Lockheed Martin delivered two more F-35A strike fighters to Eglin AFB, Fla., home of the first F-35 joint schoolhouse. With the arrival of AF-10 and AF-11, Eglin now has four of the fifth generation fighters, with more expected for delivery later this year. These production aircraft will be used to train and certify F-35 maintainers, according to a base release. So far, all four aircraft at Eglin are the conventional variants used by the Air Force, but Lockheed also is expected to deliver BF-6—a Marine Corps short takeoff variant—this year. The arrival of AF-10 and AF-11 came less than a week after the F-35 joint program office lifted the restriction on ferried flights from Lockheed’s Fort Worth, Tex., facility and authorized the return to some unmonitored flights. The entire fleet was grounded Aug. 3 after an integrated power package, which helps start and cool the aircraft, malfunctioned on an Air Force F-35A test aircraft. The Air Force last week officially unveiled the first F-35A variant at Eglin in a newly built hangar belonging to the 33rd Fighter Wing, which runs the schoolhouse. (Lockheed release)
Work Has Begun to Adapt Qatari 747 to Fly as Air Force One
Sept. 15, 2025
The Air Force has started modifying a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar for "executive airlift," a spokesperson said Sept. 15. President Donald Trump has said he wants to fly the jet as “Air Force One” since new presidential transports, held up by delays, won't be ready until after his term…
