Defense & Military
US Air Force to Replace Oldest F-35s Instead of Upgrading Them
The US Air Force opts to retire early F-35A jets, focusing on new purchases over expensive Block 4 upgrades amid delays and cost overruns.
A Pragmatic Pivot: Why the U.S. Air Force Is Replacing Its Oldest F-35s
The F-35 Lightning II stands as the centerpiece of modern air combat for the United States and its allies. As a fifth-generation, multirole fighter, its development and deployment represent one of the most ambitious and expensive defense programs in history. The U.S. Air Force’s long-term vision includes acquiring a massive fleet of 1,763 F-35A variants, making it the backbone of its tactical airpower for decades to come. This long-term plan, however, is now facing a significant strategic adjustment.
In a notable shift, the Air Forces has decided to phase out its earliest F-35A models rather than subject them to a complex and costly modernization process. This move, detailed in a congressionally mandated report, involves divesting the older, non-combat-capable jets instead of upgrading them to the advanced Block 4 standard. This decision is not a retreat from the F-35 program itself but rather a calculated course correction, driven by the immense technical and financial challenges associated with the Block 4 upgrade. It signals a pragmatic choice to prioritize the acquisition of new, factory-fresh aircraft over the difficult task of retrofitting the oldest airframes.
The Rationale: Cost-Effectiveness Over Complex Retrofits
The core of the Air Force’s decision lies in a simple, yet critical, calculation: it is more efficient to buy new F-35s than to upgrade the old ones. The Military-Aircraft targeted for replacement are from the early low-rate initial production (LRIP) phases. These jets were built before the design was finalized and lack the full combat capabilities of their more modern counterparts. Bringing them up to the latest Block 4 configuration would require extensive, invasive, and expensive modifications.
This strategy is also an attempt to move away from what has been termed “acquisition malpractice”, the practice of developing, testing, and producing a weapons system concurrently. This approach has historically led to costly retrofits as design flaws are discovered after aircraft have already been built. By focusing on procuring new F-35s built with the latest technology from the ground up, the Air Force aims to field a more reliable and capable fleet faster. The service is looking to significantly ramp up its procurement rate, with a goal of acquiring as many as 80 F-35As annually.
Lockheed Martin, the F-35’s Manufacturers, has indicated a potential production capacity of up to 100 F-35As per year by fiscal year 2030. This industrial capacity supports the Air Force’s strategy, making the replacement plan a viable path toward achieving its total fleet objective of 1,763 aircraft without sinking more resources into the most problematic early models.
The Troubled Block 4 Upgrade
The decision to replace the older jets is inextricably linked to the severe difficulties plaguing the Block 4 modernization program. Block 4 is a critical but massive undertaking, designed to equip the F-35 with the capabilities needed to counter advanced future threats. The upgrade includes over 75 major improvements, such as increased missile capacity, next-generation electronic warfare systems, and enhanced target recognition.
However, the program has fallen far behind schedule and ballooned in cost. A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report painted a stark picture, revealing that the Block 4 upgrade is five years behind schedule and a staggering $6 billion over budget. Full integration of all planned capabilities is not anticipated until 2031. These persistent delays and cost overruns have forced the F-35 program to consider reducing the overall scope of the modernization effort.
A key technical hurdle has been the development of Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3), the new hardware and software core intended to provide the necessary computing power for Block 4’s advanced features. TR-3 has faced its own significant developmental challenges, creating a bottleneck for the entire modernization pipeline. In 2024, these issues contributed to Delivery delays for all new F-35s, with an average delay of 238 days per aircraft.
The attempt to make the F-35 a jack-of-all-trades has been cited as a fundamental challenge, with one analyst noting it was a flaw to try and make the aircraft do too much. This complexity is now manifesting in the difficulties of the Block 4 upgrade.
