F-35 LIGHTNING II COUNTRY-BY-COUNTRY ANALYSIS

Lightning IIs are Aviation News incorporating Jets December 2018 rapidly entering service around the world and initial combat missions have been fl own. Tom Kaminski takes a nation-by-nation look at procurement and fi elding.

ockheed Martin and its international August 2017 and deliveries began with Lot AUSTRALIA partners developed the Joint 9 aircraft the same month. Australia purchased two F-35As as part of Strike Fighter (JSF) in three basic The software provided the aircraft with LRIP Lot 6 and serial A35-001 (AU-1) took L versions: the conventional take- additional capabilities required for war- to the air at NAS Fort Worth Joint Reserve off and landing (CTOL) F-35A, the short ghting, including enhanced sensors and Base, Texas, on September 29, 2014. take-off/vertical landing (STOVL) F-35B targeting, improved data links and threat Delivery to the International Pilot Training and the carrier-variant (CV) F-35C. Since countermeasures and additional weapons Center at Luke AFB, Arizona, followed in the rst F-35A  ew in December 2006, the capabilities throughout the full aircraft the December. The rst Royal Australian Air  eet has racked up more than 155,000  ight  ight envelope. The system development Force (RAAF) pilot completed training with hours, including more than 17,000 during and demonstration (SDD) programme the 33rd Fighter Wing’s (FW) 58th Fighter development testing. completed all required  ight testing on April Squadron (FS) at Eglin AFB, Florida, in April Already around 500 Lightning IIs have 11, 2018. By mid-October this year, more 2015. Both F-35As made a short visit to been ordered by ten customers under 11 than 690 pilots and 6,300 maintainers had Victoria, Australia, during the Avalon airshow low rate initial production (LRIP) contracts been trained and more than 320 Lightning how, but in February 2018 they returned to and aircraft are now being seen around the IIs had been accepted. training duties at Luke. world. However, it is unclear how big the eventual assembly run will be. Delivery of production aircraft began in 2011 and the F-35B achieved initial operational capability (IOC) with the US Marine Corps in July 2015. The F-35A followed with the USAF in August 2016. In June this year, the 300th Lightning II was accepted by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and delivered to the USAF. At that time, 197 F-35A, 75 F-35B and 28 F-35C models had been delivered to six of the original nine partner countries and three foreign military sales (FMS) customers. The Block 3F operational  ight No.3 Sqn is the RAAF’s rst operational unit to be equipped with the F-35A and, as of program software received  eet release in September 2018, had nine aircraft on strength. Australian Department of Defence

32 CANADA The Canadians have not committed to purchasing the F-35, despite an investment of more than $375m in the programme. Although an intention to purchase 65 F-35As was announced in 2010, the plan was shelved for cost reasons in 2012. A new competition to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF)  eet of 76 CF-188s was revealed under the Future Fighter Capability project in December last year and the F-35A is one of several aircraft under consideration. In February 2018, the government revealed its list of ve eligible suppliers and ghters, are the Dassault Rafale, Saab JAS 39 Gripen, Euro ghter Typhoon, Boeing F/A- 18E/F and the F-35A. The nal request will be released in spring 2019, with selection by 2022 and the rst of 88 ghters being delivered in 2025. DENMARK The Danish defence ministry con rmed plans to purchase 27 F-35As in June 2016 and will spend around $4.5bn on its ghter replacement programme. Purchases were scheduled to begin in 2018 with an initial The UK has received 12 F-35Bs, batch of two Lot 12 F-35As. However, at nine of which are at RAF Marham the time of writing, no contracts had been while three remain with 17 Sqn at Edwards AFB. Ministry of Defence signed. The schedule is for them to be delivered to Luke AFB in 2021 to support

