Key Headlines on the F-35 (August 2025)
1.
Switzerland Reassesses F-35 Order Amid Rising Costs
Switzerland is reviewing its planned acquisition of 36 F-35A jets after U.S. officials declined to honor a previously-fixed price. The deal, originally estimated at 6 billion Swiss francs (~$7.47 billion), could see cost overruns between $650 million and $1.3 billion, factoring in inflation, commodity prices, and tariffs . Political pressure and trade tensions, including a 39% U.S. tariff, have intensified scrutiny and prompted possible reductions in the order. A final review is expected by November 2025 .
2.
Emergency Landing in Japan Highlights Technical Glitch
A UK F-35B, operating from the carrier HMS Prince of Wales, made an emergency landing at Kagoshima Airport in southwest Japan due to a technical fault during drills . Though no injuries occurred and delays were minimal, the jet remains stranded pending arrival of replacement parts . This marks another in a series of technical incidents involving F-35Bs during overseas deployments .
3.
F-35A and Drone Integration Showcased for New Warfare Doctrine
In a groundbreaking demonstration, the U.S. Defense Department and Performance Drone Works displayed integrated operations between an F-35A stealth fighter and a C100 unmanned aerial system (UAS). This collaboration underscores evolving joint air warfare strategies leveraging both manned and unmanned capabilities for precision strike missions .
4.
F-35 Escorts Putin’s Plane After Trump–Putin Alaska Talks
Following a summit in Anchorage, U.S. F-22 and F-35 jets escorted Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aircraft — the “Flying Kremlin” — as it left Alaskan airspace, capturing notable imagery from both U.S. and Kremlin sources . Footage from inside the aircraft was even released by the Kremlin .
5.
Australia Faces Ethical Scrutiny Over F-35 Component Exports
Amid concerns over F-35s being used by Israel in civilian-impact strikes in Gaza, activists and lawmakers in Australia are calling for a halt to component exports. Around 75 Australian firms contribute to the aircraft’s global supply chain. While the government insists these contributions are part of a broader multinational program, critics emphasize the potential for indirect involvement in conflicts, leading to calls for more transparency and ethical oversight .
6.
Operation Baltic Eagle III: Italy Deploys F-35A to Defend Baltic Skies
Italy has deployed four F-35A Lightning IIs to Ämari Air Base in Estonia, taking over NATO’s Baltic Air Policing task under Operation Baltic Eagle III. These jets, operating in Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) mode, will maintain airspace defense over Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania for the next four months .
