Defense & Military
F35 Crash at Eielson AFB Due to Frozen Hydraulic Fluid Causes $196 Million Loss
An F-35A crash at Eielson AFB caused by frozen hydraulic fluid highlights maintenance and reliability issues in extreme cold climates.
On January 28, 2025, a U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II crashed at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, marking a significant event in military aviation due to a combination of technical, procedural, and environmental failures. This incident resulted in the loss of an aircraft valued at $196.5 million and has since prompted a comprehensive investigation into the vulnerabilities of advanced fighter jets operating in extreme cold climates. The mishap not only highlighted the challenges posed by Arctic conditions but also exposed broader issues with maintenance protocols and the reliability of the F-35 fleet.
The crash, which was captured on video and widely reported, involved a cascade of failures beginning with water-contaminated hydraulic fluid freezing in the aircraft’s landing gear system. This led the flight control system to misinterpret the aircraft’s status, ultimately resulting in an uncontrollable situation. While the pilot safely ejected and survived with minor injuries, the event has sparked discussions about the readiness of the F-35 program for operations in harsh environments, as well as the importance of rigorous maintenance and decision-making processes.
The day of the accident began with routine air-to-air combat training for four F-35s from the 355th Fighter Squadron. The temperature in Fairbanks, Alaska, was close to zero degrees Fahrenheit, a critical factor in the subsequent mechanical failure. The aircraft involved was piloted by an experienced aviator with over 2,200 hours of flight experience, including substantial time on both the A-10 and F-35 platforms.
The mission’s first sign of trouble emerged after an extended period on the ground, during which the aircraft’s hydraulic fluid, already contaminated with water, had time to freeze within the nose landing gear system. After takeoff, the pilot noticed the nose gear would not retract. Attempts to extend the gear revealed it was stuck at an unsafe angle, making a normal landing impossible and eliminating the option of using Eielson’s arresting barrier system.
The pilot, accompanied by his wingman, entered a holding pattern while ground crews and Manufacturers and Lockheed Martin engineers joined a 50-minute conference call to troubleshoot the issue. The consensus was to attempt touch-and-go landings to realign the nose wheel. The first attempt failed; the second, conducted at higher speed, resulted in ice buildup spreading to both main landing gear struts. This triggered a catastrophic flight control failure, as sensors incorrectly indicated the aircraft was on the ground, causing the jet to enter an uncontrollable mode and forcing the pilot to eject.
The F-35 employs advanced automated flight control systems with multiple modes, including those for takeoff, landing, and ground operations. These modes rely on the Weight on Wheels (WoW) sensors, mechanical switches that detect the compression of landing gear struts to determine whether the aircraft is airborne or on the ground.
In this incident, the freezing of water-contaminated hydraulic fluid prevented the landing gear from fully extending, causing the WoW sensors to falsely register that the aircraft was grounded. As a result, the flight control system switched to “on ground” mode while the aircraft was still airborne at over 250 miles per hour and 372 feet above the runway. This mode, intended for taxiing and ground handling, rendered the jet uncontrollable in flight.
Lockheed Martin had previously identified risks associated with WoW sensor malfunctions, especially in cold weather. Maintenance bulletins had warned that unresolved WoW faults could lead to erratic flying qualities and controllability issues. However, these warnings were not fully integrated into the emergency decision-making process during the incident. “Not acting on a WoW switch fault could result in WoW switches faulting on a future flight which can cause erratic flying qualities making it difficult for the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft.”
— Lockheed Martin newsletter, April 2024
The investigation found that the root cause of the failure was water-contaminated hydraulic fluid, estimated at around 30 percent, well above acceptable levels. This contamination likely occurred due to improper storage and handling of hydraulic fluid barrels, which had been exposed to humid conditions during deployments and were inadequately tracked and supervised.
The 355th Fighter Generation Squadron lacked a dedicated hazardous materials manager, and critical documentation was missing or incomplete. Maintenance personnel used a hand cart instead of a nitrogen servicing cart and failed to flush lines properly, further increasing the risk of contamination. Both the barrel and servicing cart used for the mishap aircraft tested at more than double the acceptable particulate limits.