Israel was the rst country to order the Australia next purchased eight ghters training. From 2022, local operations will F-35 through the Foreign Military Sales with the Lot 10 order and the rst of those programme, purchasing two aircraft in be centred at Skrydstrup Air Base and the  ew at Fort Worth on December 1, 2017, September 2010. Lockheed Martin F-35A will completely replace Denmark’s featuring Block 3F software. It was one of  eet of F-16s by 2025. three Australian jets delivered to Luke in Williamtown will eventually support two March 2018, where the Australian cadre operational squadrons and the operational ISRAEL at the Arizona base embedded with the conversion unit (OCU). A third operational In service, F-35As are known by the Hebrew 56th FW’s 61st FS, and includes pilots squadron will be stationed at RAAF Base name ‘Adir’, meaning ‘Mighty One’. As the rst and maintenance personnel. Planned Tindal, Northern Territory. Initial pilot training country to purchase F-35s through the FMS procurement for the RAAF totals 72 aircraft will transition to Australia in mid-2020. process, Israel initially secured two F-35As and future purchases will include eight under Lot 8 in September 2010. Serial 901 aircraft in Lot 11 and 15 in Lot 12. (AS-1) was rolled out in Fort Worth on June Delivered in Block 3i con guration, the two BELGIUM 22, 2016 and rst  ew on July 25. original F-35As received Block 3F structural, The Belgian Government formally Israel’s rst two F-35As were accepted in hardware and software upgrades that were announced the selection of the F-35A for its late December 2016 and the ‘Adir’ achieved carried out by the USAF’s Ogden Air Logistics Air Combat Capability Programme (ACCaP) IOC with 140 ‘Golden Eagle’ Sqn at Nevatim Complex at Hill AFB, Utah. Two Lot 10 F-35As on October 25 becoming the 12th nation to on December 6, 2017 when nine aircraft were are scheduled to arrive at RAAF Base choose the Lightning II. The US Department in service. Little time was wasted in putting Williamtown, New South Wales, for Australian- of State gave its approval to the potential the ghter to work and, on May 22, 2018, speci c validation and veri cation testing this F-35A sale in January 2018. Plans call for the air force revealed F-35As were involved month (December). The ghter is expected to the purchase of 34 ghters to replace the in two strikes against unidenti ed targets, achieve IOC with 3 Sqn in December 2020, Belgian Defence - Air Component’s 54 F-16s believed to be in Syria. However, it remains with nal operating capability (FOC) in 2023. in the 2023-2030 timeframe. unclear whether the aircraft conducted www.aviation-news.co.uk strikes or supported aircraft that engaged Italy is currently the only international partner it arrived on January 31. After completing to have procured multiple versions of the targets. Israel has already approved the E3 certi cation, it relocated to MCAS F-35 and is due to operate the F-35A and purchase of 50 F-35As against a potential F-35B. Lockheed Martin Beaufort, South Carolina, to support training acquisition of 75 ghters and deliveries will efforts with Marine ghter attack squadron run through to December 2024. By the end of on February 5, 2016. After completing VMFAT-501. The rst Italian pilots completed this year, 15 Lightning IIs will be operational. electromagnetic environmental effects (E3) training at Beaufort in early 2018. The Navy Israeli pilots were initially trained at Luke, but testing in May 2016, the F-35A joined the F-35Bs will be based at Grottaglie Naval Air local training takes place at Nevatim Air Base international training  eet at Luke. Local Station and operate from the aircraft carrier in central Israel. deliveries began on December 12, 2016 Giuseppe Garibaldi (C 551). Owned by The ‘Adirs’ will acquire several locally when two F-35As were delivered to 32° the Ministry of Defence and