The Defense Department and Lockheed Martin recently announced resumed deliveries of F-35 aircraft configured with software called Technology Refresh-3, or TR-3. Although a truncated version of the TR-3 software is part of the package, this resumption is a milestone that comes after a yearlong freeze in which undelivered F-35s accumulated and collected dust. The TR-3 configuration, which includes a more powerful processor, enhanced software, and a new cockpit display, represents a critical evolution in the capabilities of the F-35, laying the groundwork for the forthcoming and more advanced Block 4 upgrade. The resumption of F-35 deliveries isn’t just a technical or logistical achievement; it is a strategic necessity. The F-35, with its advanced sensors, communications suites, and networked capabilities, significantly enhances the ability of the U.S. and allied forces to operate effectively. That’s going to be imperative in the event of a conflict in the Indo-Pacific. The Indo-Pacific region increasingly has become a focal point of geopolitical tension, with Chinese troops contesting both the maritime and land borders of American partners and allies throughout the region. Referring to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a May 3 speech: “INDOPACOM is working with our regional allies and partners like never before.” As the fighter jet of choice for key allies, the F-35 is crucial for maintaining a continuous presence and supporting advanced air power. Japan, for example, has been increasing its F-35 fleet in response to the rapid modernization and expansion of China’s fifth-generation J-20 fighters. This expansion also has compelled the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps to prioritize deploying F-35s to the Pacific as a countermeasure against the J-20. In fact, the Pentagon recently confirmed the first-ever forward deployment of fifth-generation F-35A fighters to Japan’s Misawa Air Base. They are replacing older F-16s and increasing the base’s fighter complement from 36 to 48 aircraft, or a 33% jump. This strategic move not only underscores the importance of the F-35 in maintaining air superiority, but highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen defense partnerships and ensure readiness in the face of evolving threats. Thus, the presence of F-35s in the Indo-Pacific isn’t just about numbers but the qualitative edge the fighters bring. The integration of TR-3 and the forthcoming Block 4 upgrades will solidify the F-35’s role as a cornerstone of modern air combat, providing unmatched capabilities to counter China and support allied operations across the Indo-Pacific. The Pentagon’s lifting of the yearlong freeze on F-35 stealth fighter deliveries is beneficial for three reasons: 1. Enhanced Operational Readiness. The resumed F-35 deliveries ensure that U.S. and allied forces can maintain a high state of operational readiness. With the TR-3 upgrades, these aircraft are better equipped to handle the complex and dynamic threats posed by modern adversaries, enhancing overall mission effectiveness. 2. Strengthening Alliances. By providing F-35s to allies in the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. bolsters defense ties and fosters greater military cooperation. This not only deters potential aggressors but demonstrates a unified commitment to regional stability and collective security. 3. Technological Superiority. The TR-3 configuration and the future Block 4 upgrades ensure that the U.S. remains at the cutting edge of military technology, providing a decisive advantage in any conflict. TR-3 directly enhances F-35 capabilities and allows the U.S. and allies to maintain air dominance. It is also important to note the limitations of the Pentagon’s decision to resume F-35 deliveries, including: Time and Integration Delays. If an F-35 were to be delivered today, it would not be combat ready until 2025. As China continues to be an aggressor in the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. must be ready now. On July 24, for example, two Chinese military aircraft were detected, tracked, and intercepted in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone. It is evident that aircraft readiness is paramount now more than ever. Woke-Industrial Complex. Senior officials at Lockheed Martin—including a former three-star general and director of supply chain operations and the vice president of the Air Force’s $1.7 trillion F-35 program—have been too focused on training in diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI, rather than enhancing F-35 readiness. In 2021, Lockheed hosted a Zoom call for senior officials that “deconstructed white male privilege.” This woke focus has detracted from critical improvements needed for the F-35 program, including the TR-3 upgrade. Supply-Chain Challenges. The yearlong freeze has caused significant disruption in the supply chain, affecting production schedules, and leading to a backlog of undelivered jets with no clear indication of delivery. This may result in delays in future deliveries and maintenance cycles, impacting the readiness and availability of the F-35 fleet? for the U.S. and allies. Budget Constraints. TR-3 and forthcoming Block 4 upgrades are expensive and have run over budget by roughly $1 billion, lawmakers say. Budgetary constraints and other defense priorities could limit the speed and extent of these upgrades across the fleet, potentially affecting the overall modernization timeline?. The ongoing delay in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter’s latest upgrades, for example, was one factor in the Air Force’s recent decision to purchase fewer jets in fiscal year 2025, which begins Oct. 1. The post Back in the Air: Resumed F-35 Deliveries Help in Indo-Pacific appeared first on The Daily Signal.

