The F-35A is now the second most employed fighter in the US Air Force’s inventory, after only the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
As it currently stands, aerospace giant Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 1,200 F-35 Lightning IIs in all three variants all across the world. In spite of technical problems with the aircraft and repeated delays, that number keeps rising. On Thursday, it was announced that the 500th F-35A, the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant of the F-35, had been delivered to the Florida Air National Guard’s 125th Fighter Wing at Jacksonville Air National Guard Base, Florida, the previous month. It will be one of three Lightning II fifth-generation stealth fighters permanently assigned to the unit as it continues to make its multi-year transition from its F-15C/D Eagles.
According to the unit, it features the “legacy tail flash” of the 125th Fighter Wing, “The Thunder,” a dark blue tail stripe with the word “Florida” in white letters, accompanied by a lightning bolt. The Thunder has been active since July 1956, and is now the fourth ANG unit to operate the F-35A, joining the ranks of Vermont’s 158th FW, Alabama’s 187th FW, and Wisconsin’s 115th FW.
The F-35A Will Enhance the National Guard’s Capabilities
The 125th FW is now one of nine Air Force units to operate the fighter.
“These new F-35s, which include the Air Force’s 500th, represent the forefront of fifth-generation airpower,” explained U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph Pasko, commander of the 159th Fighter Squadron, a component unit of the 125th FW. “We expect to play an integral role in potential future conflicts, and our citizen-Airmen stand ready to answer the nation’s call, anytime, anywhere.”
The 158th FW received its initial F-35A at the Vermont ANG Base in the fall of 2019. The 125th FW will follow a similar course—operating a mix of aircraft, including those on loan from other ANG units, while it receives and integrates its Lightning IIs.
“The Guard’s ability to field fifth-generation aircraft in key regions gives combatant commanders the reach, resilience, and rapid response they need,” said US Air Force Brig. Gen. Richard L. Coffey, the commander of the Florida Air National Guard. “Jacksonville’s strategic location and joint partnerships expand the Air Force’s options and ensure our Airmen are at the forefront of our nation’s defense.”
More F-35s Are Set to Augment the US Air Force
The US Air Force’s milestone comes less than a year after Lockheed Martin delivered its 1,000th F-35 to the 115th FW. The aerospace firm is currently on track to deliver between 170 and 190 in all variants and models by the end of this year.
According to Air & Space Forces magazine, the F-35A is now the second most employed fighter in the US Air Force’s inventory, after only the F-16 Fighting Falcon, for which the service has suspended further order. Current plans call for the Air Force to eventually receive 1,763 F-35s of all types, forecast to be completed in 2050.
“However, that plan called for the Air Force to consistently buy 48 F-35s per year, which it did not do in its fiscal 2026 budget request, asking for only 24 of the jets,” Air & Space Forces explained. Should the service return to the higher buying rate, and the aging F-16 is retired, the Lightning II will become the most numerous fighter with the Air Force by the early 2030s.
“We join the United States Air Force in celebrating the delivery of 500+ F-35s to their squadrons, adding to the combat-proven, global fleet that ensures peace through strength for the US and our allies,” a Lockheed Martin spokesperson told the aviation news outlet on the accomplishment.
The F-35A’s Specifications
- Year Introduced: 2016
- Number Built: ~750
- Length: 51.4 feet
- Height: 14.4 feet
- Wingspan: 35 Feet
- Maximum takeoff weight: 70,000 lb class.
- Engines: Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 turbofan with 40,000 lb thrust.
- Top Speed: Mach 1.6 (approximately 1,200 mph)
- Range: Over 1,350 miles with internal fuel (1,200+ nautical miles).
- Service Ceiling: Above 50,000 feet.
- Loadout: Internal 25 mm GAU-22/A cannon, two AIM-120 AMRAAMs, and two GBU-31 JDAMs.
- Aircrew: 1
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu has contributed over 3,200 published pieces to more than four dozen magazines and websites over a 30-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a contributing writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