managed by developed systems and equipment that Stormo (Wing) at Amendola Air Base. Five Leonardo, and Lockheed Martin, the Cameri reportedly consist of an electronic warfare Block 3i F-35As assigned to the wing were FACO facility was due to deliver a second system, external jamming pod and precision- tasked as part of the country’s air defence F-35B last month (November). guided air-to-air weapons, as well as system on March 1, 2018. Italian F-35A pilots command, control, communication and undergo training with the 56th FW at Luke JAPAN computers (C4) software developed by and the air force’s long-term commitment to An initial batch of four F-35As was purchased Israel Aerospace Industries’ Lahav Division. the training  eet includes ve F-35As. as part of Lot 8. Serial 69-8701 (AX-1), which In 2020, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) will Italy is currently the only international was produced in Fort Worth, rst  ew on receive an F-35A tted with special test partner to operate multiple versions of the August 26, 2016 and was formally unveiled on instrumentation to support the integration Lightning II and plans include 60 F-35As September 28. It was subsequently delivered of the locally developed systems. According and 30 F-35Bs. The STOVL versions will be to Luke AFB on November 27. Planned to the commander of the IAF test centre, it operated both by the Italian Air Force and procurement includes 42 F-35As and 38 will enable the service “to begin the work Navy and F-35Bs will replace the former’s will be built at the FACO in Nagoya, Japan. of upgrading the capabilities of this aircraft” AMX (A-11) light attack aircraft, and the Operated by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to ensure it can meet Israel’s “special latter’s AV-8Bs. and Lockheed Martin, the factory is located operational requirements”. The rst F-35B to be assembled outside adjacent to the Komaki Air Base and the the US was ordered with Lot 9 and rolled Nagoya Air eld. It will also serve as the ITALY out of Cameri on May 5, 2017. Known as North Asia-Paci c regional heavy airframe Three F-35As were ordered for the Italian BL-1, serial MM7451 made its rst  ight on maintenance repair overhaul & upgrade Air Force under Lot 6. Assigned the Italian October 25. It operated in STOVL mode and (MROU) facility for the Lightning II. serial number MM7332 (AL-1), the initial hovered over the runway for the rst time on Local assembly of the rst F-35A began aircraft was produced at the Cameri Final October 30 and was accepted by the Italian in Nagoya in December 2015 and AX-05 Assembly and Check Out (FACO) facility Navy in a ceremony on January 25, 2018. (s/n 79-8705) was rolled out on June 5, near Milan and was the rst Lighting II to The jet was  own to Patuxent River, where 2017. It rst  ew on June 13 and was ferried be produced outside of Fort Worth. It rst to Patuxent River in November that year.  ew on September 7, 2015 and completed Japan is one of two countries which bene ts After completing E3 certi cation it was the Lightning II’s maiden transatlantic  ight from an F-35 Final Assembly and Check Out delivered Luke AFB to support training. on arrival at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, (FACO) facility. Along with Italy it has already The rst two Japan Air Self-Defense Force produced F-35s indigenously. Lockheed Martin Fighter Wing at Eglin AFB, Florida, in July 2013. Both were placed in storage after the Dutch parliament decided to cancel participation in the programme, but in September 2013, the decision was reversed. However, the original requirement for 85 F-35As was reduced to just 37 aircraft. The Dutch F-35As were assigned to 323 Tactical Training Evaluation and Standardisation Squadron (TACTES) at Edwards AFB, California, joining the operational test  eet as part of the joint operational test team (JOTT) on January 16, 2015. They carried out a brief visit to the Netherlands to conduct South Korea’s initial F-35A was delivered