Alarmingly, a nearly identical hydraulic system problem occurred on another F-35 at Eielson just nine days later. In that case, the pilot landed safely, but the recurrence underscored systemic issues in maintenance discipline and procedural compliance.
The Eielson crash is the 15th recorded F-35 incident since the aircraft’s introduction. The F-35 program, initiated in 1995, has delivered nearly 1,100 aircraft globally but has faced a series of setbacks ranging from engine fires to system malfunctions and pilot disorientation events.
According to the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, the F-35 fleet’s availability rate stands at 51 percent, significantly below the target of 65 percent. This rate has declined since 2021, reflecting ongoing reliability and maintenance challenges. The F-35A variant achieves only 10.5 mean flight hours between critical failures, compared to the required 20 hours, and repair times for mission-critical failures routinely exceed operational requirements.
The Government Accountability Office has highlighted persistent supply chain issues and maintenance delays, with up to 27 percent of the fleet grounded due to supply problems and an additional 15 percent down for maintenance as of September 2023. These challenges have prompted congressional scrutiny and ongoing efforts to improve mission capability rates.
“The operational suitability of the F-35 fleet remains below service expectations and requirements.”
— Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, 2023 Annual Report The loss of the F-35A at Eielson represents a direct financial hit of $196.5 million, making it one of the most expensive single-aircraft losses in Air Force history. This figure covers only the replacement cost of the jet and does not account for investigation, cleanup, or operational disruption expenses.
The F-35 program is the most expensive weapons system in U.S. history, with a projected lifetime cost exceeding $1.7 trillion. Each aircraft loss reduces the return on this massive investment and impacts fleet readiness, training, and support infrastructure.
The incident also necessitated a fleet-wide review of hydraulic fluid handling and maintenance practices, adding indirect costs related to corrective actions and operational delays. The recurrence of similar problems in other aircraft suggests that the financial impact of maintenance failures could be far-reaching.
The Eielson crash underscores the unique challenges of operating advanced Military-Aircraft in Arctic environments. Extreme cold can compromise systems that function reliably in milder climates, as evidenced by the F-35’s hydraulic and sensor failures in Alaska. Previous incidents at Eielson have also involved cold-induced battery heating problems and false alarm triggers.
As geopolitical competition intensifies in the Arctic, reliable air power is crucial for U.S. strategy. Eielson AFB is a key hub for projecting force in the region, and any vulnerability in its F-35 fleet could have strategic consequences. The incident has prompted a reassessment of maintenance procedures, storage protocols, and cold-weather adaptations for F-35 operations.
Allied nations operating F-35s in similar climates, such as Norway, are likely to review their own practices in light of the Eielson findings. Norway, for instance, has equipped its F-35s with drag chutes for icy runways, a modification not present on U.S. models. The lessons from Eielson may drive further modifications and procedural changes across the global F-35 community.
The 50-minute conference call between the pilot, ground crew, and Lockheed Martin engineers was both a testament to real-time technical collaboration and a case study in decision-making under pressure. While the team made a good-faith effort to resolve the emergency, the chosen course of repeated touch-and-go attempts failed to account for the risks of cascading sensor failures.
Lockheed Martin’s prior guidance on WoW sensor risks was available to the engineering team but was not fully integrated into the crisis response. The investigation concluded that a planned full-stop landing or controlled ejection might have prevented the loss, had the broader risks been considered. The incident highlights the need for comprehensive emergency procedures that address the complex interactions between mechanical, environmental, and software systems in highly automated aircraft like the F-35. The recurrence of similar hydraulic problems shortly after the crash suggests that systemic improvements in maintenance discipline and decision-making protocols are urgently needed.
The Eielson F-35 crash was the result of a preventable chain of failures, from maintenance lapses and environmental challenges to system design vulnerabilities. The event exposed critical weaknesses in both the aircraft’s technical systems and the organizational processes meant to safeguard them. While the pilot survived, the loss of a $196.5 million asset and the subsequent revelations about fleet-wide maintenance discipline have prompted a reevaluation of F-35 readiness for Arctic operations.
Moving forward, the Air Force and its partners must implement lessons learned from this incident, including improved maintenance protocols, enhanced training, and revised emergency procedures tailored to the realities of extreme environments. As the F-35 continues to serve as a cornerstone of U.S. and allied air power, ensuring its reliability under all operational conditions is both a matter of financial responsibility and national security.
