$150,000 Soap | 🚨TOD: F-35I "Adir" | F-35B Crash Report

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Edited by: Sidney McAlear

HISTORY OF THE DAY

In 1971, a deadly accident unfolded in the Soviet Union’s secretive biological weapons program near the Aral Sea. A Soviet field test of weaponized smallpox conducted open-air dispersal experiments on an island in the Aral Sea. However, strong winds carried the virus across the water to the port city of Aralsk. The virus infected a young woman working on a fishing vessel, who unknowingly brought it ashore, sparking an outbreak. Within days, ten civilians were infected, and three lost their lives as authorities raced to control the spread.

The Soviet government swiftly imposed a quarantine, isolated the victims, and launched a covert vaccination campaign to suppress the outbreak. Officials enacted a strict cover-up, with residents and healthcare workers given little explanation for the sudden containment measures. For decades, the incident remained hidden from the public, surfacing only after the fall of the Soviet Union.

THREAT OF THE DAY…via Wikipedia

Israeli F-35I "Adir"

Country of Origin: United States, modified by Israel
Nickname: Adir ("Mighty One" in Hebrew)
Initial Operating Capability (IOC): 2017
Proliferation Countries: Exclusively operated by Israel
Produced: Customized version of the F-35A with Israeli-specific modifications for electronic warfare systems and unique weaponry integration
Speed: Mach 1.6
Engine: Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 turbofan
Range: Approximately 1,200 nautical miles*
Radar and Targeting: Equipped with AN/APG-81 AESA radar with Israeli modifications for advanced electronic warfare and target acquisition
Armament:
🔺 Air-to-Air Missiles: AIM-120 AMRAAM, Python 5 (Israel's indigenous missile)
🔺 Air-to-Ground Weapons: JDAMs, SDBs, and Israeli-specific munitions integrated for multirole operations
“Fun” Facts: The F-35I "Adir" is the only variant of the F-35 allowed to be modified with country-specific systems. Israel is currently “testing” a 600-gallon external fuel tank to extend its operational range, potentially adding about 40% to its reach. This modification enhances strategic strike capabilities and introduces challenges for the aircraft's stealth profile. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) also operates a dedicated F-35I test platform to trial these unique upgrades, ensuring they’re combat-ready. As of November 2024, the IAF operates 39 F-35I "Adir" stealth fighters, with plans to expand the fleet to 75 aircraft by 2028.

FLIGHT LINE

🎯 Israeli Strikes Knock Out Iran's S-300 Air Defense Systems | Israeli airstrikes have reportedly destroyed all of Iran's Russian-made S-300 air defense systems, key components of Iran's air defense network. These systems were strategically placed to protect critical infrastructure, including nuclear sites. Their removal could allow Israel greater freedom of movement in Iranian airspace, intensifying the region's tensions.

Satellite imagery analyzed by the Associated Press reveals damage to key Iranian military installations, including the Parchin and Khojir bases, both linked to Iran's missile and nuclear programs.

🎯 North Korea Issues Statement on Troop Deployment to Russia | North Korea has responded to reports of its troops supporting Russia in Ukraine, calling them "rumors" but suggesting any deployment would adhere to international law. Intelligence assessments indicate that at least 12,000 North Korean troops, including special operations forces, may now be stationed in Russian-controlled areas, up from initial estimates of 3,000. On Thursday, the Russian parliament ratified a mutual defense pact with North Korea that President Putin and Kim Jong Un had signed in June.

🎯 Marine Pilot Relieved of Command After Ejecting from F-35B | Colonel Charles "Tre" Del Pizzo, a seasoned Marine Corps pilot, was removed from his command of Marine Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) following an incident in September 2023. During a flight over South Carolina, Del Pizzo ejected from his F-35B Lightning II due to an electrical malfunction that disrupted primary displays and communications. Despite backup systems remaining functional, the aircraft continued flying on autopilot for over 11 minutes before crashing approximately 60 miles away. An investigation concluded that Del Pizzo's decision to eject was a mistake, as the jet was still controllable. Consequently, Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Eric Smith, ordered Del Pizzo's removal from command in October 2024.

“Additionally, he perceived the aircraft was not responding to pilot commands to convert out of Mode 4 (STOVL). [Mishap pilot] then lost his HMD a third time at a last recalled altitude of 1,900 feet above ground level (AGL). With no visible reference to the horizon or ground, and unsure of which flight instruments he could trust, he perceived that the aircraft was still not responding to his commands to convert - and therefore was out-of-controlled flight (OCF). [Mishap pilot] elected to eject in accordance with the F-35B Flight Manual OCF emergency procedures.” - Mishap Report

🎯 Russia Expands Biological and Chemical Weapons Capabilities | Recent satellite imagery and intelligence reports reveal that Russia is significantly expanding its biological and chemical weapons laboratories. This development raises international concerns about potential violations of arms control agreements and the implications for global security.

🎯 First Flight of U.S. Air Force F-16 with IVEWS | The U.S. Air Force recorded the first flight of an F-16 fighter equipped with the new AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) at Eglin Air Force Base. Developed by Northrop Grumman, IVEWS provides advanced radar warning and active jamming capabilities, enhancing the F-16's defenses against modern electronic threats. This upgrade aims to keep the F-16 fleet operationally viable through 2046, with plans to outfit around 450 jets with IVEWS for extended survivability.

🎯 Pentagon Audit Reveals Boeing's 8,000% Markup on Soap Dispensers | A recent Pentagon audit has uncovered that Boeing charged the U.S. Air Force nearly $150,000 for lavatory soap dispensers on C-17 cargo planes, representing an 8,000% markup over standard commercial prices. The audit, which examined 46 spare parts between 2018 and 2022, found that 12 items were overpriced, leading to nearly $1 million in overpayments. Boeing disputes these findings, arguing that the parts meet specific military specifications not comparable to commercial items.

🎯 Marines Achieve Aviation Milestones with F-35B and Drone Integration | The Marine Corps’ VMFA-533 squadron reached initial operational capability with the F-35B, enhancing mission capabilities. Additionally, the XQ-58A Valkyrie drone was successfully tested with the F-35B, showcasing manned-unmanned teaming for advanced threat detection.

🎯 Ukrainian F-16 Reportedly Downs Second Russian Su-34 | Reports from Russian military bloggers and aviation sources suggest that a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber was downed under mysterious circumstances early this morning. Russian sources close to the Air Force, including well-known aviator Ilya Tumanov, have acknowledged the loss, with messages such as “Eternal memory, brothers!” indicating that the aircraft’s crew did not survive.

This incident marks the second recent loss of a Russian Su-34, following an alleged shootdown by a Ukrainian F-16 on October 12 under similar circumstances. Although there has been no official confirmation or denial from either Russia or Ukraine regarding the nature of today’s incident, some sources are attributing the latest downing to an engagement with a Ukrainian F-16.

🎯 Air Force Activates Integrated Capabilities Command | The U.S. Air Force has established the Integrated Capabilities Command to streamline modernization efforts across various domains. This new command aims to enhance coordination and accelerate the development of advanced capabilities to address evolving global threats. The command will be fully operational once a three-star general is nominated to lead the new command.

Trivia Answer:
B) Soviet Union - Estimates place the USSR with having produced 20 tons of smallpox duirng the cold war but capable of producing upwards of 90 tons per year. Their bioweapons program was spread across dozens of sites, employing over 65,000 people.