to Luke AFB in May. The country has ordered 40 of this environmental ‘perception’  ights around variant and is considering acquiring additional F-35As and also B models. Lockheed Martin Leeuwarden and Volkel Air Bases in May 2016, but subsequently returned to Edwards. (JASDF) pilots had completed training 001, was delivered to Luke AFB on May 18. In February 2015, the Dutch parliament with the Air Force Reserve Command’s The rst F-35As will be delivered to the 17th approved the purchase of eight aircraft. Detachment 2, 944th Operations Group, at Fighter Wing at Cheongju Air Base in 2019. Ordered with Lot 10, the ghters include six Luke on May 20. The country’s defence acquisition being built in Fort Worth and two at Cameri. The JASDF’s rst F-35A to be based in agency is understood to be considering the The remaining 27 F-35As will also be Japan arrived at Misawa AB on January 26, purchase of 20 more F-35As. Additionally, assembled in Italy. 2018 and was assigned to the 3rd Air Wing’s the government is discussing the acquisition Manufacturing of the rst aircraft in Temporary F-35A Squadron (Rinji F-35A of F-35Bs for operation from the navy’s 653ft Italy (c/n AN-9) began in Cameri in June Hikotai), which was activated on December (199m) amphibious assault ship ROKS 2018 and it will be the rst delivered to 1, 2017. Serial 89-8706 was the second Dokdo (LPH 6111). 322 Squadron at Leeuwarden Air Base in Lightning II produced in Japan. Five F-35As, October 2019. Dutch F-35As will also be comprising AX-01 through AX-05, arrived at ‘Norwegian and operated by 312 and 313 Squadrons. Misawa following a trans-Paci c  ight from IOC will be achieved in 2021 and FOC in Luke AFB on May 28. The 302nd Hikotai Dutch F-35s will have 2024. The six Fort Worth-produced F-35As (Squadron) will be the rst equipped with the will be delivered to Luke AFB to support F-35A when it stands up at Misawa in early structural provisions for training in 2019. Ultimately, ve F-35As 2019. It currently operates the F-4EJ from will support training at Luke and 32 will be Hyakuri Air Base, but will stand down there a braking parachute, assigned to the operational units. in December. The Japanese Government is reportedly designed to reduce NORWAY considering the acquisition of F-35Bs and The rst two F-35As for the Royal Norwegian re tting the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s landing roll on shorter Air Force were purchased as part of Lot 7. 814ft (248m) helicopter destroyer JS Izumo Serial 5087 (c/n AM-1) was unveiled in Fort (DDH 183) to operate the aircraft. The or icy runways’ Worth in September 2015 and serial 5088 JASDF is also considering adding 20-25 (c/n AM-2) became the rst Norwegian jet more F-35As to its planned procurement. THE NETHERLANDS to  y on October 6. A second pair of F-35As This country was the rst international was ordered with Lot 8 and six followed for SOUTH KOREA partner to purchase the F-35A, acquiring each of Lot 9 and 10. Six jets will be ordered The Republic of Korea formally committed single examples under Lot 3 and 4. Serial annually through to 2024. Norway’s rst three to purchase 40 F-35As via the FMS F-001’s (c/n AN-1) rst  ight took place aircraft support international training efforts programme in September 2014. The rst in Fort Worth on August 6, 2012 and the and an initial pair arrived at Luke AFB on aircraft for the Republic of Korea Air Force initial pair was delivered to the USAF’s 33rd November 10, 2015. Plans call for seven to (ROKAF) conducted its maiden  ight on support training with the 56th FW until 2024, March 19, 2018 and was formally unveiled The Netherlands has plans to buy 37 F-35As, when three aircraft will move to Norway. at Fort Worth on March 28. The F-35A (c/n reduced from 85 aircraft, to equip three The operational  eet will operate from AW-1), which carries the ROKAF serial 18- frontline units: 312, 313 and 322 Squadrons. Ørland Main Air Station, which initially Lockheed Martin welcomed three Lightning IIs