{
    "author": null,
    "date_published": "2026-09-15T19:05:10.942Z",
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    "excerpt": "Top Air Force officials praised the F-35's warfighting prowess during combat operations in the Middle East despite recent concerns over readiness rates.",
    "lead_image_url": "https://www.armytimes.com/resizer/v2/JQ74DEWPWZGEPEUR2VFCQU3ZLY.jpg?width=1200&auth=119d841683c1ad1fc8f6ec2eae4e79233f725e3fb658b902028ce79fb8f0ef14",
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    "title": "F-35 proved combat readiness during Middle East deployments, Air Force officials say",
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    "url": "https://www.defensenews.com/air/2026/09/15/f-35-proved-combat-readiness-during-middle-east-deployments-air-force-officials-say/",
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