What caused the F-35 crash at Eielson Air Force Base? How much did the incident cost? Are there broader issues with F-35 reliability? What changes are being considered after the crash? Have similar incidents occurred elsewhere?
Frozen Landing Gear Malfunction Leads to $196.5 Million F-35 Lightning II Loss at Eielson Air Force Base
Incident Overview and Timeline
Technical Analysis: Flight Control System and Sensor Failures
Maintenance and Procedural Breakdown
Historical Context and Fleet Reliability
Financial Impact and Cost Analysis
Broader Implications for Arctic Operations
Lessons Learned and Decision-Making Analysis
Conclusion
FAQ
The crash was caused by water-contaminated hydraulic fluid freezing in the landing gear system, which led to sensor failures and the flight control system incorrectly switching to ground mode while airborne.
The direct loss was $196.5 million for the destroyed aircraft, not including investigation, cleanup, or operational disruption costs.
Yes. The F-35 fleet has experienced recurring reliability and maintenance challenges, with only 51% of aircraft available for operations compared to a 65% target.
The Air Force is reviewing maintenance protocols, storage procedures, and emergency decision-making processes, especially for operations in extreme cold climates.
Yes. Another F-35 at Eielson experienced similar hydraulic issues just nine days later, though it landed safely. Other cold weather-related failures have also been reported in Alaska.Sources
Photo Credit: Alaska Public Media
Defense & Military
Saab Reports Record 2025 Orders and Upgrades Growth Targets
Saab achieved record 2025 order bookings, raising growth targets with major contracts in Colombia, France, and Sweden boosting backlog to SEK 275 billion.
This article is based on an official press release from Saab.
Swedish defense and security company Saab has released its Year-End Report for 2025, detailing a historic period of financial performance driven by heightened global geopolitical tensions and a surge in European defense spending. According to the company’s official figures, Saab secured record-breaking orders in the fourth quarter alone, prompting management to significantly upgrade its medium-term growth targets for the 2023–2027 period.
The report highlights a dramatic increase in demand across Saab’s portfolio, ranging from advanced fighter jets to naval systems and surveillance solutions. With a total order backlog now reaching SEK 275 billion, the company is positioning itself to meet sustained demand through the latter half of the decade. In a statement accompanying the release, Saab President and CEO Micael Johansson emphasized the company’s strong execution during a volatile year.
“2025 was a record year for Saab… We have had much stronger sales for the first three years of the target range and for the remaining two years this implies an average growth of around 20% per year.”
, Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab
The fourth quarter of 2025 proved to be a pivotal period for the company. According to the financial results, Saab recorded SEK 100.1 billion in order bookings during Q4, contributing to a full-year total of SEK 168.5 billion, a 74% increase year-over-year. This surge has pushed the company’s total order backlog to SEK 275 billion, providing significant revenue visibility for the coming years.
Key financial metrics for the full year 2025 include:
Based on these results, Saab has revised its organic sales growth target. The company now aims for a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 22% for the period 2023–2027, an upgrade from the previous target of roughly 18%.
The massive influx of orders in late 2025 was driven by three major strategic contracts that validate Saab’s technology across air, sea, and surveillance domains. The press release and subsequent reporting highlight the following key agreements:
In a significant export victory, the Colombian government selected the Gripen E/F fighter system. The contract, valued at approximately EUR 3.1 billion (SEK 35 billion), covers the delivery of 17 aircraft. This deal establishes a long-term strategic partnership in South America and marks a successful expansion of the Gripen program against international competitors. Saab also secured a breakthrough in the European NATO market with an order from France for two GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft, valued at SEK 12.3 billion. Additionally, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) awarded Saab a SEK 9.6 billion contract to complete and deliver two Blekinge-class (A26) submarines, ensuring the modernization of Sweden’s underwater capabilities through the 2030s.
While the operational numbers are undeniably strong, the market reaction suggests a complex investment landscape. Despite beating expectations on earnings and revenue, Saab’s share price saw a slight decline immediately following the report. This “sell the news” reaction likely indicates that investors had already priced in a perfect execution scenario given the known geopolitical tailwinds.
