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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Oshkosh Defense Products on Video
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 17, 2013: Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation presented its solution for the Engineering Manufacturing & Development (EMD) phase of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program. With the JLTV program, the U.S. military is seeking to modernize its light vehicle fleet. Oshkosh is offering the latest generation of its Light Combat Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (L-ATV) to upgrade the light tactical fleet with MRAP-level protection and unprecedented mobility in future missions. The Oshkosh L-ATV has been extensively tested and proven to meet or exceed all of the JLTV program's requirements.
"Military leaders have recognized JLTV as one of their top modernization priorities, and the Oshkosh L-ATV entry represents our significant investment in this project and showcases our advanced technology," said John Bryant, vice president and general manager of Joint and Marine Corps Programs for Oshkosh Defense. "Our engineers have drawn upon extensive tactical vehicle operating experience in Iraq and Afghanistan to develop the L-ATV, with an eye toward future combat environments."
The Light Combat Vehicle, Redefined
The Oshkosh L-ATV is designed to keep Warfighters safe as battlefield threats evolve. The vehicle's crew protection system has been extensively tested and proven to optimize protection, weight and mobility. The L-ATV can accept multiple armor configurations so it can easily be adapted to changing operational requirements.
The L-ATV also uses the Oshkosh TAK-4i™ intelligent independent suspension system, building on the success of the TAK-4 family of suspensions used on more than 20,000 military vehicles. The TAK-4i system is tailored for high-performance, lightweight vehicles to give Warfighters unprecedented mobility in severe off-road terrain. It uses an advanced Oshkosh technology to deliver 20 inches of independent wheel travel; 25 percent more than any vehicle fielded with the U.S. military today.
Oshkosh's innovative L-ATV delivers expanded power capabilities, greater fuel efficiency and integrated diagnostics compared to legacy engine technologies. An optional Oshkosh ProPulse® diesel-electric hybrid powertrain is available to further improve fuel economy, lower life-cycle costs, and provide high levels of stationary and on-the-move exportable power.
*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth - DTN News
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DTN News - INDIA NEWS: DTN News Wish Indian in India and Around The World A Happy Independence Day
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 15, 2013: Independence Day, observed annually on 15 August, is a national holiday in India commemorating the nation's independence from British rule on 15 August 1947. India attained freedom following an independence movement noted for largely nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience led by the Indian National Congress. Independence coincided with the partition of India, in which the British Indian Empire was divided along religious lines into the Dominions of India and Pakistan; the partition was accompanied by violent riots and mass casualties.
The flagship event in Independence Day celebrations takes place in Delhi, where the Prime Minister hoists the national flag at the Red Fort and delivers from its ramparts a speech. The holiday is observed throughout India with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades and cultural events. Indians celebrate the day by displaying the national flag on their attire, accessories, homes and vehicles; by listening to patriotic songs, watching patriotic movies; and bonding with family and friends. Books and films feature the independence and partition in their narrative. Separatist and militant organisations have often carried out terrorist attacks on and around 15 August, and others have declared strikes and used black flags to boycott the celebration.
DTN News Wish Indian in India and Around The World A Happy Independence Day.
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DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: India Launches Indigenously Built Aircraft Carrier
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 12, 2013: India has launched an indigenously built aircraft carrier, joining a small group of countries capable of building such a warship.The project is part of India's efforts to enhance its naval capabilities amid a growing regional rivalry with the other Asian giant, China.
Standing in front of the 37,500 ton warship decorated with flags and buntings in the southern city of Kochi on Monday, Defense Minister A.K. Antony called it a “red letter day [a day of special significance] for the nation.”
There was an outpouring of national pride at the carrier's launch. India's biggest warship has been designed and built locally, making it the fifth country after Britain, France, Russia and the United States to do so.
The aircraft carrier is not yet operational. It will be fitted with advanced weaponry and undergo extensive sea trials before being put into service sometime around 2018.
But defense analysts point out that New Delhi has beaten its regional rival, China, in building an indigenous aircraft carrier.
Uday Bhaskar, former director of the National Maritime Foundation in New Delhi, said it is the first time India has embarked on such an ambitious project. “For a country that does not have any significant indigenous capability, we don't make a main battle tank, we don't make an artillery gun, we don't even make a personal weapon. Forget about trainer aircraft and jet aircraft. So against this backdrop, to come to a point where you are able to design a carrier, and bring it from keel to launch is, for India, a technological and industrial accomplishment of considerable significance,” said Bhaskar.
