January 16, 2026 (by Danish Armed Forces) - Today, two Danish F-35 fighter jets and a French MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) tanker aircraft carried out a planned training mission in southeastern Greenland.
The mission aimed to practice joint operations involving aerial refueling, long-distance flights, and safety under the harsh Arctic conditions.

The aircraft route went from Fighter Wing Skrydstrup directly to the area around Kulusuk on Greenland’s east coast. The French tanker aircraft departed from its base in southern France, to which it returned after completing the training in Greenland. During the training in the North Atlantic, the aircraft also passed the Faroe Islands.

Last year, Denmark and France conducted similar training activities on several occasions, but with Danish F-16 fighter jets and along Greenland’s west coast. This activity was part of the general strengthening of air operations in Arctic regions and contributed to building shared experience in operating under cold, challenging conditions.

The increased military activity follows the Danish Armed Forces’ strengthened presence and training activity in and around Greenland in 2025 together with allies, including France, Germany, Sweden, and Norway.

This effort will continue in 2026 with a range of air-, sea-, and land-based activities to improve the ability to operate in extreme Arctic environments. Flights involving F-35 fighter jets and tanker aircraft will therefore continue in the period ahead.

December 10, 2025 (by Lieven Dewitte) - Finland’s first F-35A Lightning II has completed its maiden flight over Texas, marking a major milestone in the country’s transition from the F/A-18C/D Hornet to a fifth‑generation fighter fleet. The jet, designated JF‑501, is the lead aircraft in a 64‑strong F-35A order.
JF‑501 carried out its first flight on 8 December 2025 from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, adjacent to Lockheed Martin’s F-35 production line. The sortie was a factory test flight flown by a company test pilot and followed completion of final assembly, application of full Finnish Air Force markings and a period of ground checks and systems testing.

This aircraft had left the final assembly line in late October 2025, keeping to the schedule set when the forward fuselage was ceremonially signed by retired Finnish Air Force colonel Henrik Elo, now the nation’s F-35 program director. An official roll‑out event at Fort Worth, attended by Finland’s president, is planned shortly after the maiden flight to formally unveil the jet.

Replacing the Hornet fleet
Finland is acquiring 64 F-35A conventional take‑off and landing variants to replace its remaining fleet of legacy F/A‑18C/D Hornets on essentially a one‑for‑one basis. That stands out from many other F-35 customers, who often buy fewer stealth fighters than the aircraft they retire, and underlines Helsinki’s intent to preserve – and in some areas expand – its fighter capacity.

The decision followed a lengthy HX fighter competition in which the F-35A was evaluated against the F/A‑18E/F Super Hornet, Rafale, Eurofighter and Gripen. In that process the F-35’s low observability, sensor fusion and growth potential were judged to give the best overall operational effect across air defense, strike and intelligence roles, within a program budget that represents the largest defense investment in Finnish history.

F-35A configuration and capabilities
All Finnish F-35A airframes will be delivered with the Technology Refresh 3 (TR‑3) electronics suite. TR‑3 provides a more powerful mission computer and an open‑architecture backbone intended to support future Block 4 software drops, new weapons and additional sensors over the jet’s life.

With the F-35’s AESA radar, electro‑optical targeting and distributed aperture sensors, Finnish jets will act not only as shooters but as high‑end information nodes for the wider joint force. The aircraft are expected to carry the usual mix of modern air‑to‑air missiles and precision‑guided munitions, giving Finland both a robust air‑policing tool and a credible long‑range strike option once the fleet is fully equipped.

Drag chute and cold‑weather operations
Finland is among a small group of F-35 operators, alongside Norway and Canada, to select the optional drag chute. The braking parachute is housed in a fairing between the vertical tails and is designed to improve stopping performance on short, wet or icy runways typical of northern climates.

Although any external fairing has some impact on radar signature, the chute housing has been shaped to keep the additional radar cross‑section as low as practical while still meeting safety and reliability requirements. The system supports Finland’s long‑standing concept of dispersed operations from austere bases and road strips, a key element in keeping its fighter fleet survivable in a high‑threat scenario.

Basing and entry into service
According to the current fielding plan, the first batch of Finnish F-35A aircraft will begin service in 2026 at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas. There they will support the training of Finnish pilots and maintainers alongside personnel from other F-35 partner nations.

Later in 2026, the first jets are scheduled to arrive in Finland itself, initially joining Fighter Squadron 11 of the Lapland Air Wing at Rovaniemi in the north. From 2028, additional aircraft will stand up operations at the Karelia Air Wing at Kuopio in south‑east Finland, giving the country two F-35 bases, each only around 100 miles from the Russian border.

Role within NATO’s northern air defense

With Finland now a NATO member, the F-35A fleet will plug directly into the alliance’s integrated air and missile defense architecture. The positioning of F-35s at Rovaniemi and Kuopio will allow rapid interception over both the Barents and Baltic regions, reinforcing an area where Allied and Russian air activity already sits in close proximity.

As more European nations bring their own F-35 fleets online, Finland’s aircraft will become part of a broader network of stealth fighters stretching from the High North to central Europe. For a country that has long prioritized resilience, mobilization and territorial defense, JF‑501’s first flight is more than a test milestone – it is the opening move in reshaping how Finland protects its airspace and supports NATO along Russia’s northern frontier.

November 16, 2025 (by Lieven Dewitte) - The Trump administration is expected to push ahead with a plan allowing Saudi Arabia to acquire the F-35 stealth fighter, according to a senior U.S. official.
The announcement is likely to coincide with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the White House on Tuesday, where both sides are preparing to sign several economic and defense agreements.

Saudi Arabia has been seeking the F-35 for years. If approved, the deal would overturn decades of U.S. policy that restricted access to the aircraft in the Middle East to preserve Israel’s qualitative military edge. The F-35, built by Lockheed Martin, is among the most advanced and closely guarded platforms in the U.S. arsenal.

