Kyle Mizokami

1 month ago | nationalsecurityjournal.org | Kyle Mizokami

Key Points – President Trump’s May 15th remarks in Qatar proposing new “F-55” (a twin-engine F-35 “super upgrade”) and “F-22 Super” fighter concepts continue to sow confusion. -While the F-35 is receiving known Block 4 upgrades and the F-22 is undergoing enhancements (like new sensors and weapons integration) to bridge to the F-47 NGAD, developing a twin-engine F-35 derivative is deemed technically impractical and would constitute an entirely new aircraft.

1 month ago | 19fortyfive.com | Kyle Mizokami

Key Points – President Trump’s May 15th remarks in Qatar mentioning new fighter concepts—an “F-55” (described as a twin-engine “super upgrade” of the F-35), an “F-22 Super,” and even a “four-engine fighter”—have sparked confusion among defense analysts. -While the F-35 is undergoing Block 4 upgrades and the F-22 is receiving sensor enhancements, the idea of a twin-engine F-35 derivative is considered technically impractical, likely requiring a completely new airframe.

1 month ago | 19fortyfive.com | Kyle Mizokami

Key Points – The SR-72 “Darkstar,” envisioned as a hypersonic successor to the iconic SR-71 Blackbird, is designed to fly at Mach 6, twice as fast as its predecessor, and capable of both surveillance and strike missions. -While its dramatic portrayal in Top Gun: Maverick captivated audiences, the real-life aircraft likely remains a conceptual project.

1 month ago | 19fortyfive.com | Kyle Mizokami

Key Points: The US Army’s recent cancellation of the M10 Booker armored vehicle program is viewed as a positive development, as the platform was already an outdated solution for infantry fire support. -Originally intended as a lightweight vehicle, the 42-ton Booker failed to meet key deployability requirements.

1 month ago | nationalsecurityjournal.org | Kyle Mizokami

Key Points: After Boeing secured the F-47 NGAD contract in March 2025, Lockheed Martin unveiled plans for an upgraded “fifth-generation-plus” F-35, integrating technologies from its own NGAD bid. -Tentatively called F-35D, this concept aims to deliver approximately 80% of the F-47’s capability at 50% of the cost, primarily through internal modifications like advanced sensors, EW, weapons integration, or even lasers, while retaining the F-35 airframe.