Frankenstein F-35 - Marine Corps F-35 Shakeup - U.S. Official Caught Selling Secrets to China

🔺 Lowdown Newsletter Defense & Aviation - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺 This week on The Lowdown, we break down the biggest headlines in defense and aviation. The Marine Corps is shifting its F-35 fleet, cutting planned F-35B purchases in favor of more carrier-based F-35Cs. The Air Force has built a Frankenstein F-35—merging two damaged jets into one combat-ready aircraft. We also cover the Kirov-Class battlecruiser revival, a major development for the Russian Navy. The U.S. deployed F-16s to Greenland in response to increasing Russian bomber activity in the Arctic. Meanwhile, a former Federal Reserve official was arrested for allegedly selling U.S. economic secrets to China—a case that could have major national security implications. We also dive into the VH-92 Marine One helicopter delays, hypersonic missile threats, and how infrared search & track (IRST) is reshaping air combat. 🔹 Subscribe for more aviation & defense insights! 🔹 Join the newsletter for free giveaways! https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔹 Support the show on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast/membership 🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️ 🎯 Become a Fighter Pilot: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain 🇺🇸 Support Veterans: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸 💻 🕵🏼‍♂️Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial ☕️ Coffee Made by Fighter Pilots: https://bit.ly/Attack_Coffee 🛫 E3 Aviation - Exclusive Deals, Content, & Aviation Education: https://bit.ly/E3Aviation 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫 🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺 ✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3Aviation Become a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast 🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial Fighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.