Furthermore, the upgrade in growth targets to ~22% CAGR signals management’s confidence that the current “defense boom” is not a temporary spike but a structural shift in European security architecture. The success of the GlobalEye in France is particularly noteworthy; it represents a shift toward European strategic autonomy, where major NATO powers are increasingly opting for continental solutions over non-European alternatives. The challenge for Saab now shifts from winning orders to industrial execution, specifically, managing supply chains and expanding workforce capacity to deliver on a SEK 275 billion backlog.
Beyond financial metrics, Saab reported progress on its sustainability goals. The company achieved a 7% reduction in CO2 emissions year-over-year, remaining on track for its 2030 target of a 42% reduction. Looking ahead to 2026, the company stated it is heavily investing in capacity expansion, including new production facilities in the United States, Sweden, and India.
CEO Micael Johansson noted that while the geopolitical landscape remains uncertain, this instability is driving a sustained global demand for deterrence capabilities. The company’s focus will now prioritize the efficient conversion of its record backlog into delivered systems.
Saab Reports Historic 2025 Results: Record Orders Drive Growth Target Upgrade
Financial Highlights and Record Bookings
Strategic Wins: The “Mega-Deals”
Colombia Selects Gripen
Surveillance and Naval Dominance
AirPro News analysis
Sustainability and Future Outlook
Sources
Photo Credit: Christopher Pike – Reuters
Defense & Military
Airbus and Singapore Complete Manned-Unmanned Teaming Flight Trials
Airbus and Singapore’s DSTA successfully demonstrated manned-unmanned teaming with the Flexrotor drone and H225M helicopter in flight trials.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.
Helicopters and Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) have successfully concluded a flight campaign demonstrating advanced manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capabilities. Announced on February 5, 2026, the trials marked a significant step in the modernization of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), proving the operational viability of controlling uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) directly from a helicopter cockpit.
The campaign, dubbed “HTeaming,” integrated an Airbus Flexrotor tactical drone with an RSAF H225M medium-lift helicopter. According to the official announcement, the trials took place in Singapore and utilized a simulated Search and Rescue (SAR) scenario to test the system’s limits. The successful demonstration validates the concept of extending a helicopter crew’s situational awareness beyond their visual range while keeping the manned aircraft at a safe distance from potential threats.
The core of the HTeaming trials involved a high-level integration of hardware and software that allowed the H225M crew to exercise full command and control over the Flexrotor drone. Airbus stated that the system setup included a specialized modem, four antennas, a tablet interface, and mission software installed directly on the helicopter.
During the trials, which were physically conducted in January 2026 before the February announcement, the system successfully established a real-time data link between the two aircraft. The helicopter crew received live video and sensor data from the Flexrotor, allowing for rapid target identification and decision-making. This capability is particularly critical in complex missions where “eyes on target” are required before committing a manned asset to a high-risk zone.
Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President of Global Business at Airbus Helicopters, emphasized the tactical advantage provided by this integration:
By leveraging the strengths of both platforms, air commanders are enabled with unprecedented situational awareness in complex missions and high-risk environments.
This collaboration aligns with the RSAF’s broader “SAF 2040” transformation strategy. The air force has been actively pursuing a “high-low mix” approach, combining high-end manned platforms like the H225M and F-35 with cost-effective unmanned systems. The partnership between Airbus and DSTA began formally in June 2025, leading rapidly to these flight trials less than a year later.
Ang Jer Meng, Director of Air Systems at DSTA, highlighted the forward-looking nature of the success in the press statement: This achievement gives us confidence to move further to redefine the boundaries of what’s possible for more dynamic operations. The successful teaming is a game-changer for modern tactical operations.
The trials relied on specific technical capabilities of the involved aircraft, as detailed in the release and supporting technical data:
The speed at which Airbus and DSTA moved from agreement (June 2025) to successful trial (January 2026) underscores the maturity of current MUM-T technologies. For Airbus, this is a critical proof-of-concept for the export market. By creating a modular, agnostic kit rather than a proprietary “walled garden,” Airbus positions itself to upgrade existing fleets globally, not just sell new airframes.