While previous administrations—Republican and Democratic—blocked Riyadh’s requests over security and reliability concerns, Trump appears willing to move forward despite continuing objections from Israel, the Pentagon, and the U.S. intelligence community. Critics note that Trump has repeatedly brushed aside complex regional dynamics in favor of headline-friendly deals and personal relationships with foreign leaders.

U.S. defense officials have raised additional alarms about Saudi Arabia’s deepening military ties with China. A Pentagon assessment warned that sensitive F-35 technology could be at risk if transferred to a country that has collaborated with Beijing on ballistic missile development and surveillance infrastructure. Those concerns appear to have done little to slow Trump’s push.

The potential sale comes at a time when Trump is pressuring Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel—while simultaneously entertaining a weapons package that undermines Israel’s long-standing security red lines. Analysts say the contradictory approach reflects Trump’s tendency to prioritize short-term optics over strategic consistency.

Also on the agenda are access to advanced AI chips, nuclear technology cooperation, and discussions on Gaza, despite the administration offering few details on how these issues align with broader U.S. policy. Observers have criticized Trump for treating highly sensitive defense matters as transactional leverage rather than as components of a coherent foreign-policy strategy.

U.S.–Saudi ties were severely strained following the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. While many Western governments distanced themselves from Riyadh, Trump repeatedly defended the crown prince, dismissing U.S. intelligence findings and publicly stating that arms deals were “too lucrative to walk away from.” The F-35 proposal continues that pattern, placing economic and political considerations ahead of democratic values and long-standing security safeguards.

October 14, 2025 (by Lieven Dewitte) - Belgium officially entered the fifth-generation fighter era yesterday as the first three F-35A Lightning II aircraft arrived at Florennes Air Base, marking the nation’s first introduction of a new fighter type in nearly 50 years.
The aircraft (FL009, FL010, and FL012) arrived directly from the United States, though the long-awaited event began on a slightly muted note. Originally, four F-35s were scheduled to make the flight to Belgium, but one aircraft (FL011) was forced to remain behind in the Azores due to technical issues.

The arrival represents a major milestone for the Belgian Air Component, which ordered 34 F-35A fighters to replace its aging fleet of F-16s. The acquisition program is valued at approximately €4 billion for the aircraft, support, training, and infrastructure. When including full lifecycle costs such as maintenance, spare parts, and operational use over several decades, total expenditures are expected to reach between €12.4 and €15 billion.

Three of the promised four aircraft now gleam on the Florennes tarmac. The base will eventually host 17 F-35s, while the remaining jets are planned to be stationed at Kleine-Brogel by 2027.

Although these are the first Belgian F-35s to land on home soil, Lockheed Martin has already completed a dozen aircraft for Belgium. Eight (FL001 - FL008) remain with the 312th FS at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, where Belgian and other allied pilots receive training on the F-35. Those aircraft will continue to be used for training purposes in the years to come.

The F-35 also carries a distinct European — and partly Belgian — footprint. About 25 percent of the aircraft is produced in Europe, including components made in Belgium such as parts of the tail and the specialized coating used on the jet’s stealthy surface.

Beyond modernizing Belgium’s air fleet, the F-35’s arrival also reinforces the country’s strategic role within NATO. The aircraft is capable of carrying U.S. nuclear weapons stored at Kleine-Brogel Air Base, maintaining Belgium’s participation in NATO’s nuclear deterrence mission. The F-35’s advanced sensors and combat systems also make it a vital platform for detecting and neutralizing modern aerial threats such as drones — a capability recently demonstrated by Dutch F-35s operating in Poland.

With the arrival of these aircraft, Belgium joins the growing list of European nations transitioning to the F-35, signaling a new chapter in the country’s air defense and NATO contribution. The Belgian Ministry of Defence has also expressed interest in ordering 11 additional F-35s, which would be built in Cameri, Italy, pending government approval.

[Update 24/10/2025: FL011 finally arrived in Florennes]

July 30, 2025 (by Bjorn Claes) - A US Navy F-35C went down this evening around 18:00h near NAS Lemoore in central California. The pilot managed to eject safely,
Footage from the crash showed flames and dense black smoke coming from the crash site, approximately 40 miles (64 kilometers) southwest of Fresno. Emergency medical crews responded swiftly to assist the pilot.

The downed aircraft belonged to Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-125, dubbed the “Rough Raiders.” As a Fleet Replacement Squadron, VF-125 plays a critical role in training Navy pilots and aircrew.

This crash is the second one this year. In January an Air Force F-35A crashed at Eielson AFN in Alaska during training. Fortunately, that pilot also ejected safely.

Although this crash once again raises questions about the aircraft's reliability, the track record of all variants of the F-35 is outstanding. Compaired to other fighter platforms, the jet still has the lowest accident rate after more then 10 years of operations. The fact that the jet is being introduced in many air forces usually sees a rise in accidents, but with the F-35 the opposite is true.

January 29, 2025 (by Lieven Dewitte) - An F-35 fighter jet crashed Tuesday at 12:49PM on a flightline on Eielson Air Force Base. The pilot safely parachuted out after ejecting. The pilot was in the process of landing during a training exercise when his jet suffered an “inflight malfunction,” forcing him to eject.
According to Col. Paul Townsend, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing, the pilot was executing normal, standard procedures when the crash occurred.

The dramatic incident was caught on video as the jet approached landing. The footage shows the aircraft spinning tightly with its landing gear extended before descending almost vertically and crashing in a fiery explosion. A deployed parachute, indicating the pilot’s ejection, is visible in the recording.

An F-35 fighter jet crashed Tue 28/01 at about 12:49PM on a flightline on Eielson Air Force Base - the pilot safely ejected. Article: f-16.net/f-35-news-ar... #f35 #eielson #crash

[image or embed]

— F-35 Lightning II (@f-35net.bsky.social) 29 januari 2025 om 09:02

Eielson Air Force Base, located about 25 miles south of Fairbanks, serves as an operational hub for 54 of these fifth-generation jets with both the 355th Fighter Squadron and the 356th Fighter Squadron. The base received its first two F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft on April 21, 2020.

