F-35 Soars Past 1 Million Flight Hours: A New Aviation Milestone!

Today, Lockheed Martin revealed that the worldwide F-35 fleet has exceeded 1 million flight hours, further evidence of the program’s magnitude and effectiveness in assuring America’s servicemen and those of our allies uphold aerial superiority globally. 

“Achieving 1 million flight hours is a remarkable milestone for the F-35 program. It underscores the steadfast commitment of our pilots, mechanics, industry collaborators, and our international allies and foreign military sales clients,” stated Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt, Program Executive Officer for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office. ”This landmark is not merely a reflection of the F-35’s unparalleled proficiency but also of the tenacity and dedication of everyone engaged in this initiative. As we persist in expanding the fleet and enhancing the F-35’s capabilities, we ensure that the warfighters of today and tomorrow possess the most sophisticated, dependable, and effective asset to safeguard our nations.” 

Throughout the 1 million hours flown, the F-35 team has considerably boosted the functionalities of the F-35 and accomplished numerous unprecedented aviation milestones with the globe’s most advanced combat aircraft.  

“The F-35 serves as the cornerstone of the allied force, fostering peace through strength in the 21st century,” remarked Chauncey McIntosh, vice president and general manager of the F-35 Lightning II program at Lockheed Martin. “As we gaze toward the future, we are dedicated to continually enhancing the capabilities of the F-35 to ensure we remain ahead of emerging threats.” 

The 1 million flight hours encompass combat missions now executed by all F-35 variants, particularly following the F-35C’s initial deployment in combat in November 2024, effectively neutralizing targets in contested airspace.

The F-35 team is now concentrating on the next 1 million hours to be flown by the expanding global fleet of over 1,100 aircraft, ensuring the F-35 retains its role of aerial supremacy and continues to be the foundation of air dominance while working in conjunction with various 4th, 5th, and next-gen platforms. This also involves the capability to control unmanned aerial vehicles, including the U.S. Air Force’s forthcoming fleet of Collaborative Combat Aircraft. 

“Not only is it the globe’s most sophisticated fighter jet, the F-35 also enhances the effectiveness of those operating it by connecting the battlespace, ensuring the warfighters return safely,” McIntosh concluded.