The recent arrival of the F-35 marked the unit’s transition to the fifth-generation fighter aircraft, enhancing the wing’s 24/7 homeland defence mission and strengthening joint-force integration efforts in Florida.
The Florida Air National Guard officially entered the fifth-generation fighter era with the arrival of its first F-35A Lightning II on 4 March 2025. This milestone makes the 125th Fighter Wing, known as “the Thunder”, the fourth Air National Guard unit to receive the advanced fighter, marking a pivotal moment in the wing’s history and reinforcing the Air Force’s global defence strategy.
The F-35 features cutting-edge stealth, electronic warfare, and sensor fusion capabilities. Designed to dominate in contested environments, the aircraft ensures the Air National Guard remains an integral part of the nation’s defence posture.
Its arrival in Jacksonville underscores the Department of Defense’s strategic focus on modernising airpower to counter emerging threats. The 125th Fighter Wing’s new aircraft will bolster U.S. airpower along the southeastern coastline, a critical area for both homeland defence and global force projection.
Jacksonville, home to Naval Station Mayport and Naval Air Station Jacksonville, provides a prime location for joint-force integration. The introduction of the F-35 strengthens interoperability between the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, reinforcing Florida’s role as a national security hub.
As the 125th Fighter Wing transitions to the F-35, the unit remains committed to its round-the-clock homeland defence mission. The F-35 will eventually become the primary aircraft securing the southeastern United States, enhancing rapid-response capabilities in times of crisis.
“The F-35 is a cornerstone to our national defence,” said Col. Mansour Elhihi, commander of the 125th Fighter Wing. “This advanced aircraft directly supports our national security objectives, keeping us poised to respond, dominate, and win in any battlespace.”
As part of the transition, the 125th Fighter Wing is upgrading infrastructure to support the F-35. These upgrades include modernised hangars, expanded maintenance facilities, and new training simulators.
“The F-35 ensures the ANG remains at the forefront of national defence,” said Maj. Gen. John D. Haas, The Adjutant General of Florida. “This aircraft embodies recapitalisation and modernisation, ensuring our airmen remain right, ready, and relevant to meet homeland security defence needs.”
The integration of the F-35 aligns the 125th Fighter Wing with the Department of Defense’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) strategy. This strategy emphasises rapid mobility, decentralised operations, and resilience in contested environments.
Pilots and maintainers are training with state-of-the-art simulators and mission planning systems. These tools are designed to maximise the capabilities of the F-35 in future operations.
“The F-35 is going to redefine how we operate,” Haas said. “It’s not just about fighting wars—it’s about deterring them before they ever start.”
The 125th Fighter Wing will commemorate the arrival of the aircraft during its upcoming ‘Thunder and Lightning Launch Celebration’ this autumn. The event will provide community leaders, retirees, and unit members and their families an opportunity to see firsthand the future of air combat.
“The arrival of the F-35 marks a historic and transformational moment for the Florida National Guard and the 125th Fighter Wing,” said Elhihi. “This milestone is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of countless Airmen, past and present, as well as the unwavering support from our state and local community.”