In May, an F-35 en route from Texas to Edwards Air Force Base in California crashed shortly after a refueling stop in New Mexico. The pilot sustained serious injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment.

The average price of one new F-35 was set at roughly $81 million in a preliminary deal for a large order of new aircraft between the U.S. Department of Defense and manufacturer Lockheed Martin.

Consider to follow us on Bluesky for more F-35 news and updates.

January 19, 2025 (by Lieven Dewitte) - In a groundbreaking development for military aviation, Norway has become the first nation to operate F-35 Lightning II fighter jets using a significant proportion of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
On January 14, 2025, the Royal Norwegian Air Force conducted a successful test flight at Ørland Air Base, utilizing a fuel blend containing 40% biofuel derived from waste oils and agricultural byproducts.

This initiative aligns with Norway's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy resilience. Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram emphasized the dual benefits of this advancement, stating, "Using sustainable fuel can reduce emissions and strengthen supply security. The aim is to contribute to achieving climate targets while enhancing preparedness."

Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35, has approved the use of synthetic aviation turbine fuels (SATFs) for the entire F-35 fleet. This approval allows for the operation of F-35 aircraft on synthetic fuel blends of up to 50% mixed with conventional jet fuel, depending on the source and production method.

Chauncey McIntosh, Vice President and General Manager of the F-35 program at Lockheed Martin, highlighted the strategic importance of this development: "Adding new fuel sources helps make this happen by diversifying the supply chain while maintaining operational excellence."

The successful integration of SAF into F-35 operations not only demonstrates the aircraft's versatility but also sets a precedent for other nations. As the defense sector seeks to balance operational readiness with environmental responsibility, Norway's achievement serves as a model for sustainable military aviation practices.

December 24, 2024 (by Lieven Dewitte) - On Monday, December 23, 2024, the first two Polish F-35A Husarz jets touched down at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas, marking a significant milestone in Poland's transition to fifth-generation fighter capabilities.
Poland's journey into the fifth-generation fighter jet era is set to begin in January 2025 when the first two Polish pilots start flying the F-35A Lightning II. These aircraft are likely the first two to have completed their test flights in December 2024: AZ-02 on December 2 and AZ-01 on December 3. A third aircraft, (AZ-03), followed shortly after on December 17. Ultimately, eight F-35s will be stationed at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas to support Poland's extensive training program.

Comprehensive training program in the U.S.
The training program at Ebbing will prepare 24 Polish pilots and 92 technical personnel by 2027. The pilots will be trained to instructor-level proficiency, enabling them to lead future training in Poland. The Integrated Training Center in Poland, equipped with eight full-mission simulators, will host this domestic phase of pilot instruction.

The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), part of the U.S. Department of Defense, plays a key role in the process. Each F-35 undergoes two acceptance flights by the manufacturer and an additional two flights under DCMA supervision before being formally handed over to the Polish Air Force.

A cutting-edge fleet
Poland is acquiring 32 F-35A aircraft under a $4.6 billion intergovernmental agreement signed on January 31, 2020. These jets will feature the advanced Block 4 configuration and Technical Refresh 3 (TR3) systems, ensuring state-of-the-art capabilities. The first squadron is scheduled to be operational at the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask by late 2025 or early 2026, with the second squadron to follow at the 21st Tactical Air Base in Świdwin by 2030.

Weapons and future capabilities
Poland's F-35As will be armed with a robust array of munitions, including Northrop Grumman AGM-88G AARGM-ER missiles for extended-range anti-radiation missions, AGM-158B-2 JASSM-ER cruise missiles, AIM-9X Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles, and AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM medium-range air-to-air missiles. The country is also exploring options for anti-ship missiles to further enhance the fleet's versatility.

Strategic implications
The deployment of the F-35A marks a significant leap in Poland's defense capabilities, providing unmatched stealth, sensor fusion, and multi-role adaptability. With a growing emphasis on regional security, these aircraft will bolster NATO's eastern flank and serve as a key deterrent against evolving threats.

December 9, 2024 (by SrA Mason Hargrove) - The first Belgian F-35A Lightning II arrived at Luke Air Force Base, Dec. 3, 2024. This milestone marks the beginning of Belgium’s transition from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the advanced F-35A, ushering in a new era for the Belgian Air Component.
The initial cadre of Belgian pilots is at Luke AFB to commence training, as Belgium and the United States collaborate to build a new fighter squadron from scratch.

“It’s a historic day for the Belgian Air Component,” said Belgian Air Component Lt. Col. Pierre-Yves Libert, 312th Fighter Squadron senior national representative. “Our first jet just landed at Luke AFB, marking the start of our training period. A lot of work has gone into making this moment possible and we are excited to begin flying and complete our training.”

The 312th FS is eagerly awaiting a newly renovated building to enhance their training capabilities. Experienced Belgian pilots are also participating in the Simulator Subject Matter Expert course, preparing them to establish their own academic training center back home.

“What’s been so neat over the last few years is understanding how close of allies Belgium is with the United States and our shared NATO partnership in Europe,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jason Wall, 312th FS commander. “Everyone’s worked really hard for this momentous day. More jets will arrive in the coming months, and our students are ready to fly as soon as maintenance turns this jet over for operations.”

The arrival of the F-35A signifies the beginning of a new chapter with fifth-generation fighter capabilities. The joint effort in building a new fighter squadron underscores the strong partnership and shared defense goals between the two nations.

“It’s such an honor to command the 312th FS and build this team from the ground up,” Wall added. “This moment reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. I’m proud to lead this effort and set up the squadron for success.”

