Deliveries Won’t Come All At Once, So They’ll Use Some Loaners

The F-35 rollout continues to trickle down into guard units as the first of many rolled into hangars of the 125th Fighter Wing of the Florida Air National Guard.

The unit has been operating the F-15C/D Eagle for years now, but they’ve been hard at work transitioning into the new metal for some time now. “The Thunder”, or the 125th, is expected to receive more F-35s as a phased delivery plan, giving them a little time to digest the new aircraft until they… well in reality, it’s probably just a side effect of the production process. Until they get all their own aircraft, the 125th will be flying a motley assortment of loaners from other ANG units throughout the phased transition. That will allow them continued mission readiness as they await more airframes. 

The unit is jazzed about the new deliveries, as one would expect from all the nifty new capabilities a 5th-gen fighter brings. Better avionics, lower radar returns, better sensor fusion… the F-35 is so plush it might as well include a frozen yogurt dispenser up front. The 125th is already eyeing the future for their new aircraft, with a brand new simulator complex, upgraded hangar ventilation, and a climate-controlled weapons bay to help support their new charges on the ground.

“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.”

"We now operate in a world where the [People's Republic of China] is not only rapidly modernizing its military, but doing so with a clear intent to coerce its neighbors and reshape the international order," Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin said. "The United States must maintain airpower dominance if we are to safeguard our security, deter aggression and prevail in conflict."

FMI: www.nationalguard.mil