Description

This week on The Lowdown, we break down the biggest headlines in defense and aviation. The Marine Corps is shifting its F-35 fleet, cutting planned F-35B purchases in favor of more carrier-based F-35Cs. Meanwhile, the Air Force built a Frankenstein F-35—merging two damaged jets into one combat-ready aircraft. 

We also cover the Kirov-Class battlecruiser revival, a major development for the Russian Navy. The U.S. deployed F-16s to Greenland in response to increasing Russian bomber activity in the Arctic. 

Meanwhile, a former Federal Reserve official was arrested for allegedly selling U.S. economic secrets to China—a case that could have major national security implications. We also dive into the VH-92 Marine One helicopter delays, hypersonic missile threats, and how infrared search & track (IRST) is reshaping air combat. 

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction

00:50 – History of the Day: NORAD’s First Intercept

02:06 – Kh-47 Hypersonic Missile

02:41 – Newsletter Subscription and Giveaway

03:02 – Marine One Update

04:04 – King Air Crash in the Philippines

05:13 – F-35 Delay Update

07:31 – Restoration of Two F-35s

08:15 – Navy’s High Energy Laser

09:12 – Super Hornet IRST BLock!!

10:14 – United Pilot Sues United

11:49 – F-16 Block 70 Viper Shield Program Testing

12:26 – Federal Reserve Advisor Arrested for Espionage

13:21 – F-16s Deployed to Greenland

13:41 – Intelligence Flights Along the Southern Border

14:58 – Conclusion