the Airbus A400M Atlas heavy transport aircraft. In February 2026, Indonesia also signed LOIs for Leonardo M-346 Master trainer jets and Russian-made MiG-29s to establish an “aggressor squadron” for advanced combat wargames.
The intermediary for the Pilatus contract, PT E-System Solutions Indonesia, is emerging as a highly active player in the region’s defense procurement. According to industry reports, the company is a subsidiary of UAE-based E-System Solution FZ. Beyond the Pilatus agreement, the contractor was also involved in the recent Leonardo and MiG-29 LOIs. In late 2025, the company acquired a significant interest in TRUVELO Specialised Manufacturing, a South African arms manufacturer, and its CEO recently announced plans to purchase 14 MD light helicopters to develop a hybrid manned-unmanned aviation ecosystem.
We view the Indonesian Ministry of Defense’s selection of the PC-24 as a strong indicator of a growing global trend toward utilizing versatile, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) business jets for specialized military roles. Indonesia joins a notable list of military operators adopting the PC-24; the French Navy recently leased three units for IFR training, and the Qatar Emiri Air Force currently operates two. By leveraging the PC-24’s unpaved runway certification, Indonesia is effectively bridging the gap between a traditional VIP transport jet and a rugged tactical airlifter, maximizing the utility of its defense budget while addressing the specific geographic realities of its archipelago.
What is the Pilatus PC-24? The Pilatus PC-24 is a light business jet developed in Switzerland, marketed as a “Super Versatile Jet.” It features a standard cargo door and is uniquely certified to operate from short, unpaved, dirt, and grass runways.
How many aircraft is Indonesia acquiring? The Indonesian Ministry of Defense has signed a firm contract for 12 PC-24 jets, with options for more. Additionally, they have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for 24 Pilatus PC-21 turboprop trainers.
Why did Indonesia choose the PC-24? According to Pilatus, the aircraft’s ability to take off and land on short, unpaved runways was a decisive factor, as it allows the Indonesian Air Force to access remote islands across the 17,000-island nation for transport, training, and liaison missions.
Introduction
Modernizing Indonesia’s Air Capabilities
The Geographic Imperative
A Layered Approach to Pilot Training
Broader Defense Procurement Context
The Role of PT E-System Solutions Indonesia
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Sources
Photo Credit: Pilatus
Defense & Military
USAF Deploys F-35A Lightning II to Misawa Air Base Japan
The U.S. Air Force permanently stations F-35A Lightning II jets at Misawa Air Base, enhancing the 13th Fighter Squadron’s capabilities in Japan.
This article is based on an official press release from the U.S. Air Force.
The U.S. Air Forces has officially begun its transition to fifth-generation airpower at Misawa Air Base in northern Japan. On March 28, 2026, the first F-35A Lightning II Military-Aircraft assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron touched down at the installation, marking a significant milestone in the Department of the Air Force’s ongoing modernization efforts.
According to the official press release, the arrival of these advanced tactical aircraft represents the permanent stationing of the F-35A in the region. The deployment is designed to reinforce the United States’ commitment to the defense of Japan and to sustain peace through strength across the Indo-Pacific theater.
The transition follows months of extensive preparation by airmen across the 35th Fighter Wing. The Air Force noted that these preparations included formal Training, infrastructure upgrades, and logistical coordination to ensure the squadron can generate and sustain combat-ready aircraft immediately upon arrival.
The 13th Fighter Squadron, known historically for its “Wild Weasel” mission, specializing in the suppression of enemy air defenses, is transitioning from the legacy F-16 Fighting Falcon to the F-35A. The U.S. Air Force release states that the F-35 excels at operating and surviving in advanced threat environments, bringing next-generation stealth and fully integrated Avionics to the fight.
“The F-35 was tailor made to be a weasel platform,” said Lt. Col. John Widmer, 13th Fighter Squadron commander, in the official release. “Where legacy platforms performed the Wild Weasel mission with bolted-on sensors or weapons, the F-35 was built from the ground up as a sensor platform with the sensor fusion and quarterback capability we bring to the fight.”
Widmer further emphasized in the release that the stealth capability and advanced sensor package allow pilots to manage the entire spectrum of enemy threats, providing a distinct tactical advantage over adversaries.
Misawa Air Base’s forward position makes it a critical hub for maintaining regional stability. The permanent stationing of U.S. F-35s in northern Japan is expected to multiply the collective defense capabilities of the U.S.-Japan alliance.
According to the Air Force statement, the transition increases overall fighter capability, deepens interoperability with allied forces, and enhances deterrence across the military’s largest area of responsibility. “Bringing the F-35 to Misawa underscores our long-standing commitment to Japan and the region,” stated U.S. Air Force Col. Paul Davidson, 35th Fighter Wing commander. “It strengthens our ability to respond quickly and operate seamlessly with our Japanese partners.”
We view the permanent deployment of F-35A Lightning IIs to Misawa Air Base as a highlight of a broader strategic shift by the U.S. military to position its most advanced assets directly in the Indo-Pacific. By replacing legacy F-16s with fifth-generation stealth fighters, the U.S. Air Force is significantly upgrading its capabilities in a region characterized by increasingly sophisticated anti-access/area denial networks. The emphasis on the F-35’s “sensor fusion” capabilities suggests that these aircraft will not only serve as strike platforms but also as critical data nodes, sharing battlefield intelligence with Japanese and other allied forces in real-time.
The first F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron arrived at Misawa Air Base on March 28, 2026, according to the U.S. Air Force.
The “Wild Weasel” mission traditionally refers to the suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses. The 13th Fighter Squadron is upgrading from legacy platforms to the F-35A to execute this mission with advanced stealth and sensor capabilities.
Upgrading the “Wild Weasel” Mission
Strategic Implications for the Indo-Pacific
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the F-35As arrive at Misawa Air Base?
What is the “Wild Weasel” mission?
Sources
Photo Credit: Department of War
Defense & Military
Volatus Aerospace and Sentinel R&D Partner on Canadian Interceptor UAV
Volatus Aerospace and Sentinel R&D sign a non-binding MOU to develop a Canadian interceptor UAV platform supporting sovereign defense capabilities.
This article is based on an official press release from Volatus Aerospace Inc.
Volatus Aerospace Inc. has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sentinel R&D Inc. to develop a Canadian-developed interceptor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform. According to a company press release, the collaboration aims to support Canada’s sovereign UAV capabilities and align with evolving defense and security requirements.
The agreement brings together Sentinel’s expertise in advanced composite UAV structures and airframe engineering with Volatus’s background in systems integration, autonomy software, and global commercialization. We note that this partnership reflects a broader industry push toward domestic aerospace manufacturing and technological independence.
Under the newly established framework, the two companies will divide responsibilities to leverage their respective strengths. The official press release states that Sentinel is expected to handle the UAV platform engineering, airframe design, and composite manufacturing. Meanwhile, Volatus will take the lead on systems integration, mission systems, autonomy development, testing, and commercialization activities.
The companies also intend to explore opportunities for scalable Canadian production. This aligns with priority capability areas identified in Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, which emphasizes the need for sovereign industrial capacity in key defense technology domains.
“Volatus continues to execute on its strategy of combining Canadian manufacturing, autonomy software, and operational capability into an integrated aerospace platform, building an integrated aerospace and defence capability spanning manufacturing, autonomy, and operations,”
said Glen Lynch, Chief Executive Officer of Volatus Aerospace, in the press release. Lynch added that the collaboration reinforces the company’s investments in advanced manufacturing initiatives, including its Mirabel aerospace manufacturing facility and the V-Cortex AI autonomy platform.
The non-binding MOU serves as a foundational step for engineering cooperation and potential future commercial agreements between the two Canadian aerospace firms. While the agreement does not create binding purchase obligations, it sets the stage for further technical and commercial discussions.
“Volatus brings strong integration, autonomy, and operational expertise that complements Sentinel’s platform engineering capabilities. We believe this collaboration represents a meaningful opportunity to strengthen Canadian unmanned systems innovation and manufacturing capability,”
stated Dr. Katheron Intson, Chief Executive Officer of Sentinel R&D, according to the release. We observe that the partnership between Volatus Aerospace and Sentinel R&D highlights a growing trend among defense and aerospace companies to localize supply chains and manufacturing capabilities. By focusing on a Canadian-developed interceptor UAV platform, the collaboration directly addresses the objectives of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy. The integration of Sentinel’s modular, payload-agnostic fixed-wing drone designs with Volatus’s V-Cortex AI autonomy platform could position the joint effort as a competitive offering in both domestic and allied defense markets. However, as the current MOU is non-binding, the long-term impact will depend on the successful transition from engineering cooperation to formalized commercial production.
According to the press release, the companies intend to work together to advance a Canadian-developed interceptor UAV platform that aligns with evolving defense and security requirements.
Sentinel R&D is expected to provide UAV platform engineering, airframe design, and composite manufacturing expertise. Volatus Aerospace will lead systems integration, mission systems, autonomy development, testing, and commercialization.
No. The press release notes that the Memorandum of Understanding is non-binding and establishes a framework for engineering cooperation, subject to further technical and commercial discussions.
Volatus Aerospace and Sentinel R&D Forge Strategic UAV Partnership
Framework for a Sovereign Interceptor UAV
Combining Engineering and Autonomy
Strengthening Domestic Innovation
Leadership Perspectives
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the Volatus and Sentinel collaboration?
What will each company contribute to the partnership?
Is the agreement between Volatus and Sentinel legally binding?
Sources
Photo Credit: Volatus Aerospace
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