More Belgian F-35As are scheduled to arrive at Luke AFB over the next few months, reinforcing the base’s role as the premier training location for U.S. allies and partners. The collaboration extends beyond pilot training, as both countries work together to enhance operational readiness and strengthen NATO alliances.

December 1, 2024 (by Lieven Dewitte) - In response to growing threats from China, North Korea, and Russia, the United States is upgrading its military presence in Japan by replacing F-16 Fighting Falcons with F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters at Misawa Air Base.
This modernization effort underscores the U.S. commitment to maintaining regional security and ensuring a technological edge in the Indo-Pacific.

A total of 48 F-35A aircraft are slated to replace the current fleet of 36 F-16s in the spring of 2026. The deployment will significantly enhance the base's operational capabilities, as the F-35A offers advanced stealth, sensor fusion, and networked communication features unmatched by its predecessor.

Local Japanese authorities were recently briefed by the Ministry of Defense about the impending transition. While the upgrade has strategic importance, it has also raised concerns about increased noise levels, as the F-35A produces more noise compared to the F-16. Additionally, the increase in the number of deployed aircraft has amplified these apprehensions.

The U.S. Department of Defense initially announced the fighter replacement plan in July 2023 but did not specify a timeline at the time. The updated deployment schedule reflects ongoing efforts to align with both strategic needs and local considerations.

November 29, 2024 (by Lieven Dewitte) - The F-35 is now spearheading the integration of manned and unmanned combat systems. Recent tests pairing the F-35 with the XQ-58A Valkyrie drone demonstrated the potential of collaborative combat operations, where advanced stealth jets and autonomous vehicles work together to dominate the battlefield.
F-35 and Valkyrie: A Revolutionary Partnership
The U.S. Air Force is leveraging the F-35’s cutting-edge capabilities—stealth, advanced sensors, and networked communication—to direct and collaborate with the XQ-58A Valkyrie. In these tests, the F-35 serves as the hub of a tactical network, commanding the Valkyrie to perform critical tasks such as reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and even precision strikes. The Valkyrie’s Link 16 system enables seamless data exchange, allowing it to act as a wingman to the F-35, amplifying the pilot’s situational awareness and combat options.

This partnership highlights the F-35’s role as a "quarterback" in air combat, coordinating not just with human pilots but also with autonomous drones. The synergy between the manned F-35 and unmanned Valkyrie provides the Air Force with unprecedented flexibility in contested environments, showcasing how these platforms can mutually enhance operational capabilities.

The F-35 in Joint Force Operations
The Marine Corps is also evaluating the XQ-58A alongside F-35s in expeditionary settings, focusing on distributed operations. The Valkyrie, with its ability to launch from remote locations, complements the F-35’s forward-deployment capabilities, making the duo ideal for operations where traditional airfields are unavailable. Exercises like Emerald Flag have underscored the F-35’s ability to integrate seamlessly with autonomous systems, paving the way for multi-domain dominance.

Autonomy and Affordability in Combat
The Valkyrie’s AI-driven autonomy, tested rigorously in millions of simulations, enables it to perform complex missions without direct human control. This complements the F-35’s advanced avionics, allowing the drone to take on high-risk tasks while protecting the piloted aircraft. Moreover, the Valkyrie’s cost-effectiveness makes it a practical choice for missions where attrition is a concern, extending the F-35’s operational impact without jeopardizing expensive assets.

A Vision for the Future
The F-35’s collaboration with the XQ-58A is a key step in the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, which envisions fleets of drones working alongside stealth fighters. With plans to acquire thousands of these unmanned systems, the Air Force aims to revolutionize air combat by blending human ingenuity with robotic efficiency. For the F-35, this means evolving from a solo performer to a leader in a team of manned and unmanned assets.

The F-35 Lightning II continues to prove its versatility and adaptability, ensuring it remains at the forefront of military aviation. As the CCA initiative advances, the F-35 will undoubtedly play a central role in defining the future of air combat.

November 21, 2024 (by Lieven Dewitte) - Romania signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LoA) today with the United States for the acquisition of 32 F-35 fighter jets, along with their associated weaponry.
Romania's prime minister Marcel Ciolacu stated at the signing ceremony that, beyond military advantages, the agreement is expected to boost Romania's defense industry, creating jobs and fostering professional development opportunities for young specialists in key technological fields.

US ambassador Kathleen Kavalec said: "Romania's decision to acquire these advanced fighter jets is a key step in the ongoing modernization of the Romanian Armed Forces and will contribute significantly to the long-term defense of the NATO Alliance and our collective security."

The State Department (DoS) in the United States announced in September that it greenlighted the sale of 32 F-35 fighter jets to Romania under a deal estimated at USD 6.5 billion. The Romanian Senate approved the bill on this acquisition last week.

The Romanian Air Force currently has 26 F-16 aircraft, and is still expecting another 20 F-16s from Norway, which will be operational for at least 10 years before transitioning to the F-35. The F-16 jets will gradually be phased out of combat service, as was the case with the MiG-21 Lancer aircraft, a process that will start in 2034 and is set to be completed by 2040.

Romania also hosts a European F-16 Training Centre, operating 18 F-16 fighter jets from the Netherlands, another country that completed its transition to a new fleet of F-35s. The Centre, inaugurated in November 2023, provides training to Romanian and Ukrainian pilots.

To date, 20 global customers have chosen the F-35. More than 1,000 F-35s are currently operational around the globe, generating more than 940,000 flight hours. F-35s operate from 33 bases worldwide, including 10 nations operating on home soil.

