F-35 Lightning in the news

RAAF F-35A makes history in Exercise Arnhem Thunder

For the first time, the Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft have taken to the skies with a full complement of weapons. The two fully laden F-35As took off from RAAF Base Darwin as part of Exercise Arnhem Thunder 21. Commanding Officer No. 35 Squadron Wing Commander Matthew Harper said the F-35A was the only Western fighter jet that could carry both internal and external ordnance. In addition to their internal payload, the pair departed with inert GBU-12 bombs attached to their under-wing pylons.

1st F-35B Lightning landing on HMS Prince of Wales

An F-35B Lightning aircraft has landed onboard the Royal Navy’s latest aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, for the first time. Taking place off the south coast of England, the milestone marks a significant step towards the 65,000-tonne vessel reaching full operational capability. Operating together as part of Sea Acceptance Trials, it is the first time a fixed wing aircraft has landed onboard HMS Prince of Wales. The trials test the ship’s capability to receive and launch aircraft whilst maintaining continuous air operations.

F-35A’s 1st working display

Australia’s newest strike aircraft has successfully conducted its first public working display, in the skies over the NSW Central Coast. The F-35A Lightning II took to the skies for a 20-minute display of power and precision at the Central Coast Airshow, which showcased ADF elements in the air and on the ground.

BAE Systems ramps F-35 electronic warfare system production

BAE Systems is providing Lockheed Martin with additional electronic warfare (EW) systems, retrofit kits, and spares for the F-35 Lightning II aircraft. The contract builds on BAE Systems› on-time delivery of more than 800 state-of-the-art AN/ASQ-239 electronic warfare/countermeasure systems to date, providing F-35 jets with critical situational awareness and survivability capabilities.