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In a major milestone for the global F-35 Lightning II fleet, the aircraft has successfully passed 1 million flight hours.
The global fleet of F-35 Lightning II fighter jets has reached a significant milestone, surpassing 1 million flight hours. Throughout this period, the F-35 program has continuously enhanced the aircraft’s capabilities, achieving several groundbreaking aviation firsts and solidifying its reputation as the world’s most advanced multi-role fighter.
The milestone includes combat operations conducted by all three variants of the aircraft. Notably, November 2024 marked the first time the carrier-based F-35C was deployed in combat, successfully striking targets in contested airspace. This achievement underscores the fighter’s operational effectiveness across a range of mission scenarios.
Lieutenant General Michael Schmidt, program executive officer at the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office, congratulated the entire F-35 team, saying, “Reaching 1 million flight hours is a monumental achievement for the F-35 program. It highlights the unwavering dedication of our pilots, maintainers, industry partners and our international partners and foreign military sales customers.”
With a global fleet now exceeding 1,100 aircraft, the F-35 program is focused on the next 1 million flight hours. The ongoing expansion of the fleet ensures the aircraft maintains its role as a cornerstone of air superiority, working in conjunction with fourth, fifth, and next-generation platforms. A key aspect of this evolution is the F-35’s ability to coordinate with autonomous drone systems, including the United States Air Force’s upcoming fleet of Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
Chauncey McIntosh, vice president and general manager of the F-35 Lightning II program at Lockheed Martin, said, “The F-35 is the backbone of the allied force, enabling peace through strength in the 21st century. As we look to the future, we are focused on continuing to increase the capabilities of the F-35 to ensure we stay ahead of adversarial threats.”
Australia has played a crucial role in the global F-35 program, having committed to acquiring 72 F-35A aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as part of the AU$17 billion AIR 6000 Phase 2A/B program.
The first Australian F-35s arrived in-country in 2018, and the fleet has since reached full operational capability, replacing the ageing F/A-18A/B Hornet fleet. Operated primarily from RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF Base Tindal, the F-35A provides Australia with a cutting-edge air combat capability, strengthening national defence and interoperability with allied forces.
As the program progresses, Australia’s F-35 fleet will continue to benefit from ongoing upgrades, ensuring the aircraft remains at the forefront of air combat technology. With its advanced stealth, sensor fusion and networked warfare capabilities, the F-35 is set to play a critical role in the nation’s air defence strategy for decades to come.