DAILY CALLER NEWS FOUNDATION—Several members of the U.S. Secret Service were placed on administrative leave after the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Butler County, Pennsylvania, Fox News reported. At least five Secret Service members, including one from Trump’s personal protective team and four from the Pittsburgh Field Office, were put on leave nearly six weeks after the shooting, according to Fox News. Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, fired shots at the former president from a rooftop positioned 130 yards from the rally stage, raising concerns about the Secret Service’s security lapses. “This is such a ridiculously delayed reaction,” Tristan Leavitt, president of Empower Oversight, said in a post on X. “These Secret Service employees should have been reassigned to these administrative duties on July 13. Director [Ronald] Rowe said he would wait until an investigation before issuing ‘disciplinary action’—but reassigning to admin duties is not disciplinary action.” Crooks was reportedly spotted by witnesses, flagged by Secret Service agents, and identified by a local countersniper over an hour and a half before Trump took the stage. In the weeks following the incident, lawmakers held hearings pressing the Secret Service and the FBI regarding the security lapses leading up to the shooting. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned 10 days after the attempted assassination. “There must be accountability at the Secret Service for its historic failures that led to the attempted assassination of President Trump,” Republican Kentucky Rep. James Comer, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, said in a statement on X. “Holding negligent employees accountable is the first step. I look forward to the Task Force’s findings of its investigation. We must ensure the Secret Service does not fail again.” The Secret Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation. Originally published by the Daily Caller News Foundation The post Secret Service Agents Reportedly Put on Leave After Trump Assassination Attempt appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Michelle Obama’s speech at the DNC was dripping with hypocrisy, and everyone but the crowd seemed to notice. “Kamala knows, like we do, that regardless of where you come from, what you look like, who you love, how you worship, or what’s in your bank account, we all deserve the opportunity to build a decent life, all of our contributions deserve to be accepted and valued,” she began, adding, “Because no one has a monopoly on what it means to be an American.” “We will never benefit from the affirmative action of generational wealth.” “If things don’t go our way, we don’t have the luxury of whining or cheating others to get further ahead, no. We don’t get to change the rules so we always win,” she continued, pointing her finger at the crowd. She then went on to demonize Donald Trump as a white man who “doubles down on ugly, misogynistic, racist lies as a substitute for real ideas.” The irony is glaring. Michelle is now a multimillionaire who has amassed a fortune after her husband, Barack Obama, ran the White House for eight years. Their combined wealth has reached $70 million. Despite her claims of humility, she conveniently overlooks how she profits off this system, even charging nearly $750,000 for a single hour-long speech. Pat Gray of “Pat Gray Unleashed” is well aware that Obama is a hypocrite and knows why she, along with other Democrats, pushes the diversity narrative so hard. “They know the further we get from each other, and the less we can understand one another, which is why they encourage people not to learn the language, not to assimilate, not to be part of the culture,” Gray says. “They know that, and they keep hammering it anyway,” he adds. Want more from Pat Gray?To enjoy more of Pat's biting analysis and signature wit as he restores common sense to a senseless world, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.

There are many wonderful things that are synonymous with Stalker, from the series’ making you feel like you’re inhabiting a world full of events that don't revolve around you, to how it embraces realism - while at the same time featuring some serious supernatural shit. Stalker 2 is a game that’s walking a tightrope with realism, trying to make sure that it's fun while at the same time fine-tuning the rhythm of its gameplay. Continue reading Stalker 2 is all about realism, but it won’t be “fully realistic” MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best apocalypse games, Stalker 2 release date, Best survival games

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Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge The Justice Department is suing the company behind a widely used software that helps landlords set rental prices. It alleges that RealPage’s rent recommendation algorithm drives up prices and “deprives renters of the benefits of competition on apartment leasing terms.” In the complaint, the DOJ, along with eight states, claim that RealPage obtains nonpublic rental price information from competing landlords who use the software. RealPage then allegedly feeds this information into its algorithmic pricing software, which landlords can use to get suggestions about their rent rates. When landlords collude to delegate pricing decisions to algorithms, renters can lose out on the benefits of competition and face higher rates. I called on the... Continue reading…

Samsung's decision to launch the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 earlier than usual wasn't bad, considering all the foldable phone launches since July. Motorola, Honor, Xiaomi, and Google released new devices that compete directly against Samsung's new foldables. The Honor Magic V3, Xiaomi Mix Fold 4, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold are especially interesting, as they're even thinner than the Galaxy Z Fold 6. However, Samsung isn't done with foldables for the year, as it's readying another first. This will be the first year Samsung launches two foldable phones in July and a third foldable before the end of the year. After rumors said that Samsung will launch a more affordable foldable around the time the iPhone 16 launches, a brand new report out of Korea indicates the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim is supposed to come out late next month. But you won't necessarily like the rest of what this rumor has to say. Continue reading... The post Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim to launch around the same time as the iPhone 16, but we have bad news appeared first on BGR. Today's Top Deals Today’s deals: $199 Apple iPad 9, $30 Crest 3D Whitestrips, $298 Sony XM5 ANC headphones, more Today’s deals: $224 iPad, New back to school blowout, $198 Sony XM4 headphones, $98 eufy smart lock, more Today’s deals: $20 Amazon credit, $299 Apple Watch Series 9, $20 Blink Mini cam, Beats x Kardashian, more Today’s deals: $50 off Sonos Ace, $90 Ninja Air Fryer Pro, Igloo coolers, Lenovo laptop, $18 pillows, more