Lockheed Martin officials are detailing the F-35 fighter jet program’s progression, noting the continued expansion of its global footprint and operational capabilities enhancement.
“The F-35 joint enterprise team continues to provide unmatched combat capability to the 21st-century battlespace through the F-35,” Bridget Lauderdale, vice president and general manager of the F-35 program, said. “Providing unparalleled support to the growing fleet, participating in numerous Joint-All Domain exercises, and meeting our delivery target during a global pandemic is no small feat, while the F-35 was also chosen by Switzerland and Finland as their next fighter.”
Switzerland and Finland selected the F-35 for their new fighter jet programs in 2021, with the Royal Netherlands Air Force becoming the ninth nation to declare its F-35 fleet ready for Initial Operational Capability.
Last year, the F-35 successfully participated in a series of flight tests and exercises that included Project Hydra, Northern Edge, Orange Flag, Talisman Sabre, and Flight Test-6.
“Lockheed Martin is investing in digital technology that advances the F-35’s 5th Gen capabilities long after delivery,” Lauderdale concluded. “We’re embracing digital transformation to enable faster development and continuous deployment of software, using digital models and supercomputers to augment physical test data with simulation-based verification, and automating data processes to save time and glean insights that improve sustainment.”
Lockheed Martin indicated 93 percent of F-35 parts are performing better than predicted, and, within the last year, F-35s were part of four base and ship activations and participated in more than 60 deployments and detachments.