The Air Force’s 100th F-35 Lightning II strike fighter arrived at Luke AFB, Ariz., on Friday, less than a month after the service declared its latest fifth generation aircraft was ready for combat, according to a release. Luke, which received its first F-35 in 2014, now houses more than 40 Joint Strike Fighters, including Australian and Norwegian jets. The base also recently activated its third of six F-35 training units, the 63rd Fighter Squadron. “This marks a milestone and shows the fact that the F-35 program has continued to grow, progress, and support initial operational capability,” Brig. Gen. Brook Leonard, the 56th Fighter Wing commander said. “It is also a ‘scare factor’ for our enemies that we are able to produce such an incredible platform at such a high production rate and that it’s getting out in the field in larger and larger numbers.”
Some Guard Troops Won’t Get Paid Until Shutdown Ends
Oct. 29, 2025
The National Guard Bureau says most units are postponing drills during the shutdown, but some states are sticking to their training schedule, resulting in a patchwork of different policies and some confusion in the ranks.