Broader Implications for the Future Fighter Fleet
This strategic pivot on the F-35 is part of a larger evolution in the Air Force’s approach to its fighter fleet. The service is moving toward a mixed-fleet model, balancing the high-end capabilities of the F-35 with other, more affordable aircraft. This is evidenced by the increased procurement of the Boeing F-15EX Eagle II, a modernized fourth-generation fighter intended to complement the F-35 and handle missions that do not require stealth.
The high operating and maintenance costs of the F-35 have long been a point of concern. Former Air Force officials have described the jet as a “Ferrari” that shouldn’t be used for daily, low-end fights. By investing in a mix of aircraft, the Air Force can optimize its fleet for a wider range of missions and manage sustainment costs more effectively.
Furthermore, this decision allows the Air Force to focus resources on the future. The service is already looking ahead to its sixth-generation fighter, part of the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, and the integration of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs), or “drone wingmen.” Divesting the oldest F-35s frees up funding and logistical capacity that can be redirected toward these next-generation priorities, ensuring the U.S. maintains its edge in air superiority for decades to come.
Conclusion: A Pragmatic Path Forward
The U.S. Air Force’s decision to replace its earliest F-35A models is a clear-eyed response to the realities of a complex and troubled modernization program. Faced with the immense cost and technical risk of upgrading its oldest jets, the service has chosen a more pragmatic path: accelerate the acquisition of new, fully capable aircraft. This move aims to avoid repeating past mistakes and ensures that the warfighter receives the most advanced technology available without delay.
This strategic shift underscores a broader evolution in military procurement, prioritizing efficiency and future-readiness. By balancing the F-35 fleet with complementary aircraft like the F-15EX and investing in next-generation systems, the Air Force is building a more resilient and adaptable fighter force. The F-35 remains the cornerstone of that force, but this decision ensures the foundation is built with the strongest, most modern assets available.
FAQ
Question: Why is the Air Force getting rid of its older F-35s?
Answer: The Air Force has determined that it is more cost-effective and efficient to replace the oldest, non-combat-capable F-35As with new aircraft rather than undertaking the expensive and complex upgrades required to bring them to the modern Block 4 standard.
Question: What is the F-35 Block 4 upgrade?
Answer: Block 4 is a comprehensive modernization program for the F-35, encompassing over 75 major improvements in areas like electronic warfare, processing power, and weapons capacity. However, the program is currently five years behind schedule and $6 billion over budget.
Question: How many F-35s does the Air Force plan to own?
Answer: The U.S. Air Force’s official program of record is to acquire a total of 1,763 F-35A aircraft.
Sources
Photo Credit: US Air Force
Defense & Military
CBP AMO Orders 10 Airbus H125 Helicopters for Fleet Expansion
CBP Air and Marine Operations contracts for 10 Airbus H125 helicopters, expanding a 30-year fleet of over 100 rotary-wing aircraft.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (CBP AMO) has finalized a contract to acquire 10 additional Airbus H125 helicopters, expanding a fleet modernization effort that relies heavily on the single-engine platform for border security and law enforcement missions.
In a press release issued on July 7, 2026, Airbus confirmed the agreement, which reinforces a three-decade relationship between the federal agency and the aerospace manufacturer. The new helicopters will be assembled at the Airbus Helicopters production facility in Columbus, Mississippi.
Expanding the airborne law enforcement fleet
The latest acquisition builds upon a previous order placed in August 2020, when CBP AMO contracted for 16 H125 helicopters to upgrade its aging rotary-wing assets. The agency currently operates a total fleet of more than 240 aircraft, which includes over 100 helicopters from the Airbus H120 and H125 families delivered over the past 30 years.
The H125, formerly known as the Eurocopter AS350, is utilized by CBP AMO for a variety of demanding flight profiles, including border surveillance, suspect pursuit, and general public safety operations across the United States.