November 20, 2024 (by Lieven Dewitte) - U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II saw its first combat use in November 2024. U.S. Marine Corps squadron VMFA 314, operating aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), conducted strikes on Houthi weapons facilities in Yemen.
The Marine Fighter Attack Squadron conducted multiple strikes on Houthi weapons storage facilities within Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen. The facilities housed conventional weapons, including anti-ship missiles. The Iranian-backed Houthis used these weapons to target U.S. and international military and civilian vessels navigating international waters in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

In addition to the F-35C strikes, US Navy destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS Spruance (DDG 111), supported by Air Force and Navy aircraft, successfully destroyed several Houthi weapon launchers in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

US forces also successfully neutralized:

• 8 kamikaze drones


• 5 anti-ship ballistic missiles


• 4 anti-ship cruise missiles

With foldable wings, a larger wingspan, reinforced landing gear, and enhanced control surfaces, the F-35C is tailored for carrier operations.

Other variants of the aircraft include the F-35A and the F-35B. The F-35B first saw combat in 2018 when units assigned to the Essex Amphibious Ready Group conducted airstrikes against the Taliban in Afghanistan and ISIS in Syria. Air Force F-35A’s first combat mission was completed the year after against ISIS targets in Iraq.

The “Black Knights” of VMFA-314, based out of Miramar, Calif., transitioned from the F-18 to the F-35C in 2020, making them the first fleet squadron in both the Navy and Marine Corps to operate the 5th Generation fighter aircraft. VMFA 314 was also the first operational Marine squadron to fly the F-4 Phantom and F-18 Hornet.

VMFA 314, part of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, is the only deployed F-35C squadron in the Marine Corps.

August 30, 2024 (by Lieven Dewitte) - On Aug, 28, 2024, the first Polish Air Force F-35A, designated AZ-01, was officially unveiled during a roll-out ceremony at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth facilities, Texas. This aircraft entered production in April 2023.
The first aircraft (AZ-01) will initially be based at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Arkansas, where Poland will be the first international customer to conduct F-35 pilot training. The first F-35s are expected to arrive in Poland in 2026, with the remainder of the fleet to be delivered by 2030. Those will all be stationed at Łask AB in central Poland.

General Wiesław Kukuła, Chief of the Polish Armed Forces’ General Staff, announced the traditional white-and-red checkerboard symbol would not appear on Polish F-35s, as the gray-toned version would enhance the aircraft’s stealth capabilities, even though almost all the most recent F-35 operators, like the Danish Air Force and the Belgian Air Force, have all opted for colorful roundels and national flags.

On September 11, 2019, the U.S. State Department approved the sale of 32 F-35 fifth-generation jets to Poland at a cost of USD 6.5 billion, according to a Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announcement. Poland opted for the F-35A CTOL (Conventional Take-Off and Landing) variant to replace its aging Soviet-era MiG-29 and Su-22 fleets.

In January 2020, a contract was signed for the procurement of 32 5th generation aircraft, with first delivery expected in 2024.

Along with the aircraft, Poland has also acquired various weapon systems for the F-35, including AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles and “several hundreds” AGM-158B JASSM-ER cruise missiles. Additionally, the U.S. Department of State and Congress have approved further procurements, such as AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder missiles and AARGM-ER anti-radiation missiles.

F-35s are now operating from 32 bases worldwide. To date, Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 1,000 F-35s, trained more than 2,540 pilots and 16,690 maintainers, and the F-35 fleet has surpassed 889,000 cumulative flight hours.

The F-35A will be known as the “Husarz” in Polish service, referencing the famed Polish “winged” hussar cavalrymen first formed in the Kingdom of Poland at the beginning of the 16th Century.

May 29, 2024 (by Lieven Dewitte) - An F-35B Lightning II en route from Lockheed’s Fort Worth, facility, to Edwards Air Force Base, California, crashed after a refuelling stop at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico on Tuesday at 14.00h.
The F-35 (BF-139) was being flown by a Defense Contract Management Agency pilot, who safely ejected but was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.

The jet was a short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing variant and was one of very few F-35 developmental test aircraft. Originally accepted by the government in September 2023, it was equipped with Technology Refresh 2 and was transferred to Edwards AFB for additional test equipment modification.

The loss of a test aircraft is bad news for the F-35 program, which is already strapped for testing capacity as it tries to finish a new hardware and software package for the jet, called Technology Refresh 3. Lawmakers added more test F-35s in the House Armed Services Committee’s version of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act to help handle testing and evaluation for the upcoming Block 4 upgrade.

According to a May report from the Government Accountability Office, the program has faced delays because of its small developmental testing fleet.

Testers “predicted that once software deliveries for TR-3 and Block 4 capabilities are back on schedule, the current testing fleet could face significant challenges in meeting testing demands,” the report said.

Deliveries of new F-35s have been on hold since July because of software problems with the TR-3 upgrade. The new jets are stacking up at Lockheed’s facilities, waiting for TR-3 to be finished.

Another Marine Corps F-35B crashed in September 2023. The jet went missing near Charleston, South Carolina after the pilot ejected safely and the plane kept flying for 60 miles. Authorities eventually found the jet’s debris a few hours northeast of Joint Base Charleston.

In late December 2022, an F-35B crashed on the runway of Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth during a vertical landing attempt. That pilot, an Air Force major doing tests on behalf of the Defense Contract Management Agency, was sent to the hospital and was later released after healing from minor injuries.

That incident prompted F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office officials to ground some models of the F-35 and pause deliveries of the aircraft. It also prompted them in February 2023 to identify a "rare system phenomenon" in F135 engines, which they noticed during inspections. They resumed deliveries the following month.

While the exact cost of the aircraft varies, the average flyaway cost of a new Marine Corps F-35 is $109 million, according to JPO.

When considering the number of flight hours the F-35 program has accumulated since they started flying back in 2006, the crashes are relatively rare.

May 15, 2024 (by Lieven Dewitte) - On May 14, 2024, the third F-35A destined for the Belgian Air Force completed its maiden flight. The aircraft took off from Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth facility in Texas around 15:00h and flew for approximately one hour.
The Belgian F-35A (serial AY-03) features a colored roundel and the national flag on its tail, along with the tail code FL003 (“Fighter Lightning 003”). It is unclear if all Belgian Air Force F-35As will have the full colour national markings.

