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Newsweek
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
U.S. Air Weapons Show Dominance in Israel's Strike on Iran
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Israel conducted precision airstrikes on Iran Friday, deploying over 200 fighter jets and launching 330 munitions, the Israeli military said. Despite Iran's claims of full military readiness to repel Israeli or U.S. attacks, the results of "Operation Rising Lion" laid bare the true capabilities on both sides, showcasing Israel's success with a reliance on advanced U.S.-made aircraft and munitions that overcame Iran's air defenses. Why It Matters The successful execution of the strike without reported losses underscores the effectiveness of U.S.-made military technology at a time of growing competition in the global arms industry. This is especially significant in a region where the U.S. has long limited the sale of top-tier fighter jets to Arab countries to maintain Israel's qualitative military edge. It also reflects the broader competition in modern air warfare—where stealth, precision, and electronic warfare capabilities increasingly define battlefield success. U.S. Air Force Maj. Melanie "Mach" Kluesner, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team commander assigned at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, pilots her aircraft over the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force... U.S. Air Force Maj. Melanie "Mach" Kluesner, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team commander assigned at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, pilots her aircraft over the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, May 24, 2025. More Tech. Sgt. Daniel Peterson/DVIDS What To Know The strikes involved Lockheed Martin F-35s and F-16s, as well as Boeing F-15s, and targeted multiple sites across Iran, including the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility, which houses critical infrastructure for Iran's nuclear program. The IDF releases footage showing Israeli Air Force fighter jets heading out for the strikes in Iran this morning, as well as landing following the attacks. — Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) June 13, 2025 Israel also said it struck "hideouts" of senior operatives in the Iranian military leadership, killing the Iranian Armed Forces chief of staff and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander. Israel also said it killed IRGC Air Force Brig. Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh. The Israeli attack on Iran highlighted key operational capabilities in dismantling Iran's air defenses and retaliatory capabilities, targeting medium- and long-range systems, disrupting command networks, and penetrating nuclear facilities, military analyst Sayed Ghoneim noted. Tehran has long sought to acquire the systems to deter Israeli strikes. Iran's air defense system primarily relies on Russian-made missile systems, including the S-300 and Pantsir surface-to-air missiles, which provide layered protection against aerial threats but Israel's strikes in 2024 severely damaged defense infrastructure. An Israeli fighter jet returning to base flies above an area near Tel Aviv on September 26, 2024. Israel's defence ministry said on September 26 that it had secured an $8.7 billion aid package from... An Israeli fighter jet returning to base flies above an area near Tel Aviv on September 26, 2024. Israel's defence ministry said on September 26 that it had secured an $8.7 billion aid package from the United States to support the country's ongoing military efforts, including upgrading air defence systems. More GIL COHEN-MAGEN/AFP/Getty Images What People Are Saying Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said: "This morning, the IDF began preemptive and precise strikes targeting the Iranian nuclear program in order to prevent the Iranian regime's ability to build a nuclear bomb in the immediate timeframe." Retired Egyptian Army Major General Sayed Ghoneim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi-based Institute for Global Security and Defense Affairs (IGSDA) told Newsweek: "Iran's air defenses lag significantly in both quality and quantity, especially given its constant threat from a technologically superior adversary. The stealth capabilities of F-35s proved particularly difficult to detect, exposing critical vulnerabilities, to already weak capabilities." President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, as quoted by Mehr News Agency: "The Iranian nation and the country's officials will not remain silent in the face of this crime, and the legitimate and powerful response from the Islamic Republic of Iran will make the enemy regret its foolish action." What Happens Next The power of advanced weapons such as the F-35 signals continued dominance for U.S. weaponry, with defense stocks soaring after Israel's strike on Iran. Israel is likely to continue attacks while Iran may target Israel with ballistic missiles and drones — again potentially blocked by U.S. aircraft.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Su-57 Source Code for India? Russia's ULTIMATE Gambit vs. F-35
News | 0Updated 2 days ago • General India's Ultimate Fighter Jet Dilemma: Su-57E Source Code vs. F-35 Power! Russia has made an unprecedented offer to India: full access to the Su-57E stealth fighter's source code, enabling local "Make-in-India" manufacturing, indigenous weapon integration (like BrahMos and Astra), and complete customization for the Indian Air Force (IAF). But with India also eyeing the proven F-35A Lightning II from the US, this video breaks down the high-stakes choice. We'll analyze the Su-57's controversies (production issues, stealth doubts, combat effectiveness) against its unique source code advantage and lower cost, while contrasting it with the F-35's technological superiority, higher price, and US operational restrictions. As US President Donald Trump's visit for the Quad Summit looms, potentially featuring the F-35 deal, India's decision on its next-gen fighter will shape its aerial dominance and geopolitical standing for decades.
