FORT
WORTH, Texas, March 3,
2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Lockheed Martin
[NYSE: LMT] announced that the global F-35 fleet has surpassed 1
million flight hours, further proof of the program's size and
strength in ensuring America's warfighter and those of our allies
maintain air dominance around the world.
"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," said Lt. Gen.
Michael Schmidt, Program Executive
Officer for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office. "This
milestone is not just a testament to the F-35's unmatched
capability, but also to the resilience and commitment of everyone
involved in this program. As we continue to expand the fleet and
advance the F-35's capabilities, we are ensuring the warfighters of
today and tomorrow have the most advanced, reliable, and effective
tool to protect our nations."
Throughout the 1 million hours flown, the F-35 team has
significantly enhanced the capabilities of the F-35 and achieved
many unprecedented aviation firsts with the world's most advanced
fighter aircraft.
"The F-35 is the backbone of the allied force, enabling peace
through strength in the 21st century," said Chauncey McIntosh, vice president and general
manager of the F-35 Lightning II program at Lockheed Martin. "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."
The 1 million flight hours includes combat operations now
completed by all F-35 variants following the F-35C being deployed
in combat for the first time in November
2024, successfully striking targets in contested
airspace.
The F-35 team is now focused on the next 1 million hours to be
flown by the growing global fleet of more than 1,100 jets, ensuring
the F-35 maintains its air superiority role and remains the
cornerstone of air dominance as it works in tandem with other 4th,
5th and next-gen platforms. This includes the capability to control
drones, including the U.S. Air Force's future fleet of
Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
"Not only is it the world's most advanced fighter jet, the F-35
also makes those fighting with it better by connecting the
battlespace, ensuring the warfighter gets home safely," McIntosh
added.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving
innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain
mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the
delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve
always stay ahead of ready. More information at
Lockheedmartin.com.
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SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