The 34 Belgian Lightning IIs will all be completed in the US with only the central wings and outer wing boxes constructed at the FACO facility in Cameri (Italy).

The first four F-35As will be delivered to Luke AFB (AZ) where they will join 312th Fighter Squadron, part of the 56th Fighter Wing. This squadron was inactivated in 1991, but reactivated on 1 June 2023 as an F-35A training unit, primarily training F-35 crew for the Belgian Air Force.

The remaining thirty aircraft will be based at Kleine Brogel and Florennes air bases. However, the latter will not see the first aircraft arriving before April 2025 and Kleine Brogel will have to wait until 2027.

Belgium formally received its first F-35A (FL001/AY-01) during a roll-out ceremony at the Fort Worth production facility in the United States on 10 December 2023.

September 18, 2023 (by Lieven Dewitte) - Military officials are searching for an F-35 fighter jet in South Carolina after a mishap forced the pilot to eject.
The pilot ejected safely and was taken to a local medical facility in stable condition1. The aircraft, an F-35B Lightning II jet, is currently being sought by emergency response teams. The jet belongs to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501, a unit focused on training pilots to meet annual training requirements.

The aircraft’s last known position was near Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion, two large bodies of water northwest of the city of Charleston, according to Joint Base Charleston, which asked for the public’s help finding the aircraft.

A South Carolina Law Enforcement Division helicopter joined the search for the F-35 after some bad weather cleared in the area.

The F-35B is used by the U.S. Marine Corps, as well as by the British Royal Air Force and Italy's air force, and can perform vertical and/or short take-off and landing (V/STOL). This variant of the F-35 is similar in size to the A variant but the B sacrifices about a third of the A variant's fuel volume to accommodate the shaft-driven lift fan (SDLF) system.

January 10, 2023 (by Lieven Dewitte) - Canada announced the finalization of a $14.2 billion deal with the United States (US) government and Lockheed Martin with Pratt & Whitney for the acquisition of F-35 fighter jets for the Royal Canadian Air Force. The first planes are expected to enter the RCAF in 2026 with the full fleet being operational by 2033 or 2034.
With the agreement, Canada becomes the last of the F-35 program’s original eight partners to acquire the stealth fighter jet.

The selection of the F-35 5th generation aircraft as part of the Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP) Canada to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force’s fleet of F/A-18s had been announced in March 2022.

"The F-35 will be essential for protecting Canadians, enhancing Arctic security and national sovereignty, and enabling Canada to meet its NATO, NORAD and other obligations well into the future," Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand said in a statement.

NORAD is a joint US-Canadian command that provides air and missile defense for North America.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year, notably, the F-35 has experienced a surge in demand.

In 2022 Germany, Switzerland and Finland made deals for the F-35, while NATO allies Greece and the Czech Republic also announced requests to buy the stealth aircraft.

F-35s are currently – or will soon be – a member of the fleets of Australia, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Poland, Belgium, and Singapore, in addition to the US Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.

The jets come in three versions, the standard F-35A, the short-take off and vertical landing F-35B, and the aircraft carrier version, the F-35C.

Canada will buy the F-35A model to replace its aging CF-18s.

“Canada requires a fighter fleet to protect the sovereignty of one of the largest expanses of airspace in the world” – the country’s vast Arctic frontier – Anand said.

To that end, the $14.2 billion (19 billion Canadian dollars) price tag includes construction at two air bases in Alberta and Quebec, and associated equipment and services.

The first four aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2026, the next six in 2027, and the next six in 2028, with the full fleet to arrive in time to enable the phase out of the CF-18s by the end of 2032.

As an original member of the F-35 program, Canadian industry has seen $2.8 billion in contracts to date related to the construction of the fighter jet, the government said.

Te Government of Canada launched the competitive process to acquire new fighter jets in 2017. A formal request for proposals was released to eligible suppliers in July 2019. It closed in July 2020. Dassault and Airbus decided to withdraw their Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon proposals in 2018 and 2019, respectively, saying that the requirements favored the US bids. Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Saab, proposing the Super Hornet Block III, the F-35A Lightning II and the Gripen E respectively, were asked to show how their bids could meet not only the military requirements of the RCAF for missions both at home and abroad, but also provide benefits for the national industry.

In November 2021, it was announced that the replacement proposal based on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, one of the favorite bids considered that the RCAF already operates the “legacy” version of the Hornet, was rejected as it did not meet the federal government’s requirements. Canada ultimately selected the F-35 from the two remaining bidders, Lockheed Martin and Saab.

January 9, 2023 (by Lieven Dewitte) - The F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin have finalized the contract for the production and delivery of up to 398 F-35s for $30 billion, including U.S., international partners and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) aircraft in Lots 15 and 16, with the option for Lot 17.
The agreement includes 145 aircraft for Lot 15, 127 for Lot 16, and up to 126 for the Lot 17 contract option, including the first F-35 aircraft for Belgium, Finland and Poland.

Lot 15-17 aircraft will be the first to include Technical Refresh-3 (TR-3), the modernized hardware needed to power Block 4 capabilities. TR-3 includes a new integrated core processor with greater computing power, a panoramic cockpit display and an enhanced memory unit.

These aircraft will add to the growing global fleet, currently at 894 aircraft after 141 deliveries this year. The F-35 team was on track to meet the commitment of 148 aircraft as planned; however, due to a temporary pause in flight operations, which is still in effect, necessary acceptance flight tests could not be performed.

The finalized contract caps off a year of the F-35 delivering combat-proven airpower around the world and continued international growth. This year, Finland, Germany and Switzerland signed Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs) as an important step in their procurement of F-35 aircraft.

F-35 program participants currently include 17 countries. To date, more than 1,870 pilots and 13,500 maintainers have been trained, and the F-35 fleet has surpassed more than 602,000 cumulative flight hours.