Toronto Sun
10-06-2025
- Business
- Toronto Sun
Audit General finds F-35 costs soar amid project delays, pilot shortages
Published Jun 10, 2025 • 3 minute read An F-35A Lightning II fighter jet practises for an air show appearance in Ottawa, Friday, September 6, 2019. Photo by Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — The cost of Canada's incoming fleet of advanced stealth fighters has exploded by nearly 50 per cent in just a few years, auditor general Karen Hogan said Tuesday in a new report. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The fighter jet audit is one of eight tabled in the House of Commons by Hogan and environment commissioner Jerry DeMarco which flagged problematic procurement contracts, a backlog in applications for First Nations status and a lag in reducing federal office space. An investigation by the auditor general of Canada finds costs associated with the F-35 advanced fighter jet program are running $8.7 billion higher than the original estimates. And it warns the program is being plagued by delays and crucial shortfalls — including a lack of qualified pilots. The report lands in the middle of an active review ordered by Prime Minister Mark Carney to examine possible alternatives to the F-35. He ordered the review in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war with Canada. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. National Defence said in 2022 the base price for the F-35s would be $19 billion — just two years later, that number has climbed to $27.7 billion. That does not include estimates for infrastructure upgrades or weapons. The report found the department's 2022 estimates relied on outdated data from 2019 – despite the availability of better estimates showing 'that costs of the aircraft had already increased substantially.' The audit finds issues associated with the global pandemic _ such as runaway inflation, rising facilities and munitions costs and volatile foreign exchange rates — pushed the price tag sky high. Auditor general Karen Hogan also warns that the program faces 'significant risks that could jeopardize the timely introduction of the new fleet.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. She said the department successfully identified the risks but has not planned appropriately to mitigate them. Construction of two new fighter squadron facilities — in Cold Lake, Alta., and Bagotville, Que. — is running three years behind schedule. The report says the facilities will not be ready until at least 2031 because the department needs to 'redo important elements' of their design. The department started planning the new facilities in 2020 before the government had settled on the F-35, but the aircraft comes with significant infrastructure security requirements. 'Costs to develop an interim solution to support the new jets will further increase infrastructure expenses,' the report warns. It says the department produced a contingency plan to operate the aircraft from temporary facilities but the plan fell short because it was incomplete and offered 'no proposed actions nor a cost estimate.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Canada is also still short of qualified pilots to fly the advanced aircraft — despite being warned about this back in 2018. The report says the F-35 program lacks measures to minimize potential risks and the department failed to produce robust contingency plans. It notes that the department identified cost overruns from inflation and currency fluctuations as potential risks to monitor, but plans to track those risks were never approved by officials. The Liberal government announced in 2017 it planned to purchase 88 new fighter jets and signed a contract with Lockheed Martin for the F-35s in 2023. The modern jets are needed to replace Canada's aging CF-18 fleet, which is nearing the end of its service life. The fighter jets are expected to be delivered between 2026 and 2032. Over the next two years, the initial eight will be sent to a U.S. air force base in Arizona, where Canadian pilots will be trained to fly them. The rest will be delivered to Canada starting in 2028. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The report says the Joint Strike Fighter Program Office conducted various assessments that uncovered 'significant issues,' such as 'insufficient departmental engineering personnel to service support equipment for both the CF-18 Hornet and CF-35A during the transition.' The audit says that at the end of the last fiscal year in March, National Defence earmarked $935 million for the U.S. government for the first four jets and related items needed to produce another eight aircraft. It says about $197 million has already been paid out. On top of that, National Defence spent another $516 million on the project, including $270 million in infrastructure costs. Toronto Blue Jays World Relationships Editorial Cartoons Olympics
