Japan Eyes More F-35s as GCAP Delays Loom

Japan is increasingly concerned that its joint next-gen fighter project with the UK and Italy, the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), may miss its 2035 target, with potential delays pushing deployment beyond 2040.

With China and Russia frequently testing Japan’s airspace, Tokyo may be forced to buy more U.S. F-35 stealth jets or upgrade older aircraft to maintain readiness.

A purchase of Lockheed Martin F-35s ($100 million each) could also serve as a bargaining chip in upcoming trade talks with President Trump.

Japan already leads all overseas buyers with 147 F-35s on order, and Trump reportedly pitched Boeing’s upcoming F-47 fighter in a recent call with Ishiba.

Source: Reuters

According to Oryx’s tracking of Russian equipment losses, Russia is now estimated to have lost 4,000 tanks in the war in Ukraine.

Al-Ubeid Hospital in Sudan's North Kordofan region was put out of service following a bomb attack carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

China criticized the U.S. for advancing the "Golden Dome" missile defense system, accusing it of fueling a space arms race.

The Defense Ministry stated such moves violate the Outer Space Treaty, threaten global security, destabilize arms control, and risk "reopening Pandora’s box."

Zelensky’s Chief-of-Staff, Andrii Yermak:

Ukraine is ready to attend the next meeting, but we want to engage in a constructive discussion. This means it is important to receive Russia’s draft.

Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan in Ukraine:

Either we allow this war to continue or we will achieve a lasting peace within this year.

Russia's Medvedev:

Zelensky wants to ensure his immunity in the future, but history has other examples.

From Kharkiv to Zaporizhzhia, Ukrainian forces are fortifying a 350 km front with trenches, dragon’s teeth, and barbed wire in anticipation of a Russian offensive.

Indian politician falsely claims Hitler sent German women to marry Hindu men.

Kremlin:

The Russian delegation is heading to Istanbul and will be ready for a new round of negotiations with Kiev on June 2.

Kremlin:

Putin fundamentally supports the possibility of a personal meeting with Zelensky and Trump; such contacts are in demand, but good preparation is needed.

United Nations:

100% of Gaza's population is at risk of famine.

America Let Its Military-Industrial Might Wither. China’s Is Booming.

China’s military-industrial surge vs 🇺🇸 U.S. decline:

• China leads in shipbuilding, missile capacity, & raw materials
• U.S. lacks sailors, factories, rare earths
• China can retool civilian industry fast; U.S. can't

China controls overwhelming shares of key raw materials:

• 77% of rare earths
• 92% of graphite
• 99% of cobalt

These are essential for weapons systems. U.S. efforts to diversify sourcing have so far failed.

Source: WSJ

Canada is considering joining Trump's "Golden Dome" missile defense system.

Source: Bloomberg

The US does not plan to send a delegation to the talks in Istanbul between Ukraine and Russia.

Source: The Atlantic

Pakistan & India near border troop drawdown after worst clashes in decades.

General Sahir Shamshad Mirza:

Pakistan and India are close to returning to pre-conflict troop levels after severe border clashes.

Mirza warned that next time, the window for international diplomacy may be too short.

India denies any foreign mediation in the ceasefire, despite reports of U.S. involvement.

Source:Reuters

The Washington Post cites a European diplomat:

“If Netanyahu’s government doesn’t change course, European pressure will continue to mount.”

US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack:

President Trump has courageously woven a new Damascene brocade from the strongest of supporting and differing threads-Syria, USA, Qatar and Turkiye- 3 weeks ago thought by the world impossible.

Ukraine could receive up to ten IRIS-T air defense systems and hundreds of interceptor missiles under a €2.2 billion contract with Germany’s Diehl Defence.

Source: Defense Express