US Boosts F-15, F-15EX Fighters with Cutting-Edge Technology; EPAWSS Testing Completed

The United States enhances its F-15E and new F-15EX fighter jets with a groundbreaking electronic warfare system, EPAWSS, to elevate their combat effectiveness against adversaries. After successful testing by the US Air Force and BAE Systems, this system promises game-changing capabilities for the fighters.

BAE Systems announced the completion of the EPAWSS testing, validating its full-spectrum electronic warfare features like radar warning, geolocation, and self-defense. The system's agility and upgradeability ensure continuous protection against evolving electromagnetic threats.

With an investment of $1.8 billion, the EPAWSS program is set to equip F-15E Strike Eagles until 2029, enhancing their lethality and survivability in contested environments. This system marks a significant leap in electronic warfare technology, setting a new standard for jet pilots.

EPAWSS's integration into the F-15 fleet signifies a strategic move to prolong the fighters' operational life and maintain their combat readiness. Amidst evolving battlefield dynamics, these fighters remain pivotal, especially in potential confrontations with adversaries like China.

The US Air Force's commitment to outfitting F-15s with EPAWSS underscores its dedication to bolstering national defense capabilities and ensuring the fighters' effectiveness until at least 2040. 

F-35A Lightning II Stealth Fighter Cleared for Thunderstorm Flights: Latest Updates

 In a significant development, the F-35A Lightning II, previously restricted from flying near thunderstorms due to lightning concerns, has reportedly been cleared for such operations. While the F-35Cs and F-35Bs were exempt from the ban, the conventional take-off and landing variant of the F-35 faced restrictions within 25 miles of lightning. However, recent reports suggest that the Pentagon has lifted these restrictions after implementing hardware and software fixes for the lightning protection system.

According to statements from the Joint Program Office (JPO) spokesperson Russ Goemaere, the Defense Department formally withdrew the lightning restrictions on March 19, following the development of fixes for the F-35A aircraft. However, details regarding the number of modified F-35As and their readiness for operations in inclement weather remain undisclosed and unverified.

Despite its designation as an "all-weather" aircraft, the F-35A had been prohibited from flying in lightning conditions, posing operational challenges. Issues with the On-board Inert Gas Generation System (OBIGGS) led to the ban in 2020 after damage to one of the system's components was discovered during routine maintenance. The remedial measures involved strengthening brackets associated with OBIGGS tubes to prevent vibrations and enhance safety.

The removal of lightning restrictions marks a significant milestone after years of development and testing. The coordinated efforts between Lockheed Martin and the Department of Defense (DoD) have resulted in hardware and software upgrades to the OBIGGS system, ensuring safe operations in thunderstorms. With extensive testing and analysis confirming the system's reliability, the F-35A can now operate near thunderstorms with reduced restrictions, enhancing its operational flexibility and capabilities.

National Guard's Budgetary Wishlist Aims to Restore Fighter Jets and Expand Fleet Capacity

The National Guard has submitted a nearly $2.7 billion unfunded priorities list to Congress, seeking to restore the dozen fighter jets cut from the Air Force's original fiscal 2025 request. This wishlist also includes funds to purchase additional F-15EX Eagle IIs and F-35A Joint Strike Fighters, totaling $1.35 billion, constituting over half of the National Guard's request.

The Air Force's proposed budget for 2025 entails purchasing 42 F-35As and 18 F-15EXs, reflecting a reduction of six aircraft each from the initial projections. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall cited the need to adhere to spending caps set by Congress, leading to cuts in procurement spending and an emphasis on research and development.

Contrary to the Air Force's priorities, the National Guard's wishlist emphasizes the importance of bolstering the F-35 fleet to enhance capacity in the Indo-Pacific region and facilitate pilot training. Additionally, acquiring more F-15EXs aims to complete the establishment of combat squadrons and maximize output from the defense industrial base.

The National Guard's request also includes funding for additional conformal fuel tanks for F-15EXs, C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, and resources to support pilot training and recruitment efforts.

China's Revolutionary 'Super' AD Missile Threatens US B-21s: Expert Insights

 Amidst escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, Chinese researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking surface-to-air missile (SAM) boasting an unprecedented kill range. Published in the Chinese Language Journal of Graphics, the paper claims this SAM surpasses all existing systems with a range exceeding 2,000 kilometers (about 1,240 miles).