Defense Minister Antony said India needs a strong navy to defend itself and will press ahead with developing its maritime capabilities.
Vikrant's launch comes just two days after India announced that its first indigenously built nuclear submarine was ready for war trials. That was described by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as a “giant stride” for the nation.
India's efforts to boost its naval capabilities come amid a growing rivalry with regional power, China. One of the critical areas where they are competing for influence is the Indian Ocean region, a busy sea lane.
Rahul Bedi in New Delhi is a defense expert with Jane's Defense Weekly. He said an aircraft carrier will help India project its power in the Indian Ocean, which he calls a potential zone of conflict between major powers. “The navy is one of the principal riders and game changers in this whole region. So this will significantly add punch to the Indian navy in the Indian Ocean region, which is going to be a zone of competition for many, many years to come,” he said. India has one aircraft carrier in operation, and Russia is due to deliver another one later this year.
The launch of INS Vikrant has raised hackles in China, with Chinese defence experts saying the aircraft carrier would have great significance for India as it would allow the Indian Navy to wade into the Pacific Ocean - which Beijing considers as its backyard.
"This bears great significance to Indian Navy. It makes India only the fifth country after the US, Russia, Britain and France to have such capabilities," senior captain Zhang Junshe, vice-president of China's Naval Research Institute, told the state-run CCTV on Monday.
The Indian Navy will have lead over China as it will have two aircraft carriers by the end of this year with INS Vikramaditya, the refitted carrier from Russia joining INS Viraat, which is already in service even though Vikrant was expected to be operational by 2018, he said.
"Which means by the end of this year India will become the only country in Asia to have two aircraft carriers. This will enhance the overall capabilities especially the power projection capabilities of the Indian Navy," Zhang said.
Ruling out any race for more carriers in the region, Zhang defended India and China having more carriers since they have vast coasts and huge populations and the importance of defending the sea lanes far from home due to dependence on external trade.
Last year China has launched its first aircraft carrier, Lioning. Its hull was imported from Ukraine and refurbished in China.
China also subsequently launched J-15 aircraft to operate from its deck. The ship with over 50,000 tonnes displacement will have about 30 aircraft on its deck.
China is reportedly building two more aircraft carriers but their schedules are not known yet.
Zhang earlier told the state-run China Daily that with Vikrant, the Indian Navy will be more capable of patrolling distant oceans.
"India's first self-made carrier, along with reinforced naval strength, will further disrupt the military balance in South Asia," he said.
India is very likely to quicken its pace to steer eastward to the Pacific, where the US and China are competing to dominate.
The launch of the Vikrant as well as the first nuclear submarine Arihant also aroused the curiosity and concerns among analysts from different state-run thinktanks in China.
"The new indigenous carrier will further strengthen India's naval power and also add some bargaining chips with the world's major military vendors such as Russia," Wang Daguang, a researcher of military equipment based in Beijing said.
Song Xiaojun, a military commentator in Beijing, said the Vikrant uses technology from the 1980s and thus serves as an experiment for the Indian Navy to set technical standards for future vessels.
*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith - DTN News
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DTN News: U.S. Forces - Images ~ Afghanistan: U.S. Marine Provides Security In Washir Village In Helmand Province, Afghanistan
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. DoD
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 6, 2013: U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kaleb Wilson provides security during a patrol in Washir village in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 29, 2013. Wilson is assigned to Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. The Marines conducted patrols to collect human terrain and clear the area of weapons and improvised explosive devices.
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Geoffrey K. Scarborough
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News
*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. DoD
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DTN News: U.S. Forces - Images ~ Afghanistan: U.S. Air Force Officers Training Afghan Policeman on Explosive Detonation Technology
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. DoD
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 6, 2013: U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Alex Gaunt, left, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jason Halgren, center, work with an Afghan border policeman explosive ordnance disposal trainee to prepare explosives for a controlled detonation in the Spin Boldak district in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, July 28, 2013. Gaunt, an explosive ordnance disposal journeyman, and Halgren, an explosive ordnance disposal craftsman, are assigned to the 466th Air Expeditionary Group.
