Lockheed Martin has reached a significant milestone, as its F-35 global fleet has surpassed one million flight hours. This historic achievement reflects the extensive operational capabilities of the F-35 program, which has been evolving over the past 20 years and includes all variants of the aircraft, notably the F-35C, which saw its first combat action in November 2024.
Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt, the program executive officer for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office, remarked on this milestone, calling it a “monumental achievement” that underscores the trust and confidence that customers worldwide have in the aircraft. He added that this accomplishment not only showcases the F-35’s unparalleled capabilities but also highlights the dedication and resilience of everyone involved in the program.
As Lockheed Martin celebrates this achievement, the company is also focused on further enhancing the F-35’s capabilities to ensure its superiority against potential adversaries. The F-35 Lightning II itself is a supersonic, multi-role fighter tailored to address the changing security demands of the U.S. military and its allies. With a Pratt & Whitney turbofan engine, the F-35 can achieve speeds of up to Mach 1.6 and boasts an operational range exceeding 1,350 miles (2,172 kilometers).
Equipped with a diverse array of weaponry, including the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile and the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile, the F-35 is designed for various air assault missions. Lt. Gen. Schmidt emphasized that the fighter jet provides warfighters with the “most advanced, reliable, and effective” tools for national defense.
Chauncey McIntosh, vice president and general manager of the F-35 program at Lockheed Martin, further endorsed its capabilities, stating that not only is the F-35 the world’s most advanced fighter jet, but it also enhances the effectiveness of those who operate it by facilitating connectivity across the battlespace, ensuring that service members return home safely.
