The 104th Fighter Wing formally welcomed the F-35A Lightning II to Barnes Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts on September 13.
The F-35 program is entering a new phase of global expansion, with record deliveries, growing international demand and a weapons roadmap that extends deep into the next decade.
Israel is advancing three country-specific upgrades for its F-35I fleet, including integration of the SPICE 1000B precision-guided weapon, extended-range fuel tanks and an electronic-warfare pod.
Nineteen Belgian and U.S. Air Force pilots have completed the first FENIX training program at RAF Lakenheath.
Britain plans to expand the strike options available to its F-35 Lightning Force with a range of stand-off and long-range weapons.
Germany’s first F-35A Lightning II has completed its maiden flight, moving Berlin’s 35-aircraft program closer to initial delivery and crew training.
Lockheed Martin said the F-35 had demonstrated its capabilities during Epic Fury, Midnight Hammer, Rough Rider and Rising Lion.
The F-35A will give the RAF a new role within NATO by allowing Britain to join the alliance’s Dual Capable Aircraft nuclear mission.
The U.S. is overhauling the F-35 support network after persistent shortages of spare parts and limited depot repair capacity emerged as the biggest constraints on fleet availability.
Britain will test jet-powered drones alongside F-35B fighters under Project VANQUISH as the Royal Navy begins building a mixed crewed and autonomous carrier force.
Canada is still weighing whether to proceed with the purchase of 72 additional F-35 fighter jets from the United States.
The schedule is detailed in the F-35 Modernized Selected Acquisition Report prepared for the fiscal 2027 president’s budget.
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