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jovi Prevot
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*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. DoD
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DTN News: U.S. Forces - Images ~ Afghanistan: U.S. Marines Patrol Near Base Boldak In Helmand Province, Afghanistan
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. DoD
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 6, 2013: U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Quinton McCloud, right, and Zamp, a military working dog trained to detect improvised explosive devices, search inside an Afghan compound for any evidence of insurgency and weapons during Operation Grizzly IV near Patrol Base Boldak in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 29, 2013. McCloud is assigned to Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment.
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Bobby J. Yarbrough
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*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. DoD
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DTN News - RUSSIA DEFENSE NEWS: World's Largest Transport Aircraft Ruslan To Rise From Ashes
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Maria Abramova - Pravda Russia
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 5, 2013: The world's largest transport aircraft that made its first flight in 1982 was designed by Russian aircraft designers and to this day remains a record holder in terms of capacity among serial models. This aircraft is the legendary AN-124 designed for the needs of the army. For a long time, Ruslan has been forgotten, but now its production may be resumed.
The giant's outstanding technical parameters played a bad joke on it. "Ruslan" has been unjustly forgotten, and was out of demand for decades. Today, after the completion of the first phase of the negotiations on the joint Russian-Ukrainian production of a modified version of AN-124, one may speak of its rebirth
The reasons for the long oblivion are quite understandable. The completion of a troubled era of Cold War slowed down the development of weapons in Russia. There was no longer a need to carry heavy military vehicles - intercontinental ballistic missiles, mobile launchers, trucks, etc. The demands of peacetime proved to be too light for the "Russian miracle" (as "Ruslan" was called at a French Airshow in 1985). Civilian work was only enough to maintain a small handful of these aircraft. Civil orders came rarely and irregularly, and a few units serving the Ministry of Defense were idle.
In the new millennium, there were only a little over 20 machines operated by three airlines - "Polyot", "Volga-Dnepr" and "Antonov Airlines." All of them were "oldies" and it was difficult to maintain them at the appropriate technical level. The production of new AN-124 units was suspended long time ago, and by 2004 the production of spare parts was also stopped. Due to the lack of spare parts at the Ulyanovsk aircraft factory the assembly of two almost finished aircraft was frozen.
In recent years, there has been a tendency towards the revival of the unique aircraft. It is clear that the production in its original form did not make sense, and a major upgrade in line with the current realities was needed. The load capacity of over 80 tons, ("Ruslan" was originally capable of lifting up to 140 tons at a time) exceeds the needs of even the largest customer, the Ministry of Defense. Reduction of this parameter would allow more efficient use of the power of the aircraft as well as would solve the issue with airfields. The lack of electronics in the control of the aircraft served as an undoubted advantage in time of war. The aircraft remained resistant to electromagnetic pulses, but the size of the crew was increased to six people. Noise level and environmental performance of the engine no longer met the international standards.
Yuriy Boyko, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, said that at the last July meeting in Sochi an agreement was reached between Russia and Ukraine on the establishment of a joint venture for serial production of the modified model of "Ruslan" taking into account all of the above considerations. AN 124-200 will replace AN 124-100 and will be equipped with an advanced D18T engine with a digital control system that will reduce the crew to three people. The founding documents of the new joint venture are expected to be signed bilaterally by September of this year. After that it will be possible to more accurately forecast the timing of the release of the first aircraft.
The location of production facilities and the company that will be entrusted with the implementation of the project has not been fully defined, but it is very likely that it will be the Russian "Aviastar-SP" in Ulyanovsk. The co-production will allow avoiding competition between the parties to the contract and will assist in promoting the products to the foreign market that according to analysts is ready to welcome the new aircraft giant. Boyko has no doubt that each of the countries participating in the agreement will contribute to the advancement of the project. Ukraine will bring innovation and technology, while Russia will provide financial support and assistance in negotiating sales contracts.
Both countries are equally interested in the soonest start of the joint venture and are ready to start work immediately. In the case of successful implementation of mass production and the integration of the modified model AN-124, the experience can be transferred to other aircraft, both passenger and specialized. The production of the first machines will take a long time, especially considering lengthy technical tests.
*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Maria Abramova - Pravda Russia
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DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: India Considers Buying More Boeing Apaches Helicopters
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 4, 2013: Boeing could snare yet another big order from India as the Indian Army has asked the Defence Ministry to acquire an unspecified number of AH-64D Apache attack helicopters, according to an MoD source.
