F-35 fighter jet expands its global presence to two new countries in 2021: Finland and Switzerland
Lockheed Martin had another successful year as the F-35 program continued to expand its global presence and improve operational capabilities.
In 2021, two new countries – Switzerland and Finland – selected the F-35 for their new fighter jet programs. In addition, Denmark received its first F-35 and the Royal Netherlands Air Force became the ninth nation to declare its F-35 fleet for first-time serviceability.
The operational capabilities of the F-35 continued to improve, proving its worth as the most advanced knot in the battlefield of the 21st century. In the past year alone, the F-35 has successfully completed a number of flight tests and exercises, including Project Hydra, Northern Edge, Orange Flag, Talisman Saber, and Flight Test-6.
“The joint F-35 corporate team continues to provide unmatched combat capabilities for the 21st century battlefield through the F-35,“Said Bridget Lauderdale, vice president and general manager of the F-35 program. “Unparalleled support for the growing fleet, participating in numerous Joint-All Domain exercises, and reaching our delivery destination during a global pandemic is no easy feat while the F-35 has also been chosen by Switzerland and Finland as their next fighter jet.”
The F-35’s operational performance remains strong. Some of the F-35A missions and exercises showed over 80% mission grade rates. As one of the most reliable aircraft in the U.S. fighter fleet, 93% of F-35 parts perform better than predicted.
Last year, F-35s were part of four base and ship activations and participated in more than 60 missions and divisions, including the US Navy’s first F-35C mission aboard the USS Carl Vinson. During the Royal Navy’s flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth as part of the UK Carrier Strike Group in 2021, F-35Bs of the US Marine Corps and the Royal Air Force flew nearly 1,300 sorties, more than 2,200 hours and conducted 44 combat missions.
These program successes are made possible through the use of digital technologies, which were of decisive importance for achieving 142 deliveries in 2021. Smart tools, connected machines, and augmented realities all contribute to aircraft delivery and maintenance.
“Lockheed Martin is investing in digital technology that will enhance the capabilities of the 5th generation F-35 long after delivery.“Added Lauderdale. “We embrace digital transformation to enable faster software development and continual delivery, use digital models and supercomputers to augment physical test data with simulation-based verification, and automate data processes to save time and gain insights that support sustainability improve. “
With more than 750 aircraft operating from 30 bases and ships around the globe, the F-35 plays a vital role in the integrated deterrence of the United States and its allies. More than 1,585 pilots and 11,545 maintenance personnel are being trained, and the F-35 fleet has flown a cumulative nearly 470,000 flight hours. Nine nations have F-35s operating from a base on their home soil, 12 services have declared operational and six services have deployed F-35s in combat.