Defense

The Marine Corps is pausing its aviation operations for two days as the disappearance of a Marine Corps F-35B jet over South Carolina on Sunday remains unsolved. The Corps’ Monday statement announcing the standdown cited three recent significant mishaps involving Marine aircraft. “During the safety stand down, aviation commanders will lead discussions with their Marines focusing on the…

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — Lockheed Martin expects to close a contract with Romania to open up its first F-16 flight training center in Europe, which could eventually train pilots from Ukraine. The planned European Flight Training Center would be the U.S. company’s first in the continent, and in the future could expand to teach pilots from nations other than Romania, OJ Sanchez, Lockheed’s…

MELBOURNE, Australia — The U.S. State Department has approved a $5.06 billion sale of 25 F-35A fighter jets for South Korea. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency on Wednesday announced the possible deal, which could change in quantity and contract value during the negotiations process. The potential sale, which now goes to Congress for consideration, would also include 26 Pratt & Whitney…

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The U.S. Air Force has clearly expressed its desire for a futuristic fleet of drone “wingmen” considered vital to countering Russia and China, defense company executives said. The exchange of info between buyer and builder for the collaborative combat aircraft endeavor, or CCA, has so far been “crystal clear,” according to David Alexander, the president of General…