Last year, the Indian Air Force purchased 22 Apaches for US $1.3 billion. Beyond the Indian Army request, a third order of helicopters could be in the offing for India’s planned Mountain Corps.
Boeing executives in New Delhi were unavailable for comment.
US companies have already won contracts worth more than $8 billion over the past four years, and most of the weapons and equipment supplied to India have come through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route. India has bought 10 Boeing C-17 aircraft, 12 Boeing P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft and six Lockheed Martin C-130J transport planes.
The Indian Army wants its Apaches to be exclusive to the service and not associated with the Air Force’s 22 helicopters.
The MoD source added that, instead of inviting fresh bids, the MoD is considering a repeat order, which he said could be finalized by the end of the year. The size of the order is not known.
Meanwhile, an Indian Army official said the newly sanctioned Mountain Corps of roughly 30,000 troops, which could be deployed along the China border, would also be equipped with yet another purchase of attack helicopters.
The Cabinet Committee on Security, the highest decision-making body on weapon purchases and security, approved the additional troops this month.
The attack helicopters for the Mountain Corps would be in addition to the order being considered by the MoD for the Army. The Indian Army, however, must still decide when and how to procure the additional unspecified numbers of attack helicopters for the Mountain Corps, which is expected to be in operation in about 10 years, the Indian Army official said.
India has, meanwhile, developed an indigenous light combat helicopter. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will build 60 Rudra helicopters for the Army and Air Force.
The Rudra is powered by a new Shakti engine, jointly developed by Hindustan Aeronautics and French engine manufacturer Turbomeca. The new engine will allow the Rudra to fly above 20,000 feet.
The multi-mission AH-64D Apache Longbow is the next-generation version of original AH-64A Apache. With its fire-control radar, the aircraft is known as the AH-64D Apache Longbow. Without the radar, the combat-proven aircraft is called the AH-64D Apache.
AH-64A Apache
Between 1984 and 1997, Boeing produced 937 AH-64As for the U.S. Army, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The combat-proven AH-64A is still in service and includes the following features:
*Two high-performance turboshaft engines and maximum cruise speed of 284 kph
*Laser, infrared, and other systems (including target acquisition designation sight/pilot night vision sensor) to locate, track, and attack targets
*A combination of laser-guided precision Hellfire missiles, 70mm rockets, and a 30mm automatic cannon with up to 1,200 high-explosive, dual-purpose ammunition rounds
AH-64D Apache and AH-64D Apache Longbow
The combat-proven AH-64D Apache and AH-64D Apache Longbow share the following history and characteristics:
*Testing in the late 1990s, delivery in 1997, in production for the U.S. Army and several international customers
*Selection by the U.S. Army, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, The Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Republic of Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom (as the AH Mk1)
*Ability to assimilate advancements in digital connectivity, sensors, weapon systems, advanced training devices, and maintenance support systems
AH-64D Apache Longbow Enhancements
The radar-equipped AH-64D Apache Longbow features numerous enhanced capabilities, including:
*Longer-range weapons accuracy and all-weather/night fighting
*Detection of objects (moving or stationary) without being detected
*Classification and threat-prioritization of up to 128 targets in less than a minute
*Integrated sensors, networking, and digital communications for situational awareness, management of the combat arena in real time, and digital transmission of images and target locations to joint operations battlefield commanders
The AH-64 Apache has been developed since its inception using incremental technology insertions at regular intervals to ensure that the world's most capable multi-role combat helicopter meets the needs of the warfighter today and in the future.
*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Principle Agreement Reached On Two Lower Cost F-35 Contracts
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Lockheed Martin
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 3, 2013: The U.S. Department of Defense and Lockheed Martin reached an agreement in principle for the next two F-35 Lightning II aircraft production contracts (Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) lots 6 and 7), which is expected to include 71 stealth fighter aircraft and continue a reduction in F-35 aircraft pricing. The contracting effort spanned six months from proposal to settlement.
A decrease in F-35 LRIP 6-7 unit costs, coupled with negotiating lower prices on a number of other smaller contracts, will allow the Department to purchase all the aircraft originally planned, including those that were in jeopardy of being cut due to sequestration budget impacts.