on November 3, 2017. Serials 5148, 5149 and 5150 were formally accepted by Norway’s Defence Materiel Agency during a ceremony on November 10 and were assigned to 332 Sqn. A second ight of three arrived on May 22, 2018. The Norwegian government plans to purchase up to 52 F-35As and, under current plans, the aircraft will achieve IOC in 2021. Norwegian and Dutch F-35s will have structural provisions for a braking parachute, designed to reduce landing roll on shorter or Six F-35As have been delivered to 332 Skv at Ørland with a view to reaching initial operating icy runways. The system is housed in a pod capability in 2021. Lockheed Martin on the upper portion of the rear fuselage. main operating base at RAF Marham Flight testing began at Edwards AFB on May on April 13, 2012. Three examples continue to on June 6, 2018. Formally reactivated in 30, 2017. Icy runway evaluation followed in support operational test and evaluation with Washington DC on April 17, the squadron early 2018 at Eielson AFB, Alaska. Local use 17 Sqn at Edwards AFB. received another group of  ve jets on August of the system was  rst demonstrated by serial Training was initially carried out at Eglin 3. The ‘Dambusters’ should achieve IOC-Land 5149 at Ørland Air Base on February 16, AFB, but in 2014, British personnel relocated by December 2018 and IOC-Carrier Strike 2018. Norwegian jets will also be compatible to MCAS Beaufort alongside VMFAT-501. will follow in 2020. The F-35B is scheduled with the long-range, anti-ship Joint Strike Training will transition to RAF Marham, to reach FOC in 2023. The  rst Royal Navy Missile (JSM), which is being developed Norfolk, when 207 Sqn stands up as the Fleet Air Arm unit will stand up when 809 by Kongsberg and Raytheon. The missile Lightning II Operational Conversion Unit Naval Air Squadron is re-formed in 2023. is designed for carriage both internally and (OCU) on July 1, 2019. The F-35B (the UK’s Each of the operational squadrons will externally. official name for the aircraft is Lightning operate 12 Lightnings. − dropping the II) will provide the strike The UK F-35Bs are delivered in the TURKEY capability for the Royal Navy aircraft carriers same con guration as the US Marine Corps The  rst Turkish Air Force F-35A ew at Fort HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) and HMS versions. However, they will be compatible Worth on May 10, 2018 and serial number Prince of Wales (R09). with additional weapons including the AIM- 18-0001 (c/n AT-01) was accepted on June 21. US Navy F-35B test aircraft BF-04 and 132 Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile A second F-35A ew on June 8 and both were BF-05 from the VX-23/Integrated Test (ASRAAM) and 500lb (227kg) dual-mode delivered to Luke AFB on June 26. Turkey’s Force (ITF) at NAS Patuxent River marked Paveway IV precision-guided bomb. Testing plans include 100 Lightning IIs with 30 a major milestone when they touched down of both weapons is under way and an F-35B delivered by 2022. Purchase of the initial pair on the Queen Elizabeth for the  rst time on from 17 Sqn ew its  rst ASRAAM test was authorised in 2014 and they were ordered September 25. The arrival of the jets, which mission on August 30, 2018. as part of Lot 10. Four are included in Lot 11 were own by Royal Navy Commander and the  rst pair was scheduled for delivery Nathan Gray and Royal Air Force Squadron UNITED STATES to Luke this November. However, citing a Leader Andy Edgell, marked the start of The total planned purchase of 2,457 strained relationship with the current Turkish First of Class Flight Trials (Fixed Wing) Lightning IIs includes 1,763 USAF F-35As. Government, the US Government has placed [FOCFT(FW)] aboard the ship. The carrier Additionally, the US Marine Corps will severe restrictions on the delivery of the arrived at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, acquire 353 F-35Bs and 67 F-35Cs, with the aircraft to Turkey unless speci c stipulations in advance of the testing