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US Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs were deployed to Finland for the first time, conducting flight operations on Finnish roads. This deployment marks a significant milestone for the F-35B program. The operations were likely part of a training exercise or demonstration of the aircraft's capabilities.
The first F-35A with the iconic Wild Weasel tail flash has completed its maiden flight, set to join the 35th Fighter Wing in Japan for SEAD missions. The aircraft, tail code 'WW', took off from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth on June 16, 2026. It will be based in Misawa, Japan, to conduct Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses operations.
The Royal Australian Air Force participated in the first joint Weapon Fill Measurement Vehicle flight test on an F-35A Lightning II with the US. This test aims to support weapons integration for the F-35A aircraft.
Finland's Defence Forces will purchase additional GBU-53 Small Diameter Bomb II glide bombs from the US to arm its incoming F-35A stealth fighters. The bombs will add to the country's stockpile, providing a advanced weapon capability. The purchase was authorized by Finland's Minister of Defence, Antti Häkkänen.
Finland is purchasing GBU-53 Small Diameter Bomb II glide bombs from the US for its F-35A fighters. The acquisition is part of a supplementary US procurement. Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen has authorized the purchase.
The US Navy has completed the first phase of integrating the F-35C with the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM). Lockheed Martin is leading the effort to pair the two systems, enhancing the Navy's long-range strike capability. The integration is a key step in advancing the F-35C's capabilities.
The US Air Force has selected Anduril Industries' FQ-44 for production under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, a Pentagon effort to develop semi-autonomous fighter-type drones. The FQ-44, developed as the YFQ-44A prototype, will fly alongside crewed jets like the F-35. The decision was made months ahead of the program's original schedule.
US Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters successfully conducted landing and takeoff operations on a highway strip in Tervo, Finland, marking a historic first. The operation was carried out by Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 224. This exercise showcases NATO agility and interoperability.
A watchdog report reveals that only a quarter of US F-35s were fully mission-capable last year, citing maintenance and parts problems as the main causes. Despite significant investments, F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter readiness rates have declined in recent years.
The first three F-35A Lightning II aircraft have officially arrived in Poland, marking a historic upgrade to NATO's eastern frontline. An induction ceremony is set for June 12.
The GAO reports that only about one in four F-35As are fully mission capable due to software shortcomings, spare parts shortages, and corrosion problems. These issues hinder the aircraft's performance and availability. The F-35 program continues to face challenges in achieving full mission capability.
Lockheed Martin has been awarded a potential $2.29 billion contract by the US Navy to provide sustainment services for the global F-35 fleet. The company will offer technical support for land-based and maritime F-35 operations at new operating locations worldwide.