Cost details will be released once both contracts are finalized; however, in general, the unit prices for all three variants of the U.S. air vehicles in LRIP-6 are roughly four percent lower than the previous contract. LRIP-7 air vehicle unit prices will show an additional four percent reduction. The LRIP-7 price represents about an eight percent reduction from the LRIP-5 contract signed in December 2012.
"These two contracts represent a fair deal that is beneficial to the government and Lockheed Martin," said Lt. Gen. Chris Bogdan, F-35 Program Executive Officer. "Improving affordability is critical to the success of this program, and by working together we were able to negotiate a lower cost F-35. There is still work to be done, but these agreements are proof the cost arrow is moving in the right direction. We will continue to work with industry to identify areas for savings in future production contracts."
The new contracts will also include the first F-35s for Australia, Italy, Norway, and the fourth F-35 for the United Kingdom. In addition to procuring the air vehicles, these contracts also fund manufacturing-support equipment and ancillary mission equipment.
Deliveries of 36 U.S. and partner nation aircraft in LRIP-6 will begin by mid-2014 and deliveries of 35 U.S. and partner nation aircraft in LRIP-7 will begin by mid-2015.
“At the start of these negotiations, the F-35 Joint Program Office and our F-35 team jointly committed to conduct LRIP-6 and -7 negotiations in an efficient manner that leveraged all we achieved from the LRIP-5 contract,” said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin F-35 Vice President and General Manager. “Today’s agreement reflects our collective JPO/LM delivery on that commitment. We know how critical aircraft production is to meeting our services’ Initial Operational Capability dates, beginning with the Marine Corps in 2015, and we’re committed to making that happen.”
The LRIP-6 and -7 aircraft will join the 95 F-35s contracted under LRIPs 1-5. To date, 67 F-35s (including test aircraft) have been delivered from Lockheed Martin's production facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The U.S. and eight partner nations plan to acquire more than 3,100 F-35 fighters. Israel and Japan have also announced plans to purchase the jet under Foreign Military Sales agreements.
The agreement in principle reached between the Government and Lockheed Martin are for air vehicles and do not include the propulsion systems. The LRIP-6 engine contract is currently being negotiated between the Government and Pratt & Whitney.
*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Lockheed Martin
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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: 100th Jet In Final Production; First F-35 Bound For Luke AFB
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Lockheed Martin
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 3, 2013: The 100th Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-35 Lightning II, the first aircraft destined for Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Ariz., has entered the last stage of final assembly. This conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) aircraft, known as AF-41, is scheduled to arrive at the base next year. During final assembly, the aircraft structure is completed, and electrical and hydraulic systems are added. Additionally, these systems are tested in preparation for fuel systems checks and engine runs. The final steps prior to acceptance by the Air Force include a series of checkout flights leading to the aircraft entering the service’s F-35 fleet. AF-41 is one of 126 F-35s in various stages of production worldwide.
In June, the Air Force announced its decision to increase the number of squadrons at Luke AFB to six with 144 aircraft, which will make it the largest F-35 base worldwide. In addition to training U.S. pilots, Luke will also serve as an F-35A International Training site. Currently, Luke’s economic impact on the state of Arizona is $2.17 Billion. With 14 F-35 suppliers in the state of Arizona, the program has an additional economic impact of $98Million.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 116,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation's net sales for 2012 were $47.2 billion.
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a family of single-seat, single-engine, fifth generation multirole fighters under development to perform ground attack, reconnaissance, and air defense missions with stealth capability. The F-35 has three main models; the F-35A is a conventional takeoff and landing variant, the F-35B is a short take-off and vertical-landing variant, and the F-35C is a carrier-based variant.
The F-35 is descended from the X-35, the product of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. It is being designed and built by an aerospace industry team led by Lockheed Martin. The F-35 took its first flight on 15 December 2006. The United States plans to buy 2,443 aircraft. The F-35 variants are intended to provide the bulk of its tactical airpower for the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy over the coming decades.
JSF development is being principally funded by the United States with additional funding from partners. The partner nations are either NATO members or close U.S. allies. The United Kingdom, Italy, Israel, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Norway, Denmark, and Turkey are part of the development program; Japan has ordered the F-35, while Singapore may also equip their air force with the F-35
*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Lockheed Martin
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