The 5 most significant air stories of 2022
5. USAF budget request offers mixed results for F-35 and F-15EX fighters
The USAF's FY2023 defence budget request contains some surprises as it slows F-35 acquisition while accelerating F-15EX combat jet deliveries.

A total of 33 F-35A combat jets are being sought by the USAF for FY2023. (Photo: US DoD)
Despite the US Air Force (USAF) requesting a FY2023 budget of $169.5 billion, 8% higher than its FY2022 allocation, the service will seek to slow the pace of F-35 fighter jet procurement, attempt to expedite the rate of F-15EX aircraft production and force cutbacks to older fleets like the E-8C
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
Dubai Airshow 2025: Anduril and Edge joint venture unveils Omen tailsitter UAV
The Group 3 UAV has also netted its first order from the UAE for 50 platforms, with full-scale production scheduled for 2028.
-
Russian fighter jet exportability threatened by sanctions, says think tank
The think tank realised its report just days before the Dubai Airshow, where the Su-57E Russian fighter jet and Yak-130M trainer and light attack aircraft will make their Middle Eastern debuts.
-
Analysis: South American domestic drone programmes fly high
While South American militaries will continue to import drone technology from extra-regional suppliers, the successful test of a locally manufactured kamikaze drone by the Brazilian Navy demonstrates the rising role of “made in South America” systems.
-
UAE: Domestic industries set to dominate the country’s $5.24 billion UAV market
The UAE is the second-highest spender on uncrewed aerial vehicles in the Middle East and the 15th-highest spender on the capability globally.