Italian F-35 "Beast Mode"...

Beast Mode 🇮🇹 💪

Check out these great photos, from our @ItalianAirForce partners, of an Italian #F35A and #F35B loaded and training together in their “Beast Mode” weapons configuration for the first time. #32Stormo pic.twitter.com/6woqT3MR1G

— F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office (@theF35JPO) November 27, 2020

 I'm still a critic of this program...

*  ALIS doesn't work and the work around is still getting fleshed together.

*  Critical systems have been either downgraded or workarounds established with no visibility on their solution.

*  The variety of munitions carried is still pitifully small...many weapon systems that should be available STILL aren't.

*  Full rate production decision has been pushed into 2021...this puppy should be getting cranked out if all was well!

*  Allies ARE BUYING THE THING...but they're also developing their own stealth fighters at the same time.  Even the USAF is buying F-15EX's and the Navy has started a crash program for it's next gen fighter that the USAF is globbing onto.

Yeah I'm still a critic but its a slow defense news day....