Bart Reijnen, Head of the North America Region for Airbus Helicopters, stated that the expansion “underscores the long-standing collaboration” between the manufacturer and the federal agency. He added that the selection highlights the trust placed in the H125 to execute critical public safety missions under demanding conditions, with Airbus committing to provide comprehensive services to maintain mission readiness.
Virtual reality integration for pilot training
As CBP AMO increases its H125 inventory, the agency is simultaneously overhauling how it trains the personnel who fly them. In November 2025, CBP became the first federal law enforcement agency and the first branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to integrate virtual reality into its aerial training program.
According to reporting by FLYING Magazine, the agency awarded a contract to adopt an FAA-qualified Airbus H125 virtual reality flight simulator developed by Loft Dynamics. The simulator is being installed at the CBP AMO training center in Oklahoma City, where it will be used to train the agency’s roster of more than 600 pilots.
AirPro News analysis
We view CBP AMO’s continued investment in the H125 platform as a clear indicator of the agency’s preference for fleet commonality. Operating a standardized fleet of over 100 H125-family helicopters significantly reduces maintenance overhead, streamlines supply chains, and simplifies pilot transition training. Furthermore, Airbus’s strategy of assembling these aircraft in Columbus, Mississippi, likely plays a crucial role in navigating federal procurement requirements, ensuring that the European manufacturer remains highly competitive for U.S. government contracts. The parallel investment in Loft Dynamics’ VR simulators suggests the agency is preparing for a sustained, long-term operational lifespan for the H125 fleet.
Sources: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus
Defense & Military
Bombardier Defense Signs 10-Year Support Deal With Sweden
Bombardier Defense and FMV finalized a 10-year support agreement for Sweden’s two Global 6500 TP 106 military transport aircraft.
Bombardier Defense and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) finalized a 10-year Services Support Agreement on July 22, 2026, securing long-term maintenance and operational readiness for Sweden’s newly acquired fleet of two Global 6500 transport aircraft.
Announced during the Farnborough International Airshow in a company press release, the agreement enrolls the Swedish Armed Forces (SWEAF) in Bombardier’s Smart Services Defense program. The comprehensive support package covers parts, labor, and engineering expertise for the aircraft, which are designated as the TP 106 in Swedish military service and replace the nation’s aging Gulfstream IV and Gulfstream G550 head-of-state transport fleet.
Fleet modernization and delivery timeline
The targeted acquisition deal for the two aircraft was valued at SEK 1.1 billion ($113 million) and formalized in May 2025, according to reporting by Aviation International News. The rapid procurement was enabled by utilizing existing airframes previously operated in Bombardier’s demonstration fleet, which were subsequently modified to meet Swedish Military-Aircraft requirements.
The formal handover of the aircraft took place on June 1, 2026, at the Uppland Wing F 16, as reported by Nordic Defence Sector. The aircraft will be operated by the 75th Swedish Civil Aviation Squadron at Skaraborg’s F7 Air Fleet, based at Stockholm Arlanda Airports (ARN), primarily conducting VIP and head-of-state transport missions.
Smart Services Defense and operational commonality
The 10-year agreement provides comprehensive cost coverage and logistical support for the new fleet. Bombardier stated the program includes landing gear and auxiliary power unit maintenance, ground support equipment, technical assistance, and access to mobile response teams.
Paul Sislian, Bombardier’s Executive Vice President of Aircraft Sales and Aftermarket Services, noted the program provides seamless original equipment OEMs support for the Swedish military.
“Through our Smart Services Defense program, the Swedish Armed Forces will benefit from seamless OEM support, enhanced readiness and predictable lifestyle costs, giving them the confidence to stay focused on the mission while we support their aircraft every step of the way,” Sislian said.
The selection of the Global 6500 platform offers strategic maintenance and operational commonality with Sweden’s incoming airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) fleet. The Swedish Armed Forces are procuring the Saab GlobalEye, designated the S 106, which is also built upon the Bombardier Global aircraft family architecture.
