Block 4 Archives

The VMFA-121 was the first operational F-35B squadron in the Marine Corps, with its relocation to 1st Marine Aircraft Wing at Iwakuni. The F-35B was developed to replace the Marine Corps' F/A-18 Hornet, AV-8B Harrier and EA- 6B Prowler. The Short Take-off Vertical Landing (STOVL) sensor technology, and electronic warfare systems bring all of the access and lethality capabilities of a fifth-generation fighter, a modern bomber, and an adverse-weather, all-threat environment air support platform.

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

Why Can’t the U.S. Military’s Block 4 F-35 Stealth Fighter Work?

Key Points and Summary – Block 4 and Tech Refresh 3 are critical upgrades meant to keep the F-35 relevant for decades. -Even with...

Kris OsbornDecember 19, 2025

Dollars and Sense

F-35: Most Expensive Military Program In History Hits $2,000,000,000,000

Key Points and Summary – The Air Force’s F-35 roadmap shows modest fleet growth through 2030, with near-term buys reduced to fund crucial upgrades—especially...

Stephen SilverNovember 13, 2025

A crew chief from the 158th Fighter Wing taxis an F-35 II Lightning in for rapid refueling and rearming, July 24, 2025, at Westover Air Reserve Base, Chicopee, Mass. During the D-ICT exercise, F-15's from the 104th Fighter Wing and F35's from the 158th Fighter Wing received simultaneous rapid rearming and refueling from the 103AW C-130H Hercules with all engines running. Performing these D-ICT exercises helps aircraft quickly return to their mission and highlights our ability to distribute and operate from anywhere. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Jay Hewitt)

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

The U.S. Air Force’s F-35 Stealth Fighter Block 4 Crisis

Key Points and Summary – The F-35’s critical Block 4 upgrade package is now five years behind schedule, expected in 2031, and $6 billion...

Jack BuckbyOctober 31, 2025

Maj. Kristin Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team pilot and commander, flies an F-35 assigned to the 421st Fighter Generation Squadron at the Wings Over Houston Airshow, Texas, Oct. 15, 2023. The airshow showcases vintage World War II aircraft alongside modern aviation and has supported a variety of local and national charities during its 39-year history. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kaitlyn Ergish)

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

The F-35 Stealth Fighter Feels Like a Black Hole of Trouble

Key Points and Summary – The F-35’s critical Block 4 upgrade package is now five years behind schedule, expected in 2031, and $6 billion...

Caleb LarsonOctober 21, 2025

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

The F-35 Stealth Fighter Still Haunts the U.S. Military

Key Points and Summary – The F-35 is the planet’s best fighter precisely because it is more than a fighter: a stealthy, fused-sensor “quarterback”...

Harry KazianisOctober 9, 2025

A joint team consisting of F-35 Patuxent River Integrated Test Force flight test members, U.S. Sailors and Marines, and the crew of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Izumo-class multi-functional destroyer JS Kaga (DDH-184) are executing developmental sea trials in the eastern Pacific Ocean to gather the necessary data to certify F-35B Lightning II short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft operations. While aboard the MSDF’s largest ship, the Pax ITF flight test team has been gathering compatibility data for analysis in order to make recommendations for future F-35B operational envelopes, further enhancing the Japanese navy's capabilities. The results of the testing will contribute to improved interoperability between Japan and the United States, strengthening the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. alliance and contributing to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Japan is an F-35 Joint Program Office foreign military sales customer planning to purchase 42 F-35Bs. The F-35 Joint Program Office continues to develop, produce, and sustain the F-35 Air System to fulfill its mandate to deliver a capable, available, and affordable air system with fifth-generation capabilities.

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

The F-35 Stealth Fighter Needs a Big Update. The Problem: That Will Be 5 Years Late

Key Points and Summary: A new GAO report says the F-35’s Block 4 modernization is at least five years late and $6B over estimates....

Caleb LarsonSeptember 21, 2025

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning assigned to the 356th Fighter Squadron, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, flies alongside of a U.S. Air Force KC-46A Pegasus assigned to the 77th Aerial Refueling Squadron, Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina, over the Pacific Ocean while enroute to the Singapore Airshow 2022, Feb. 11, 2022. The Singapore Airshow is the largest defense exhibition and biennial international tradeshow in the Pacific attracting thousands of participants from 50 countries. The U.S. Military is participating in Singapore Airshow 2022 by providing aerial demonstrations and static aircraft to demonstrate commitment and build upon partnerships with Singapore. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Richard P. Ebensberger)

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

The F-35 Stealth Fighter’s ‘Air Superiority’ Could Be At Risk

Key Points and Summary – The GAO says the F-35’s Block 4 modernization is five years late and $6 billion over budget, prompting the...

Steve BalestrieriSeptember 19, 2025

F-35 Demonstration Team members sprint to their positions during the ground show at the Defenders of Liberty Air & Space Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 17, 2019. The team’s ground show consists of pre-flight inspections with sharp, quick-paced movements that showcase the pride and professionalism of the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Alexander Cook)

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

The F-35 Stealth Fighter Block 4 Update Is Worth the ‘Pain’

Key Points and Summary – After a bruising decade, the F-35 is poised for a meaningful leap. Block 4—enabled by the TR-3 hardware/software refresh—adds...

Brent M. EastwoodSeptember 10, 2025

National Security Journal

All posts tagged "Block 4"

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

Why Can’t the U.S. Military’s Block 4 F-35 Stealth Fighter Work?

Dollars and Sense

F-35: Most Expensive Military Program In History Hits $2,000,000,000,000

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

The U.S. Air Force’s F-35 Stealth Fighter Block 4 Crisis

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

The F-35 Stealth Fighter Feels Like a Black Hole of Trouble

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

The F-35 Stealth Fighter Still Haunts the U.S. Military

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

The F-35 Stealth Fighter Needs a Big Update. The Problem: That Will Be 5 Years Late

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

The F-35 Stealth Fighter’s ‘Air Superiority’ Could Be At Risk

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

The F-35 Stealth Fighter Block 4 Update Is Worth the ‘Pain’

Recent Posts

Recent Posts

Recent Comments