For Singapore, this reinforces the nation’s status as a premier technology adopter in the Asia-Pacific region. The ability to retrofit the existing H225M fleet with drone-control capabilities effectively acts as a force multiplier, expanding the fleet’s reconnaissance reach without the cost of acquiring additional manned surveillance aircraft.
Sources: Airbus Press Release
Airbus and Singapore Successfully Demonstrate Manned-Unmanned Teaming in “HTeaming” Trials
Operational Details of the HTeaming Trials
Mission Capabilities
Strategic Context: RSAF Modernization
Technical Specifications
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
Defense & Military
Embraer Signs Long-Term Support Contract for Hungarian C-390 Fleet
Embraer secures a service agreement with Hungary to maintain C-390 Millennium aircraft, featuring unique medical evacuation capabilities.
This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.
Embraer has officially signed a comprehensive service agreement with the Hungarian Air Force to provide long-term support for its fleet of C-390 Millennium transport aircraft. The contract, announced by the manufacturer, is designed to ensure the operational readiness and availability of the two aircraft recently delivered to the NATO member nation.
According to the company’s announcement, the agreement encompasses a wide range of services, including logistics, maintenance, and technical support. This move marks a shift from the acquisition phase to the sustainment phase, ensuring that Hungary’s newly completed fleet remains mission-ready through Embraer’s expanding support infrastructure in Europe.
The service agreement leverages Embraer’s established “European footprint” to deliver maintenance and logistical solutions. While the aircraft are based in Hungary, the support network is anchored significantly in Portugal.
Industry data indicates that OGMA, an Embraer group company located in Alverca, Portugal, serves as the primary authorized service center for the region. Additionally, the newly established “Embraer Defense Europe” office in Lisbon coordinates these regional defense initiatives, facilitating cooperation among NATO operators of the C-390 platform.
The primary objective of this contract is to maintain the high reliability rates the fleet has already demonstrated. According to Embraer, the Hungarian C-390s have achieved a mission completion rate exceeding 99% since entering service, a statistic the manufacturer aims to uphold through this new support framework.
Hungary holds a unique position within the C-390 user group. It is the second NATO nation, following Portugal, to operate the aircraft, and the first to receive its full order of two units. The delivery timeline proceeded as follows:
A key differentiator for the Hungarian fleet is its specialized configuration. These aircraft are the first in the world to be equipped with a Roll-on/Roll-off Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This modular system allows the Hungarian Air Force to rapidly convert the tactical transport into a flying hospital, capable of performing complex Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) and humanitarian missions.
In a statement regarding the aircraft’s versatility, Embraer noted: “The Hungarian C-390 is the first in the world with a Roll-on/Roll-off Intensive Care Unit in its configuration, allowing the aircraft to perform humanitarian missions and Medical Evacuation.”
Beyond medical missions, the aircraft retains the standard multi-mission capabilities of the C-390 Millennium, including the transport of 26 tons of cargo, air-to-air refueling (AAR), and operation from unpaved runways.
The agreement with Hungary arrives amidst a broader adoption of the C-390 Millennium across Europe. As nations look to replace aging tactical airlift fleets, specifically the C-130 Hercules, the C-390 has secured orders or selections from several European operators.
Current and future European operators include:
The signing of this service agreement highlights a critical maturity milestone for the C-390 program in Europe. While securing orders is the first hurdle for any defense contractor, establishing a reliable, regional logistics network is essential for long-term retention and operational success.
By anchoring support in Portugal through OGMA and the Lisbon office, Embraer is effectively creating a NATO-interoperable support hub. This strategy not only services existing clients like Hungary and Portugal but also prepares the groundwork for the incoming fleets from the Netherlands, Austria, and Sweden. For Hungary, the specific focus on the ICU configuration underscores a growing trend among smaller NATO air forces to acquire dual-use assets that provide high value in both military logistics and civilian humanitarian aid.
Sources:
Embraer Secures Long-Term Support Contract for Hungarian C-390 Fleet
Scope of Support and European Infrastructure
Fleet Capabilities and Configuration
First-in-Class Medical Evacuation
Regional Context and Market Expansion
AirPro News Analysis
Embraer Press Release
Photo Credit: Embraer
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