December 16, 2022 (by Lieven Dewitte) - A Lockheed Martin-owned F-35B "Lightning II" has ended up nose-down off the side of the runway at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth in Texas after a mishap on Thursday. The pilot ejected safely during the incident, which comes on the anniversary of the F-35's first flight in 2006.
Although the specifics of the accident are still unknown, video depicts the F-35B in hover as it starts to drop vertically. The jet makes its initial touchdown, then bounces back up into the air before making a hard nose-first down on the runway. Before the aircraft rolls onto the grass and the pilot exits, the nose gear is seen completely breaking off. It is important to note that this was a demonstration of the Martin-Baker US16E ejection seat of the jet, with it safely functioning with aircraft on the ground and essentially stopped.

The seat, which is common to all F-35 aircraft variants, is a further development of the Mk16 range that has already been successful with the T-6 Texan II, Eurofighter Typhoon, NASA T-38N and USAF T-38 upgrade programmes and other numerous aircraft platforms around the world.

The F-35 accident happened at just before 10:15 local time.

Lockheed Martin's main F-35 production facility in Fort Worth shares the runway with Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth.

This follows an incident two weeks ago with a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B, which experienced a nose gear collapse after making an emergency landing at Kadena Air Base on the Japanese island of Okinawa, even though there is no indication that the two occurrences are connected in any way.

Thursday was also the anniversary of the first flight of the F-35A, which occurred on Dec. 15, 2006. The first time an F-35B variant took to the air was on June 11, 2008.

December 2, 2022 (by Matthew M. Burke and Keishi Koja) - A Marine Corps stealth fighter was damaged Thursday following a precautionary landing at an Okinawa air base.
A suspected electrical problem prompted the pilot to land the F-35B Lightning II, assigned to VMFA-121 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, at Kadena Air Base without incident at approximately 13:40h, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing spokesman Maj. Rob Martins wrote in a statement to Stars and Stripes.

Kadena Air Base is home to the Air Force’s 18th Wing.

While the fifth-generation fighter was being towed on the flight line, the front landing gear malfunctioned and the aircraft’s nose dropped onto the ground, Martins said. He said the incident caused no injuries. Video from Japanese public broadcaster NHK shared Thursday on Twitter showed the F-35 stopped on a taxiway with its nose gear collapsed.

“The pilot performed as trained and chose the safest option, landing the aircraft safely in accordance with standard procedures,” Martins said in the statement. “Operating our aircraft safely and effectively is a top priority and our aviators take great precautions to ensure the safety of the aircrew and the surrounding areas.”

The fighter was conducting “standard training operations” in local ranges at the time of the incident, Martins said in a follow-up email to Stars and Stripes. After the aircraft landed, it was surrounded by fire engines and emergency vehicles, NHK reported Thursday afternoon.

It is unclear how much damage was done to the fighter, Martins said in his email. He said a “detailed investigation” will be conducted.

“The mishap class will be determined by the investigation,” Martins wrote in the email.

The military defines mishaps by class from A to D. Class A mishaps involve repair costs exceeding $2 million or the death or permanent disability of a service member. A Class D mishap involves $25,000 to $59,999 in property damage and injuries ranging requiring first aid up to missing a day from work.

The Marine Corps has had three Class A mishaps in manned aircraft in 2022, according to data on the Naval Safety Command’s website.

A spokesman for the Okinawa Defense Bureau, a branch of the Japanese Ministry of Defense, said Thursday evening it is aware “the nose of an F35 touched the ground” but is awaiting details.

A spokesman for Okinawa prefecture’s Military Base Affairs Division said it was waiting for information from the defense bureau. Gov. Denny Tamaki had not yet made a public comment on the incident.

The short-takeoff, vertical-landing fighter has been plagued by high costs and technical issues since its inception.

October 19, 2022 (by Lieven Dewitte) - An F-35A Lightning II from the 388th Fighter Wing crashed at Hill Air Force Base on Wednesday around 18:15h. The pilot ejected and was recovered by emergency crews.
The jet crashed at the north end of the runway 14 just as it was returning from a local training session over the Utah Test and Training Range.

The pilot made a great effort to avoid any buildings or anything on the ground prior to ejection, which resulted in no injuries to anyone on the ground.

Prior to the crash smoke was coming from the engine of the F-35.

The downed jet sparked a fire that spread about eight to 10 acres in size on Defense Department land. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the blaze.

The cause of the crash is unknown but is being investigated.

January 24, 2022 (by Asif Shamim) - An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, had a landing mishap on the deck while USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) was conducting routine flight operations in the South China Sea on January 24.
The pilot safely ejected from the stricken aircraft believed to be with Strike Fighter Squadron 147 (VFA-147), the “Argonauts." and was recovered via U.S. military helicopter. The pilot is in stable condition.

There were seven total Sailors injured; three Sailors required MEDEVAC to a medical treatment facility in Manila, Philippines, and four were treated by onboard medical personnel.

All three MEDEVACs are assessed as stable. Of the four Sailors treated by on-board medical, three have been released. Additional details and the cause of the inflight mishap are under investigation.

This is the second mishap involving an F-35 operating from an aircraft carrier. A British F-35B from 617 Sqn plunged into the Mediterranean Sea last November during a failed takeoff attempt from the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.

January 6, 2022 (by Lieven Dewitte) - A South Korean F-35A jet fighter conducted an emergency "belly landing" at an air base on Tuesday after its landing gear malfunctioned due to electronic issues.
The touchdown with the landing gear retracted, was a first for the $100 million stealth fighter, which is currently in use or on order by more than a dozen countries.

A gear-up landing on the F-35 is quite difficult and dangerous because of the angle of attack the aircraft has on final approach.The F-35 Lightning II lands much fast er than the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Ahead of the death-defying maneuver, special foam was applied to the air base’s runway in order to stop the plane from exploding due to the friction and sparks created as it scrapes the tarmac at high speeds.

