Pentagon Report: F-35 Test Progress Slow, Readiness Below Par
The F-35 fighter program continues to struggle with meeting test milestones and mission readiness goals, but progress is being made on both fronts, according to the latest report from the Pentagon’s test director and comments from the Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin.
F-35B Completes First Test Flight with AGM-158C Long-Range …
Mar 4, 2025 · Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Pax River ITF completed an initial flight test integrating the AGM-158C LRASM onto the F-35B Lightning II, following the first test on the F-35C in September 2024.
LRASM Performs Flight Test in F-35 Integration Test Series
Mar 4, 2025 · NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md., March 4, 2025 – Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] and the F-35 Pax River Integrated Test Force (ITF) completed an initial flight test integrating the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) weapon system onto the F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet.
Key tests for latest F-35s will begin in 2026, two years after rollout
Feb 5, 2025 · The F-35 program is working to get the latest jets capable of carrying out combat missions, but important tests for its upgrades may not begin until next summer.
F-35 program finishes years-late tests needed for full production
Sep 29, 2023 · WASHINGTON — The F-35 program has completed a long-delayed series of crucial tests, which could pave the way for a decision next year to officially move the advanced fighter jet into full-rate ...
F-35 Program Achieves Milestone C and Full Rate Production
Mar 12, 2024 · The F-35 achieved this milestone after considering the results from the F-35 Combined Initial Operational Test and Evaluation and Live Fire Test and Evaluation Report, System Development and ...
F-35 Conducts First Flight with TR-3 - F-35 Lightning II
A developmental test team from the 461st Flight Test Squadron conducted the first flight of an F-35 in the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) configuration on January 6, at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
U.S. Operational Test Team Completes High-Tempo, Joint Testing on F-35
May 16, 2022 · An F-35C prepares to execute first U.S. Operational Test Team live fire at Point Mugu Sea Range located off the coast of southern California. The UOTT conducted four large-scale, joint F-35 test events in four weeks, rapidly validating a series of new F-35 capabilities.
F-35 crash shrinks a tiny test fleet under stress - Defense One
May 29, 2024 · The Lightning II that crashed on Tuesday was one of very few F-35 developmental test aircraft, exacerbating a shortage that has in the past led to program delays.
F-35 Flies for the First Time with Meteor BVRAAM
Feb 28, 2025 · A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B flew the first test missions with the Meteor missile, starting the integration of the European air-to-air missile on the Lightning II. The Royal Air Force announced on ...