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.
Cobra Warrior: An exclusive insight into the UK's largest exercise of 2022
Combat Aircraft Journal speak with the various air arms that took part in the RAF-led Exercise Cobra Warrior, a large force employment training event, held across the UK in September
Steadfast Noon – NATO’s nuclear air exercise in times of tension
NATO has been conducting its annual nuclear deterrence exercise called Steadfast Noon involving up to 60 aircraft from 14 countries
USAF F-35A crashes at Hill AFB
A USAF Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II has crashed at Hill Air Force Base, Utah
New F-35C CAG-bird for USMC's VMFA-314
The new CAG-bird for the USMC’s Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 (VMFA-314) ‘Black Knights’ has been spotted during a deployment to NAS Fallon in Nevada
Dutch MOD progressing with plan to reopen De Peel Air Base for F-35 ops
Plans to reopen De Peel Air Base for F-35A Lightning II operations from 2024 continue to make progress as the Dutch MOD strives to find room to expand its operational footprint following earlier base closures amidst the continued deterioration of the global security situation
More than 50 F-35As now in Australian service
A further four Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation multi-role stealth fighters have been delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force, bringing the total number in service to 54 aircraft out of 72 on order
StormBreaker steps closer to F-35 integration after recent test
Integration of the GBU-53/B StormBreaker air-launched, precision-guided glide bomb on the F-35 Lightning II has moved a step closer after the US Navy, in partnership with Raytheon Missiles & Defense, recently carried out two successful guided test vehicle releases
Which missiles will revolutionise air warfare in the future?
New aircraft may steal the headlines and pilots may be played by movie stars but it’s the weapons that are going to make the difference, Combat Aircraft Journal reports
Switzerland signs procurement contract for 36 F-35As
Swiss plans to acquire a fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation multi-role stealth fighters marked a significant step forward on September 19, when Switzerland’s federal office for defence procurement, armasuisse, announced that the procurement contract for 36 aircraft had been signed
On NATO’s Frontline: Inside Spangdahlem Air Base
The crisis in Afghanistan and the war in the Ukraine has meant that US Forces in Europe’s German centre has become the heart of vital operations. We visited the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base for an update