Without key technical data from F-35 manufacturer Lockheed Martin, GAO said military maintainers can't fix some parts — or even learn how to fix them. The F-35 Joint Program Office says the upgraded jet is showing software troubles in flight tests, prompting it to push the schedule back. Ukrainian pilots with prior experience flying other fighters could learn to fly the F-16 in as short as five months, the Air Force said. However, much remains undecided over how to field an advanced refueling aircraft the service now calls the next-generation aerial refueling system. The Air Force is adapting AETP features into the future Next Generation Air Dominance platform’s engines. Lawmakers want deeper analysis from the Space Force on a decision to eliminate one satellite from the Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared program. The Lightning II pilot radioed a code 7700, which flags an airborne emergency to air traffic control, around 1:10 p.m. local time on June 15. The Air Force wants its next tankers to be able to survive in the contested airspace likely in the nation's next war. This will be the F-35's third delivery halt in less than a year, and dozens of newly-constructed aircraft could be affected. GAO said some defense officials believe the true amount of lost spare parts may be even higher. Load More