The F-35 training system began in 2012 with the opening of the first Integrated Training Center at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Since then, it has grown into a global training network supporting pilots from the United States and partner nations.
Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, became a key location in 2014, with the arrival of its first F-35A and the beginning of international training, including pilots from the Royal Norwegian Air Force. That same year, a facility for F-35B training opened at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, ahead of the U.S. Marine Corps declaring Initial Operational Capability.
The programme has steadily expanded, reaching its 1,000th pilot graduation in 2020 and the 2,000th in 2023, with milestone events taking place at both Luke and Eglin Air Force Bases. In 2024, F-35 Foreign Military Sales customers began training at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas.
“Pilots are not only learning to fly their aircraft. They are learning how to win in the future battlespace and come home safely after every mission,” said Ken Garrett, F-35 training sustainment director.
While training pilots to fly the fifth-generation aircraft remains the central aim, the system also enables mission rehearsal through planning, preparation, execution and assessment. This ensures readiness for any operational scenario.
“I am proud of the F-35 training team for their unwavering commitment to developing ready-now pilots and keeping pace with the growing F-35 enterprise,” Garrett added.
To date, the F-35 training programme has supported over 3,000 pilot and 18,510 maintainer graduations across 32 customer training bases. As participation in the programme continues to grow, the training team remains focused on strengthening global readiness and supporting allied capabilities worldwide.
