VIVAERO

U.S. Air Force receives 500th F-35 stealth fighter

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) officially received the 500th F-35A Lightning II fighter, delivered on July 9, 2025, to the Florida Air National Guard. The aircraft arrived at the Jacksonville Air National Guard Base and is one of the first three units of the type permanently assigned to the 125th Fighter Wing, known as "The Thunder."

The new fighter is part of the unit's transition process, which for decades operated the F-15C/D Eagle, retired at the end of 2024. With the arrival of the F-35, the Fighter Wing now has fifth-generation technology, including stealth, electronic warfare, and advanced sensor fusion, far surpassing the capabilities of the previous generation. According to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Pasko, commander of the 159th Fighter Squadron, "The new F-35s, including the 500th in the fleet, represent the ultimate in fifth-generation airpower. Our pilots are ready to answer the nation's call at any time."

The adoption of the F-35 strengthens the 24-hour air defense mission on the southeast coast of the United States and expands response capabilities in international scenarios through the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept, which ensures greater mobility and resilience in contested environments.

General Richard L. Coffey, commander of the Florida Air National Guard, highlighted the strategic importance of the fighters' arrival: "The ability to operate fifth-generation aircraft in key regions provides commanders with the range and speed necessary to maintain the nation's air advantage."

To receive the new fighters, the Jacksonville base carried out infrastructure upgrades, including a simulator complex, hangar expansions, and the construction of a climate-controlled weapons facility.

With the acquisition, Jacksonville becomes the fourth U.S. Air National Guard unit to operate the F-35, joining Vermont, Wisconsin, and Alabama. Currently, nine USAF units have the stealth fighter in their squadrons.