AirPro News analysis
The 10-year support agreement underscores a growing trend among defense ministries to rely on commercial OEMs for turnkey lifecycle support rather than developing bespoke military maintenance pipelines for commercial derivative aircraft. By aligning the TP 106 VIP transport fleet with the underlying platform of the S 106 GlobalEye, the Swedish Armed Forces are establishing a unified logistical footprint. We view this procurement Strategy as a highly efficient approach to fleet modernization, reducing training burdens for maintenance personnel and ensuring higher dispatch reliability through Bombardier’s established global civilian support network.
Sources: Bombardier
Photo Credit: Bombardier
Defense & Military
EU Funds SHARP Project for Next-Gen Military Helicopter Engine
The EU allocated €25M to the SHARP consortium, 25 partners from 12 countries developing Europe’s next military helicopter engine by 2040.
The European Commission has allocated approximately €25 million through the European Defence Fund to back a multinational consortium developing the propulsion architecture for Europe’s next generation of military helicopters.
Announced on June 11, 2026, at the ILA Berlin airshow, the Sovereign High-performance Architecture for Rotorcraft Propulsion (SHARP) project brings together 25 partners from 12 European countries. According to a joint press release from Safran Helicopter Engines, MTU Aero Engines, and Avio Aero, the initiative will establish the technological foundation for the European Next Generation Helicopter Engine (ENGHE), which is targeted to enter service in 2040.
Addressing an aging military rotorcraft fleet
The SHARP initiative aligns with broader European defense goals to replace a rapidly aging fleet of military aircraft under the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) and European Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies (ENGRT) programs. The current European inventory includes approximately 1,800 transport helicopters and 600 combat helicopters, which currently average 20 years of age. By the 2040s, many of these aircraft will have been in service for over 50 years.
“In light of a continuously aging European fleet of military helicopters the need is obvious: From 2040 onwards, a large proportion of these rotorcraft will have to be replaced,” said Dr. Ottmar Pfänder, Chief Program Officer at MTU Aero Engines. “We joined forces across the continent to underline the importance of this technology program. It will further reinforce European sovereignty and strengthen the European supply chain.”
The funding will be used to develop scalable technological building blocks that can be adapted to various weight classes and mission profiles required by future European armed forces.
Collaborative framework and European sovereignty
The SHARP project builds upon the foundation of the EUropean Military Rotorcraft Engine Alliance (EURA), a 50/50 joint venture established in July 2024 between Safran Helicopter Engines and MTU Aero Engines specifically to develop the ENGHE. The consortium has now expanded to include Avio Aero, broadening the industrial base tasked with designing the new powerplant.
Safran Helicopter Engines CEO Cédric Goubet stated that the funding demonstrates Europe’s commitment to self-reliance and technological sovereignty for future military platforms, thanking the European Union and participating nations for their confidence in the consortium’s capabilities.
“SHARP marks an important milestone in the journey toward Europe’s next-generation rotorcraft engine and reinforces the value of collaboration in developing sovereign, high-performance propulsion technologies,” said Riccardo Procacci, CEO of Avio Aero. “We are proud to partner with EURA on this initiative, contributing within a fully European framework while leveraging Avio Aero’s well-established expertise and know-how.”
EURA CEO Wolfgang Gärtner confirmed that the joint venture is prepared to coordinate the multinational team to provide modern technologies to European forces.
AirPro News analysis
The €25 million European Defence Fund grant represents a critical early step in aligning Europe’s fragmented defense aerospace sector behind a single rotorcraft propulsion program. By formalizing the SHARP consortium now, the European Union is actively working to prevent the development of competing, incompatible national engine programs that have historically complicated European defense procurement and increased long-term maintenance costs. We view the inclusion of Avio Aero alongside the EURA joint venture as a strong indicator that the ENGHE program is successfully consolidating the continent’s primary propulsion manufacturers ahead of the 2040 target.
Sources: Safran Group
Photo Credit: Safran Group
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