Newsweek
01-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
NATO Ally Looks to Buy US Nuclear-Capable Fighter Jets to Counter Russia
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United Kingdom is hoping to purchase American-made fighter jets, capable of both carrying and deploying nuclear weapons, according to a report in The Sunday Times. The British newspaper cited anonymous senior officials familiar with the matter, who said the U.K. intends buying Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning stealth fighter aircraft, but that other options are also being evaluated. The Sunday Times reported that the potential deal was part of the country's broader strategy to address threats posed by Russia, and that the "highly sensitive" talks between the Pentagon and the Ministry of Defence have been led by Admiral Sir Antony David Radakin, head of the UK's armed forces, and Secretary of State for Defence John Healey. When contacted for comment, the Ministry of Defence directed Newsweek to an interview given by Healey on Sunday morning, in which he said that such discussions "are not conducted in public," but refused to rule out whether the purchase was an option. Why It Matters Combined with other actions taken and statements made by the U.K. government in recent days, including tomorrow's release of the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, the purchase would signal a significant escalation in Britain's assessment of the threats posed by Russia and the urgency of countering these. Additionally, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has recently set out plans to increase the country's defense budget to 2.5 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) by 2027, up from the current 2.3 percent. This follows calls from NATO officials for member states to devote a greater portion of their budget to counter Russian threats, and similar requests from President Donald Trump What To Know According to the U.S. Air Force, the F-35A Lightning possesses a range of more than 1,350 miles and is capable of carrying payloads of up to 18,000 pounds. Variants of the F-35 have already been certified to carry B61-12 thermonuclear gravity bombs, a type of low-yield nuclear munitions. Having decommissioned its stockpile of tactical, air-delivered nuclear weapons following the end of the Cold War, the U.K. has relied on its "Trident" system as a nuclear deterrent. The arsenal is exclusively capable of being deployed by four Royal Navy Vanguard-class submarines. A U.S. Air Force fifth generation F-35A Lightning II stealth aircraft comes in to land outside RAF Lakenheath on April 17, 2025 in Lakenheath, England. A U.S. Air Force fifth generation F-35A Lightning II stealth aircraft comes in to land outside RAF Lakenheath on April 17, 2025 in Lakenheath, Sunday Times report comes ahead of the release of the government's strategic defence review, which Healey told the BBC would send a "message to Moscow." In a briefing released ahead of the full report, the government said the review would outline a "total commitment to the UK's nuclear deterrent," as well as a "NATO-first" defence policy." What People Are Saying Secretary of State for Defence John Healey spoke to Sky News about the reported purchase on Sunday morning, saying: "Those sort of discussions are not conducted in public and certainly not with a running commentary." "I want to make a wider point though on our nuclear deterrent which is this: For nearly 70 years, our U.K. nuclear deterrent has been the guarantor of our U.K. security—it's what Putin fears most," he added. "And the threats we face in the future, mean we will always have to do what we need to defend the country, and strong deterrence is absolutely essential in order to keep Britain and the British people safe." Lord De Mauley, chair of the Lords International Relations and Defence Committee, said in October: "Years of strategic neglect have left our forces stretched thin and limited in size. We are underprepared to respond to the worsening global threat environment, and in particular to meet the very real and growing threat from Russia." UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in an article for The Sun published Sunday, said his government was committed to restoring "Britain's war-fighting readiness." He cited the emergence of "new nuclear risks," as well as cyberattacks orchestrated by Russia alongside Iran and North Korea. What Happens Next? The government's Strategic Defence Review 2025 is scheduled for publication on Monday.
