U.S. Air Force marks 500th F-35A delivery

Defence affairs - Def-Geopolitics

The U.S. Air Force’s 500th F-35A Lightning II fighter jet arrived at the Florida Air National Guard’s 125th Fighter Wing in Jacksonville on July 9, 2025, marking a milestone in the service’s transition to fifth-generation airpower.

The aircraft is one of the first three F-35As permanently assigned to the wing, known as “the Thunder,” and features the unit’s legacy tail flash.

Its arrival continues the multi-year process of replacing the retired F-15C/D Eagles and positions the wing to complete its phased conversion without a break in readiness. During the transition, the 125th Fighter Wing will continue to operate a mix of its own aircraft and loaned F-35s from other Air National Guard units.

“These new F-35s, which include the Air Force’s 500th, represent the forefront of fifth-generation airpower,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph Pasko, commander of the 159th Fighter Squadron. “We expect to play an integral role in potential future conflicts, and our citizen-Airmen stand ready to answer the nation’s call; anytime, anywhere.”

The Lightning II brings stealth, advanced sensors, and electronic-warfare capabilities to the force, replacing the fourth-generation Eagles. Air Force leaders say these capabilities enhance both homeland defense missions and operations abroad under the Agile Combat Employment model, which emphasizes mobility and rapid redeployment to complicate adversary targeting.