Seoul has currently halted all operations involving the F-35.

Although this is the first time a South Korean F-35 has been involved in an accident, the jets have been involved in at least eight other mishaps (JDSAF:1, RAF: 1, USAF:4, USMC: 2)

The most recent was the loss of a British F-35 fighter jet in November, when it fell into the Mediterranean Sea off the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. The pilot successfully ejected from the plane.

When a US Air Force F-35 crashed on landing at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida in May 2020, the pilot ejected safely. The disaster was blamed on a number of problems including the pilot and the plane's systems.

A Japanese F-35 fighter jet crashed into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of northern Japan in April 2019, killing the pilot. The crash was blamed on spatial disorientation by the Japanese military.

The first F-35A for the RoKAF, known as aircraft AW-1, took flight in Fort Worth, Texas, in March 2018. In the same year, the first F-35A was delivered to Luke AFB, Arizona, for pilot training while in 2019, the first F-35As were delivered to their permanent base in South Korea.

The ROKAF’s 17th Fighter Wing and its two child units, the 151 Fighter Squadron and 152 Fighter Squadron, operate the F-35 out of Cheongju Air Base, southeast of Seoul.

January 6, 2022 (by Bjorn Claes) - Just before noon today the Norwegian Air Force marked a significant milestone. After reaching IOC status back on 6 November 2019, today marked another milestone with the startup of the QRA assignment from Evenes AB in the north of the country.
Norway has been steadily working on tranforming its air force to conduct operations with the F-35 over the past years. This event marks the final transition from the F-16 to the F-35 with the first ending 42 years of operations for the RNoAF. In the past the QRA assignment with the F-16s was conducted from Bodø AB roughly 300km more to the south. With the arrival of the F-35 it was decided to base all these aircraft at Ørland AB with a QRA detachment not in Bod&oslash AB but further to the north at Evenes AB to better counter Russian aircraft flying around the north of Scandinavia.

In the coming years more F-35s will be delivered with the full complement of 52 jets being ready in 2024 whereas FOC will be reached in 2025 with all operations to be conducted with the F-35. This does not mean the F-16 will soldier on till then. The Norwegian staff has already decided that the F-16s swannsong will be somewhere in 2022 with an exact date still to be decided on. But that the end of the F-16 era is drawing to a close fast is certain. This also marks a special event as Norway will be the first of the original F-16 consortium to phase out this jet.

December 15, 2021 (by 48 FW) - RAF Lakenheath received its first delivery of F-35A Lightning II aircraft on December 15. This is the result of a force posture adjustment that has been six years in the making.
Announced in 2015, the long-anticipated arrival of the F-35 marks RAF Lakenheath as the first base in United States Air Forces in Europe to receive the new fifth-generation aircraft.

“Our coalition forces train and fight in the most dynamic theater, requiring the most advanced platforms," said Gen. Jeff Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa commander. "The Valkyries are leading our F-35 integration across Europe. We’ve come a long way, and now we’re extending our reach as a coalition force and what we will accomplish together."

RAF Lakenheath was selected in 2015 to host the first U.S. F-35A squadrons in Europe based on very close ties with the RAF, existing infrastructure, and combined training opportunities. The U.K. is a critical component in training and combat readiness for Air Forces in Europe due to its excellent airspace and F-35 program partnership.

"Valkyries' epitomizes the force’s move toward more inclusivity and equally represents the fifth-generation stealth fighter’s air superiority," said Lt. Col. Ian McLaughlin, 495 FS commander. "Like the Valkyries themselves, we’ll be vital to determining the fate of our adversaries in the battlespace."

The F-35A is an agile, versatile, high-performance, 9g-capable multirole fighter that combines stealth, sensor fusion, and unprecedented situational awareness. The aircraft will belong to the 495th Fighter Squadron, which was nicknamed the “Valkyries” during a voting contest in 2020. The new F-35 squadron will consist of 24 aircraft, delivered in a phased approach.

"The amount of support we received, and continue to receive, from the community both here and back home has been overwhelming and highly appreciated," said Col. Jason Camilletti, 48th Fighter Wing commander.

December 10, 2021 (by Bjorn Claes) - The Finnish government authorized the Finnish Defense Forces Logistics Department to establish a procurement deal with the US for the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II on December 10, 2021.
Finland orders a total of 64 F-35A Block 4 multi-purpose fighters. Included in the deal are large-scale and adaptable weaponry customized to Finnish conditions as well as the essential training and maintenance solutions, other auxiliary equipment and maintenance and servicing services until the end of 2030.

The Lightning II met the requirements of security of supply, industrial cooperation and cost decision areas, according to the evaluation of the Finnish HX Fighter Replacement Programme (HX-FRP) procurement. The F-35A's operation and maintenance expenses will be within the yearly defense budget and lifecycle development will be doable using existing Defense Force resources.

Lockheed Martin's industrial cooperation is primarily focused on direct industrial cooperation, which results in strong independent maintenance capabilities. The large-scale manufacture of F-35 front frames in Finland for other users, the fabrication of structural components and the ability to test and maintain equipment are the most important industrial cooperation initiatives. In addition, Finland is offering a final engine assembly project for Air Force aircraft.

The HX program has a total budget of EUR 10 billion. Parliament has authorized a EUR 9,4 billion order for the fighter project to acquire a Hornet replacement system, as well as a EUR 579 million five-year transfer appropriation. The present transaction is estimated to be valued EUR 8,4 billion. The aircraft cost EUR 4,7 billion, with EUR 755 million going to AMRAAM and Sidewinder weapons. Maintenance equipment, spare parts and replacement equipment, training equipment, other systems and services to be procured, as well as maintenance will cost EUR 2,9 billion between 2025 and 2030.

Finland will receive the first Lightning IIs in 2026, with all F/A-18 Hornets being replaced between 2028 and 2030.