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F-35

Every The Defense Feed article tagged with "F-35" — from today's live feed to the full archive.

9 articles indexed · 9 in archive

F-35s Operating In Middle East Maintaining High Mission Capable Rates, ACC Official Says

Air Combat Command says F-35 units deployed in the Middle East are sustaining high mission-capable rates during active operations. The disclosed performance indicates that maintainers, spares and regional support infrastructure are keeping a large share of aircraft available despite demanding sortie schedules and environmental conditions. Mission-capable rate measures whether an aircraft can perform at least one assigned mission, so it is not equivalent to full-mission-capable status or combat effectiveness. Fleet-wide percentages and a complete comparison period were not provided, limiting broader conclusions about long-term F-35 readiness.

Defense DailySep 14

EuropeAir

Talks under way over Britain’s next batch of F-35s

Britain remains in negotiations through the F-35 Joint Program Office over the profile, timing, and configuration of its next aircraft purchase. Defence Minister Luke Pollard told Parliament that discussions concern the next production batch and the second tranche of the United Kingdom’s wider procurement plan, with deliveries still expected in the early 2030s. The multinational office coordinates Lockheed Martin production lots and common program arrangements for partner countries. No binding order, aircraft quantity, detailed delivery sequence, or final mix of F-35B and any other variant was announced in the parliamentary response.

ukdefencejournal.org.ukSep 12

Indo-PacificAir

Australia sends two F-35 fighters to New Zealand

Two Royal Australian Air Force F-35As from No. 3 Squadron made the type's first visit to New Zealand, operating from Ohakea between September 8 and 10. Training included simulated bombing coordinated by New Zealand ground personnel, mock interception of an RNZAF P-8A Poseidon and low-level navigation over the North Island, giving both forces practical experience with fifth-generation aircraft integration. The temporary deployment was an interoperability activity rather than a basing or procurement decision, and it was particularly notable because New Zealand has operated no fast-jet combat fleet since retiring its Skyhawks in 2001.

Defence BlogSep 10

GlobalAir

Lockheed Martin says F-35 global fleet surpasses 1,355 deliveries and one million flight hours amid new allied milestones worldwide

Lockheed Martin reported that the global F-35 fleet has exceeded 1,355 delivered aircraft and accumulated more than one million flight hours. The company linked the milestone to continued expansion among United States services and international operators, including new training, basing and operational achievements. It also cited combat employment in several recent operations as evidence of the aircraft’s growing role in allied airpower. The figures reflect fleet scale and utilization, but they do not by themselves address continuing sustainment costs, availability rates or the pace of delivering upgraded configurations.

Defence Industry EuropeSep 8

EuropeAir

Britain to buy more F-35 fighters in £2.2 billion push, adding first F-35As and securing substantial UK industry workshare

Britain plans additional F-35 purchases within £2.2 billion of spending across the 2026-27 to 2029-30 financial years, including its first conventional-takeoff F-35As. The aircraft are expected to enter service in the early 2030s and would enable participation in NATO's dual-capable aircraft nuclear mission, while further F-35Bs support carrier operations. The allocation also emphasizes substantial work for UK industry and sits within a broader combat-air investment plan. Aircraft numbers are not stated, and the published figures remain indicative, subject to approvals, affordability, contracting and potential reprioritization.

Defence Industry EuropeSep 7

North AmericaAir

Canada keeps purchase of 72 additional F-35 fighters under review as U.S. trade tensions fuel calls to cancel planned order

Canada is still reviewing whether to acquire the remaining 72 F-35As planned for its 88-aircraft fighter fleet, while the first 16 jets remain committed. Prime Minister Mark Carney ordered the reassessment amid strained trade relations with the United States and domestic calls to consider alternatives. Officials are weighing cost, industrial benefits and the interoperability requirements of NATO and NORAD, with a decision expected within the coming months. The review has not cancelled the wider purchase, selected another aircraft or changed the existing commitment for the initial tranche, leaving the fleet's final composition unresolved.

Defence Industry EuropeSep 6

EuropeAir

First Swiss F-35A fighter jet enters assembly at Italian Cameri facility after order reduction to 30 units

The first Swiss F-35A entered assembly at Italy's Cameri facility after Switzerland cut its order to 30 units. The milestone advances Switzerland's fighter procurement. Details cover production and reduced buy.

Army RecognitionAug 17

EuropeAir

First German F-35A gets stealth coating before delivery

The first German F-35A received its stealth coating ahead of delivery. The milestone advances Germany's F-35 acquisition for nuclear-sharing and air defense roles. Details cover production progress.

Defence BlogAug 17

North AmericaAir

It's Official: F-35s Are Now Being Delivered Without Radars

F-35s are now officially being delivered without radars due to AN/APG-85 supply shortages. Aircraft are being parked pending radar retrofit. The issue compounds ongoing TR-3 software delays. Operational availability and IOC timelines for new variants are affected.

RealClearDefenseJun 29

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F-35

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