on September US Navy receiving 260 F-35Cs. are met. Currently, the  rst Lightning IIs are 5 and subsequently travelled to Norfolk, Although SDD testing concluded in April, still scheduled for delivery to the 7th Main Virginia. Conducted consecutively, the operations at Edwards AFB continue. The Jet Base at Malatya, beginning in November initial two FOCFT (FW) phases will USAF’s 461st Flight Test Squadron and 31st 2019. The Turkish base is also scheduled to demonstrate numerous ight manoeuvres Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES), Marine host an integrated training centre conducting and deck operations that will support air test and evaluation squadron VMX-1, the pilot and maintenance training from 2020. development of the F-35B operating US Navy’s air test and evaluation squadron envelopes with the ships. More than 200 VX-9, the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s UNITED KINGDOM test points will be evaluated during varied 323 Sqn (TACTES) and the RAF’s17 Sqn Officially, the UK remains committed to the weather and sea conditions. support developmental and operational acquisition of 138 F-35s, but recent reports A third FOCFT (FW) phase, scheduled testing with the three Lightning II variants. have indicated the possibility of a reduction in for September 2019, will be followed by The USAF will  eld 960 combat-coded that number. Carrying the serial ZM135 (c/n operational testing. Pilots from 617 Sqn F-35As with 44 squadrons at 31 operating BK-1), the UK’s  rst F-35B ew at Fort Worth delivered four F-35Bs to their permanent locations. The Primary Aircraft Authorization (PAA) for Active Component (AC) and the Two Turkish F-35As have been delivered to Luke AFB this year, however, deliveries to Turkey are Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) subject to restrictions due to strained relations between the Trump and Erdogˇan governments. Clinton White squadrons will be 24 aircraft while Air National Guard (ANG) squadrons will receive 18  ghters. Nine active duty Marine Corps squadrons will be equipped with 16 F-35Bs, and  ve will have ten F-35Bs assigned. Two Marine Reserve squadrons will each have ten F-35Bs and 50 aircraft will be evenly divided between two eet replacement squadrons (FRS). Four active duty squadrons will be equipped, respectively, with ten F-35Cs that will support US Navy carrier air wing operations. The USAF’s 33rd Fighter Wing (FW) welcomed the rst F-35As to Eglin AFB in July 2011 and 58th Fighter Squadron (FS) was declared ready for training (RFT) in December 2012. The squadron reached its full complement of 26 ghters in May 2014, and currently operates 25 ghters. The 58th FS is primarily tasked with producing new F-35A pilots for the USAF, but also provides training for instructor and test pilots. The 56th FW’s 61st FS at Luke AFB received its rst F-35A in March 2014; An F-35B belonging to VX-23 departs from HMS Queen Elizabeth during recent trials off the US training began in May 2015 and the squadron East Coast. Lockheed Martin achieved FOC the following month. The 62nd FS and 63rd FS, respectively, began December 2018. The 388th will receive its full that November. On March 5, 2018 six of the receiving F-35As in August 2015 and March complement of 78 F-35As in 2019. squadron’s F-35Bs embarked aboard the 2017. Serving as the primary training base for The 34th FS began its rst international amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) US and international F-35A training, Luke will training deployment when it sent eight at the start of the Lightning II’s rst Marine host six squadrons and 144 ghters by 2024. F-35As to RAF Lakenheath in April 2017. Expeditionary Unit (MEU) deployment. Courses include transition, re-quali cation With support from the 419th FW’s 466th FS VMFA-211 became the second USMC and instructor pilots’ upgrade training. the 34th later deployed 12 F-35As to Kadena front-line squadron to transition to the F-35B At Nellis AFB, Nevada, the 53rd