The U.S. military reported on Tuesday that an Iranian drone was shot down as it approached the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. This incident, which involved an F-35 fighter jet taking down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone, marks a significant escalation in regional tensions. The drone was reportedly on a trajectory directly towards the carrier.
It’s interesting to note that the Shahed-139 drone is understood to be an upgraded version of the Shahed-129, designed to perform a surveillance role, similar to the MQ-1 Predator. This suggests the drone’s primary purpose wasn’t a kamikaze attack, but rather reconnaissance or a probe of the carrier’s defenses.… Continue reading
IJB will be hosting a conversation with TSN’s Rick Westhead in Toronto on January 29th. The discussion will provide an unflinching look at the complexities of Canadian hockey culture. Tickets are available for those interested in attending.
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The U.S. Ambassador to Canada is cautioning of potential repercussions to the continental defense pact, NORAD, if Canada doesn’t move forward with the purchase of 88 F-35 fighter jets. He suggests the U.S. would need to increase its own fighter jet presence in Canadian airspace to address threats. This would happen if Canada chooses an “inferior product” according to the ambassador, with the F-35 being more interoperable. Some experts view this as a political pressure tactic, while others acknowledge the importance of interoperability with the U.S. Air Force.
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Danish F-35A fighter jets, supported by a French aerial refueller, are patrolling Greenland’s skies as part of Operation Arctic Endurance, a response to escalating tensions with the United States over control of the island. The operation includes training missions focused on joint operations and harsh Arctic conditions, with planned sorties continuing throughout the exercise. Denmark has sought assistance from its NATO allies, and France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK have pledged troops. Meanwhile, political tensions have risen with punitive import tariffs threatened by the US, and Canada has put their purchase of American-made F-35As under review, looking for ways to reduce reliance on American defense suppliers.
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The Swiss government has decided to reduce its purchase of F-35 fighter jets from the originally planned 36 due to cost overruns announced by the U.S. The budget is capped at CHF6 billion, and the government cannot secure additional funding. The defense ministry will present its prioritized requirements by the end of January, after which a decision on potentially purchasing more jets to reach the original quantity will be made, possibly requiring parliamentary and popular approval. The government also aims to strengthen air defense in the medium term, with plans to have 55 to 70 modern fighter aircraft.
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Representative Ilhan Omar condemned President Trump’s meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, calling it a “disgusting display” and criticizing the administration’s potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. Omar believes that Trump is prioritizing weapons-contractor profits and his own family’s business interests, especially given the Saudis’ human rights record and use of US arms. She urged fellow lawmakers to block the deal, emphasizing the need for congressional authorization before sending US soldiers to defend Saudi Arabia. Additionally, groups like DAWN have voiced concerns, suggesting Trump is prioritizing personal and corporate gains over human rights.
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President Trump announced plans to approve the sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a significant move preceding Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the White House. This potential arms deal aims to strengthen ties with Riyadh as the US seeks to encourage Saudi Arabia to establish official relations with Israel. The decision raises concerns about maintaining Israel’s military edge in the region, a long-standing US policy, with some Israeli officials opposing the sale. If the deal goes through, Saudi Arabia would become the first Arab country to receive the advanced F-35, a program the US has previously offered to the UAE.
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President Trump announced plans to authorize the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia ahead of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit. This decision raises concerns of potential security pacts and business deals, as the Trump Organization is reportedly in talks to develop a Trump-branded property within a major Saudi real estate project. Watchdog groups have criticized the move, citing the merger of Trump’s business interests with U.S. foreign policy and concerns over human rights, alongside worries that the sale could give China access to sensitive technology. The F-35 program is also projected to cost US taxpayers trillions of dollars, with the sales being internally questioned over concerns about Trump’s business dealings with the kingdom.
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The Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales, now under NATO command, has achieved ‘Full Operating Capability’ with its advanced F-35 fighter jets, marking a significant milestone for European security. During a UK-Italy ministerial meeting aboard the carrier, discussions centered on strengthening defense cooperation and bolstering European security. Exercise Falcon Strike demonstrated NATO’s strength as UK and Italian F-35s operated together. The Carrier Strike Group is set to participate in the major NATO exercise Neptune Strike, further enhancing the alliance’s capabilities.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker