Lockheed Martin: global F-35 Lightning II fleet exceeds one million flight hours

By Defence Industry Europe

Patria begins production and assembly of structures and engines for F-35 fighter aircrafts. In addition to the fighters coming to Finland, components will be manufactured for aircrafts ordered by other countries.
Photo: USAF.

Lockheed Martin has announced that the global fleet of F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft has surpassed one million flight hours. This total has been reached through the operation of over 1,100 aircraft currently in service across 12 countries.

 

The F-35 is used for both training and operational missions, with the number of combat deployments increasing. Recent missions have included Air Policing operations over Central Europe, as well as strike missions in the Middle East and Iran.

All three variants of the aircraft have been used in combat. In recent months, Israel has conducted multiple strike missions using the F-35, further demonstrating its operational role.

The F-35 programme continues to expand, with 20 countries now operating the aircraft. An additional eight nations have placed orders and are awaiting deliveries.

 

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Recent procurement agreements include orders from Canada (88 aircraft), Singapore (20), Finland (64), Switzerland (36), Germany (35), the Czech Republic (24), Greece (20), and Romania (32). Further interest in the aircraft has been reported in Europe, with Spain and Portugal considering potential acquisitions.

Outside Europe, there is speculation about possible future sales to India and some Arab nations, subject to policy decisions by the United States. The F-35 remains a key component of many air forces worldwide, with continued demand expected in the coming years.

 

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