Wing’s Air Base, Japan, in support of the US Paci c in May 2016. The ‘Wake Island Avengers’ 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron is Command’s theater security package (TSP) conducted carrier quali cations aboard tasked with conducting operational testing programme in November 2017. Concluding in the amphibious assault ship USS Essex and developing air-to-air and air-to ground May 2018, the deployment marked the rst (LHD-2) in October 2017 and began its rst tactics. The USAF Weapons School’s 6th operational tasking for the F-35A. deployment as part of the 13th MEU. The Weapons Squadron (WPS) assumed the The USAF announced the selection of deployment, to the US Central Command/ responsibility for the F-35As originally NAS Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base as the US 5th Fleet area of operations, marked the delivered to the 16th WPS on its activation on rst AFRC base to host the F-35A in January rst for the F-35B with the Block 3F software June 20, 2017. It provides advanced tactics 2017. The 301st FW’s 457th FS will accept its and the rst to a combat zone. The squadron instruction and its rst weapons instructor rst F-35As in the mid-2020s. achieved another milestone on September course began in January 2018. The squadron In December 2017, selection was 27, 2018 when two F-35Bs carried out will have 30 instructor pilots and 24 Lightning announced of the 115th FW at Dane the aircraft’s rst combat missions over IIs assigned by 2023. County Regional Airport-Truax Field in Afghanistan. In December 2013, the Vermont Air Madison, Wisconsin, and the 187th FW The VMFA-122 ‘Flying Leathernecks’ National Guard’s 158th FW was selected at Montgomery Regional Airport-Dannelly began its conversion from the F/A-18C to the as the rst ANG unit to receive the F-35A. Field, Alabama, as the preferred locations for F-35B in October 2017 and relocated from Eielson AFB, Alaska, was selected in August the next two ANG F-35A bases. Deliveries MCAS Beaufort to MCAS Yuma. The third 2014 as the bed-down base for 48 Lightning should begin in 2023. operational Lightning II squadron conducted IIs and, in January 2015, RAF Lakenheath, The rst production F-35Bs were delivered its rst F-35B sorties at MCAS Yuma on Suffolk, was named as the rst location to VMFAT-501 at Eglin AFB in January 2012. March 29, 2018. in Europe. It will also receive 48 F-35As, Training was initially conducted at Eglin, Activated in 2012, strike ghter squadron beginning in 2020. Vermont’s 134th FS will but the squadron completed a move to VFA-101 stood up as the US Navy’s rst receive its rst F-35A in late 2019 and Eielson MCAS Beaufort, in October 2014. The rst Lightning II squadron at Eglin AFB and will follow in 2020. The rst F-35As for the operational F-35B was delivered to Marine received its rst F-35C on June 22, 2013. 388th FW’s 34th FS arrived at Hill AFB, Utah, strike ghter squadron VMFA-121 at MCAS Known as the ‘Grim Reapers’, the Fleet on September 2, 2015 and the wing along Yuma, Arizona, in November 2012 and the Replacement Squadron (FRS) is now with the Air Force Reserve Command’s 419th squadron achieved IOC with the Block 2B primarily tasked with training instructor pilots. FW achieved IOC with Block 3I software on version on July 31, 2015. The relocation of A second FRS stood up when VFA-125 was August 16, 2016. Deliveries to the 4th FS the ‘Green Knights’ to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, reactivated at NAS Lemoore, California, on at Hill began that September and the 421st began in January 2017 and VMFA-121 January 12, 2017. It was recently revealed FS is expected to receive its rst aircraft in received its full complement of 16 F-35Bs that VFA-101 will be inactivated on July 1,

The USMC’s rst operational F-35Bs were delivered to MCAS Yuma-based VMFA-121 during November 2012, reaching initial operating capability in July 2015. Lockheed Martin The cost for all three Lighting II variants has been reduced again under Lot 11.

