U.S. Air Force deploys F-35A Lightning II fighters to Kadena Air Base, Japan
F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (EFS), Hill Air Force Base, Utah, arrived at Kadena Air Base, Japan, on 24 April 2025.
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Lockheed Martin to channel NGAD technology into advanced F-35 development
The F-35 programme has experienced delays and cost overruns in implementing Technology Refresh-3 (TR-3), a necessary hardware and software upgrade for future Block 4 improvements.
Lockheed Martin secures USD 180 million contract to convert F-35 jets for flight science testing
On 21 April, the United States Department of Defense announced a USD 180 million contract modification awarded to Lockheed Martin by the U.S. Navy.
125th Fighter Wing showcases F-35A Lightning II during spring fling at Jacksonville Air National Guard Base
An F-35A Lightning II was displayed on the flightline during the 2025 Spring Fling family day at Jacksonville Air National Guard Base, Florida, on 13 April 2025.
Turkey seeks return to F-35 programme, considers redirecting USD 1.4 billion from F-16 deal
According to Turkish defence website TurkDef, Ankara is seeking to rejoin the F-35 Lightning II programme and acquire the fifth-generation fighter jets.
Poll shows majority of Swiss oppose purchase of F-35A Lightning II fighter jets
Switzerland’s decision to acquire 36 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets, under a contract signed in 2022, has led to ongoing political debate within the country.
Belgium plans to expand F-35A fleet with additional jets from Italian assembly line
Belgium’s Minister of Defence Theo Francken announced on 14 April that the country intends to purchase additional Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II multirole fighter aircraft.
Saab CEO confirms Gripen fighter talks with Canada amid ongoing review of F-35 deal
Saab CEO Micael Johansson has confirmed that the Swedish defence company is in discussions with Canada regarding the potential sale of its JAS-39E/F Gripen fighter aircraft.
Australia’s defence industry surpasses AUD 5 billion in F-35 programme contracts
The Australian Department of Defence announced a major milestone in the global F-35 Lightning II programme, with the value of contracts awarded to Australian industry exceeding AUD 5 billion.
Royal Netherlands Air Force and Lockheed Martin Skunk Works achieve breakthrough F-35 interoperability at Ramstein Flag
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) showcased the first-ever live classified data share outside the United States between an F-35 in flight and Keystone.
The F-35 should have been NATO’s fighter — what’s gone wrong?
If any weapon had a chance to be called “NATO’s jet,” it was the F-35. Following Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the stream of orders became a torrent.
Commander of Finnish Air Force reviews F-35 production and training facilities in U.S.
Finland’s first F-35A multirole fighters are currently under construction at Lockheed Martin’s main assembly facility.