Reprogramming Laboratory Opened By Australia And The U.K. At Eglin AFB

Australia’s F-35A Lightning II capability has taken a step forward with the opening of the Australian and United Kingdom (U.K.) F-35 Reprogramming Laboratory.

Located at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, the Reprogramming Laboratory is a joint partnership between Australia and the U.K.

Minister for Defense, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said this new capability will enable the F-35 to be a “smart” aircraft. “The Reprogramming Laboratory produces Mission Data Files (MDFs for Australian and U.K. F-35s) which compiles information about the operating environment and assets in an area, before being loaded onto the aircraft pre-flight using a portable hard drive,” Minister Reynolds said.

“Combined with the aircraft’s advance sensor suite, this provides the pilot with a clearer battlespace picture. The F-35A is a key part of the Government’s $200 billion investment in Defence capability.

“Today’s opening is a key milestone in the delivery of this program to the Australian Defense Force.”

The Reprogramming Laboratory will support Australian and U.K. F-35s by developing, verifying, validating and issuing F-35 MDFs for Australian and U.K.-fielded F-35s.

Both countries are co-funding and supporting the capability under a 50/50 funding arrangement.

The F-35A is expected to achieve Initial Operating Capability in December 2020, and Final Operating Capability in late 2023.

(Image provided with Australia MoD news release)

FMI: www.defence.gov.au