F-35As flew about 10 sorties per day while deployed to RAF Lakenheath, England, training alongside F-15s and other NATO allies. Eight F-35As from the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings at Hill AFB, Utah, deployed to Lakenheath last month during the first overseas deployment for the F-35A. Lakenheath F-15Cs and F-15Es practiced air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with the F-35s, with many F-15 pilots flying alongside F-35s for the first time, according to a Lakenheath release.
The Air Force is spending heavily on F-22 improvements through the end of the decade, suggesting it may not retire the jet in 2030 as it previously planned. New sensors, fuel tanks, communications, and electronic warfare systems are among the upgrades that comprise the package.