Model Lot 10 Lot 11 Reduction F-35A $94.3m $89.2m 5.0% F-35B $122.4m $115.5 5.7% F-35C $121.2m $107.7m 11.1%

Lockheed Martin is con dent that by 2020, as production volumes increase and additional efficiencies are implemented, the individual cost of an F-35A will be reduced to Of the 2,457 Lightning IIs the USA plans to purchase, 1,763 are to be F-35As for the nation’s air $80m. Costs to produce the F-35B and F-35C force. Lockheed Martin have continued a downward trend as well. 2019. Its assets will be realigned into VFA- MODERNISATION 125 and VFA-147. With Block 3F software elded, development POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS Pilots from VFA-101 conducted their rst of new and upgraded capabilities will The German government has shortlisted carrier quali cations (CQ) aboard the USS continue under the Capability Development several ghters that could replace its 85 Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) on September 3, and Delivery (C2D2) program. Multi- Tornado strike aircraft in the 2025-2030 2017. A pilot from VFA-125 became the rst to phase Block 4 software development is period under its ‘Command Fighter Advanced’ operate the F-35C from the USS Carl Vinson expected to run through to 2024 and cost (CFX) programme. Germany is looking at (CVN 70) off the coast of Southern California around $10.8bn. It will address de ciencies the F-15E, F/A-18E/F and Typhoon, but the on October 18. During a second CQ period identi ed during the Block 3F development air force reportedly prefers the acquisition aboard the Lincoln, aviators from VFA-101, and provide a series of incremental of a fth-generation ghter. The CFX will VFA-125 and VX-9 utilised the all-weather upgrades. Block 4 efforts involve integration be the central node of a networked strike Joint Precision Approach and Landing of a new processor and a new electro-optical complex that will include the current  eet of System (JPALS) in an operational setting for sensor, along with the Joint Strike Missile fourth-generation Typhoons and unmanned the rst time. The December 2017 underway (JSM) for Norway. Integration of the B61-12 aircraft. The air force is considering a new period also included the rst shipboard use nuclear weapon, which is also aligned with development programme or an off-the-shelf, of the ghter’s Autonomic Logistic Information Block 4, will make the F-35A variant a Dual next-generation option for the CFX project. System (ALIS). Capable Aircraft (DCA). Work on the Block The Lighting II’s advanced sensors and Naval Aviators from strike ghter 4.1 increment began in April 2018. networking capabilities and interoperability squadrons VFA-101, VFA-125 and VFA-147 In 2017, the programme met its delivery with NATO partners F-35  eets make it an joined carrier air wing CVW-7 aboard the target of 66 aircraft, which represented over attractive option. USS Abraham Lincoln to conduct routine a 40% increase from 2016. Its target for 2018 The US government has reportedly cyclic operations as part of Operational Test-1 is 91 aircraft deliveries, comprising 85 from held early discussions with the United Arab (OT-1) in late August 2018. Fort Worth, two from the Italian and four from Emirates regarding the purchase of F-35s. Transition of the rst operational squadron the Japanese FACO facilities. As production The Gulf nation hopes to acquire as many as to the F-35C began in December 2017 when volumes increase, the three facilities will 25 ghters that would equip two squadrons. personnel from VFA-147 started training at deliver around 160 aircraft annually beginning Concerns over protecting the network-centric Lemoore. The ‘Argonauts’ inaugural F-35C in 2023. Full rate production is expected to ghter’s sensitive technology and other  ights were carried out at Lemoore on be approved by the DoD in April 2019 and a critical information could prohibit the sale. April 18, 2018. The squadron, which had multi-year contract will follow in 2021. The Republic of Singapore Air Force previously  own the F/A-18E, will complete Since production began, the price of an remains interested in the F-35A and the its conversion in late 2018, and will achieve F-35A has come down more than 60% and, Spanish and Turkish navies are considered IOC with Block 3F software by February since 2015, the production span time has potential customers for the F-35B. As the price 2019. VFA-147 will make its rst operational decreased by about 20%. The $11.5bn Lot 11 of the Lightning II nears that of current fourth- deployment aboard the USS Carl Vinson contract includes 91 aircraft for US services, generation ghters, additional customers will (CVN 70) in 2021. The squadron received 28 for international partners and 22 for FMS undoubtedly line up to purchase the highly its rst aircraft and achieved Safe for Flight customers. Deliveries will begin in 2019. capable combat aircraft. status in October 2018. The US Navy activated a new type of wing when commander, Joint Strike Fighter Wing, was established at NAS Lemoore on August 1, 2018 and assumed administrative control over VFA-101, VFA-125 and VFA-147. Although F-35Cs will initially be stationed at Lemoore, the navy has con rmed plans to station Lightning IIs at MCAS Iwakuni, sometime after 2021. The aircraft will replace Super Hornets with one of the four squadrons assigned to CVW-5.

The USS George Washington hosted two VX- 23 ‘Salty Dogs’ F-35Cs during August 2016 as part of the carrier’s nal development testing cycle. Lockheed Martin