Indian Express
29-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Knowledge Nugget: Why India's 5th-Gen Fighter Jet AMCA is important for UPSC Prep
What is a fifth-generation fighter jet? Take a look at the essential concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here's your knowledge nugget for today. (Relevance: Fighter jets, aircraft type, and missiles are some of the important topics of defence that have been asked by UPSC in Prelims. In 2024, a question was asked on fifth-generation aircraft (do check them in the post-read questions). Similarly, in this year's Prelims paper, a question was asked on aircraft type and description, making it an important topic for your 2026 UPSC Prelims.) India's planned fifth-generation fighter jet—advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) — hit a new milestone on 27th May with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approving the execution model. With this, the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will have to bid independently or in partnership with other firms to get the contract for manufacturing it. The execution model approach provides equal opportunities to both the private and public sectors on a competitive basis. 1. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)—the agency that will design the aircraft—is set to execute the programme through industry partnership. 2. The initial development cost of the project has been estimated at around Rs 15,000 crore. The IAF has been pushing for the AMCA project in view of its long-term requirement. 3. The manufacturing of the aircraft will bring India into a select league of nations that possess its fifth-generation fighter aircraft—the US (F-22 Raptor and F-35A Lightning II), China (J-20 Mighty Dragon), and Russia (Sukhoi Su-57). Features of AMCA: 1. STEALTH: The 25-tonne twin-engine aircraft, which will be bigger than other fighters in the Indian Air Force inventory, will have advanced stealth features to avoid detection by enemy radar. 2. FUEL & WEAPONS: The aircraft will have a large, concealed internal fuel tank of 6.5-tonne capacity, and an internal weapons bay for a range of weapons, including indigenous weapons, to be buried in its belly. 3. ENGINE: The AMCA Mk1 variant will have the US-built GE414 engine of the 90 kilonewton (kN) class, while the more advanced AMCA Mk2 will fly on the more powerful 110kN engine, which will be developed indigenously by DRDO's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in collaboration with a foreign defence major. 4. Other features such as a diverterless supersonic inlet for controlling air flow into the engines, and a serpentine air intake duct to shield the engines from radar emissions, are likely to be part of the AMCA. 5. The AMCA will be India's indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is a 4.5-generation single-engine multirole aircraft. How is it different from the fourth-generation combat aircraft? 📍The primary difference is in stealth features. The aircraft will have a low electro-magnetic signature, which will make it difficult for enemy radar to detected it. At the same time, it will have powerful sensors and new weapons, so it is able to register the signature of enemy aircraft and take them out. 📍Stealth features such as an internal weapons bay and a bigger internal fuel tank are part of fifth-generation aircraft like AMCA. Up to four long-range air-to-air missiles and multiple precision-guided munitions can be carried in the internal weapons bay, with a payload of 1,500 kg. 📍External fuel tanks and externally attached weapons leave a huge signature and are easy to detect for radar. The special material that will be used on the aircraft surface will divert the radar signature instead of reflecting it back. Only a handful of countries — such as the US, Russia, the UK, and France — have mastered the technology and metallurgy needed to manufacture an engine that can power combat aircraft. India is not in this list — its push for self-reliance in manufacturing several critical technologies, including cryogenic rocket engines, notwithstanding. India's Kaveri Engine Project was initiated in the 1980s to develop an indigenous jet engine for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Due to some technical challenges, it was delinked from Tejas in 2008. Loosely put, a generational shift in fighter jets is said to occur when a certain technological innovation cannot be incorporated into an existing aircraft through upgrades and retrospective fit-outs — each new generation comes with a certain significant leap in technology. There are currently five generations of fighter jets that are (or were in the past) in active service, with sixth generation jets currently in development. 1. First generation (1943 to 1955): They appeared in the final years of World War II. Notably, these jets still flew mostly at subsonic speeds and had very basic avionic systems and no self-protection measures. Examples: Messerschmitt Me 262, North American 5-86 Sabre, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15, Hawker Hunter 2. Second generation (1955 to 1970): These aircraft for the first time were capable of transonic and supersonic dashes during level flight. They also boasted the very first fire control radars and semi-active guided missiles. Examples: Mikoyan MiG-21F, Sukhoi SU-9, Lockheed F-104 Starfighter (interceptors), and Republic F-105 Thunderchief and Sukhoi SU-7B (fighter-bombers) 3. Third generation (1960-1970): This was the first generation of fighter jets designed to have multi-role capabilities. Also, it was the first with capabilities of beyond visual range air-to-air combat. Examples: McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom, Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-23, Hawker Siddeley (later British Aerospace) Harrier. 4. Fourth generation (1970 to 2000s): True multi-role aircraft emerged only with this generation. It was the first generation of aircraft to use fly-by-wire (FBW) control systems. Examples: Grumman F-14 'Tomcat', General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, McDonnel Douglas (later Boeing) F/A-18 'Superhornet', Sukhoi Su-35, Eurofighter Typhoon, HAL Tejas LCA, Dassault Rafale. 5. Fifth generation (2000 onwards): It has fully embraced stealth, advanced integrated avionics systems that provide the pilot with a complete picture of the battle space, and network capabilities. Currently, only the US (F-22 and F-35), Russia (Sukhoi Su-57), and China (Chengdu J-20) have developed operational fifth generation aircraft. India is currently developing its own fifth-generation aircraft with AMCA. Post read question Consider the following aircraft: (UPSC CSE 2024) 1. Rafael 2. MiG-29 3. Tejas MK-1 How many of above are considered fifth generation fighter aircraft? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Khushboo Kumari is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She has done her graduation and post-graduation in History from the University of Delhi. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. She holds experience in UPSC-related content development. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
