Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Lockheed Martin and its international partners developed the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) in three basic versions: the conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) F-35A, the short take-off/vertical landing (STOVL) F-35B and the carrier-variant (CV) F-35C. Since the first F-35A flew in December 2006, the fleet has racked up more than 155,000 flight hours, including more than 17,000 during development testing.
Delivery of production aircraft began in 2011 and the F-35B achieved initial operational capability (IOC) with the US Marine Corps in July 2015. The F-35A followed with the USAF in August 2016. The carrier-variant entered service with the US Navy in February 2019. More than 760 have been manufactured since production began in 2006.
How does the US Navy qualify its F-35C pilots for carrier ops?
Preparing pilots for deployment is a critical aspect of the US Navy’s mission. Soren Nielsen examines how VFA-97 ‘Warhawks’ gained their carrier qualifications after transitioning to the Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II strike fighter
The Dambusters Today
Based at RAF Marham in Norfolk, 617 Squadron will remain as the UK’s frontline F-35B Lightning unit until 809 Naval Air Squadron stands up later this year. Officer Commanding 617 Sqn, Wing Commander Stew Campbell has a unique perspective on the 80th anniversary year, having been involved in the 70th anniversary commemorations in 2013.
Denmark receives another F-35A Lightning II
The Royal Danish Air Force took delivery of another Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II at Luke AFB in Arizona on April 12; increasing the number of aircraft delivered to Denmark to date to seven airframes
GALLERY: Incredible photos of the Italian Air Force in action
To mark the 100th year of the Italian Air Force, Key.Aero presents a selection of amazing photos showing the myriad of aircraft operated by the Aeronautica Militare.
How Italy is leading the way with the F-35A in Europe
Lockheed Martin F-35A/B Lightning II operations for Italy are now a standard practice, with the country being the first European nation to operate the F-35A in 2016, achieving Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in 2018 and looking to reach FOC in December 2023. Joe Campion explores the country’s future plans for the next-generation aircraft
Italian Air Force Air Chief reveals his top priorities
In March, the Aeronautica Militare celebrated 100 years of operations. Joe Campion recently visited Italy to explore the air force’s current structure and its future aspirations
US Air National Guard's 'Badger Air Militia' receive first F-35A Lightning IIs
The Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 115th Fighter Wing welcomed an initial batch of three F-35A Lightning IIs on April 25. The fifth-generation multi-role stealth fighters arrived at Truax Field ANGB in Madison, Wisconsin, following a ferry flight from Luke AFB, Arizona
NATO on Alert: Dutch F-35As on the Alliance's Eastern Flank
As the Royal Netherlands Air Force deploys eight F-35s to Malbork Air Base in Poland, Giovanni Colla assesses how they are contributing to NATO's deter and defence mission along its Eastern Flank
‘Tomcats’ return as USMC’s second F-35C Lightning II squadron
The USMC activated its second Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II squadron, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311 (VMFA-311) ‘Tomcats’ (code ‘WL-XX’), on April 14
WATCH: RAF rehearse for King’s Coronation flypast
The skies above RAF Cranwell were alive with a wide variety of aircraft yesterday (April 25) conducting a practice flypast ahead of King Charles III’s coronation