Traditional SAMs typically have much shorter ranges, making such ultra-long-range capabilities seemingly impractical. Yet, according to the paper, this new Chinese SAM has the potential to neutralize threats like bombers and early-warning aircraft, hinting at its relevance in regional conflicts, particularly against the US Air Force and its allies.

The US has recently intensified its military presence in the Indo-Pacific, prompting China to bolster its defenses. Amidst speculation of a potential Taiwan conflict by 2027, China aims to deter external interference with advanced air defense technologies.

The new SAM, designed to be mobile and affordable, challenges conventional air defense norms. Despite skepticism from some military analysts, who doubt its immediate adoption, the missile's development signifies China's rapid progress in military technology.

Moreover, the missile's integration with China's satellite network enhances its targeting capabilities, potentially rendering stealth technologies obsolete. With its strategic implications for regional stability, this SAM represents a significant advancement in China's defense capabilities.

China's Rise: Will China Overtake the US as the World's Largest Air Force? Insights from a Top Official

 A senior US military official has suggested that China's expanding military prowess may soon lead it to surpass the United States not only as the world's largest navy but also as the world's largest air force. Navy Adm. John C. Aquilino, head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, made this revelation during recent testimony on Capitol Hill, highlighting China's ambitious military modernization endeavors and their potential global implications.

Aquilino's statement before the Senate Armed Services Committee emphasized the significant number of warplanes possessed by each country's military forces, indicating China's imminent challenge to US dominance in this regard.

According to the Pentagon's 2023 report on Chinese military power, the combined strength of the PLA Air Force and Navy exceeds 3,150 aircraft, showcasing China's remarkable growth in aerial capabilities. While the US Air Force currently boasts around 4,000 non-trainer, non-drone aircraft, China's substantial increase in production capacity, particularly in advanced fighters, suggests a trajectory toward surpassing the US in air force capabilities.

However, the US Air Force faces its own challenges, including maintaining size amidst evolving threats, notably from China. Current strategies prioritize reducing airpower capacity to invest in more advanced systems for the future. This approach aims to retire outdated aircraft and procure next-generation ones, enhancing overall capability.

Nevertheless, the US Air Force's reliance on uncertain funding for future developments raises concerns about its sustainability and ability to maintain numerical superiority over China. Despite China's advancements in military aviation, perceived technological gaps exist compared to advanced US aircraft.

China's strategy involves leveraging regional missile capabilities to neutralize major US military bases, potentially undermining the deployment of advanced US warplanes. This poses challenges, particularly in conflicts over Taiwan, where the presence of fifth-generation warplanes is crucial.

Ultimately, while China's ascent in military aviation is notable, the US maintains qualitative superiority, particularly in advanced weaponry and naval capabilities. However, China's strategic advancements underscore the evolving dynamics of global power and the need for continued vigilance and adaptation in US defense strategies.

Northrop Grumman: Air Force Design Changes Drive Up Sentinel ICBM Costs

 A Northrop Grumman representative has attributed the significant cost increase of the U.S. Air Force's upcoming intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the LGM-35A Sentinel, to design alterations by the service, particularly concerning the missile silos and connecting cables.

Originally, the Air Force planned to retain nearly all existing copper cabling, spanning approximately 7,500 miles, to support the Sentinel. However, the service later determined the necessity of upgrading to a higher-performing fiber-optic network, leading to additional costs.

Moreover, design adjustments to the launch facilities, initially conceived during the early phases of engineering and manufacturing development, also contributed to the cost escalation. The sheer scale of these changes, encompassing hundreds of launch facilities and thousands of miles of cable, resulted in substantial budgetary impacts.

The Sentinel program, aimed at replacing the aging Minuteman III ICBMs, has faced significant challenges and cost overruns. Originally projected at $96 billion with a per-unit cost of $118 million, the program's expenses have surged by at least 37%, with a current per-unit cost of around $162 million.

As a result of the cost increases triggering a Nunn-McCurdy breach, the Pentagon is conducting a review to identify the factors responsible. Despite setbacks, the Air Force remains committed to the Sentinel program, emphasizing the necessity of replacing the Minuteman III to maintain a credible nuclear deterrent.

Northrop Grumman continues its engineering and manufacturing development work on Sentinel, albeit amidst ongoing cost discussions with the Air Force. Despite the challenges, the program aims to deliver a next-generation ICBM with enhanced capabilities and reliability, ensuring the nation's strategic nuclear deterrent for decades to come.