The U.S. Air Force has officially reached a milestone with the delivery of its 500th F-35A Lightning II, now assigned to the Florida Air National Guard’s 125th Fighter Wing at Jacksonville Air National Guard Base. The aircraft arrived in July and is among three jets delivered to the unit so far, making the wing the fourth Air Guard unit to operate the F-35A after Vermont, Alabama, and Wisconsin.
“These new F-35s, which include the Air Force’s 500th, represent the forefront of fifth-generation airpower,” Lt. Col. Joseph Pasko, commander of the 159th Fighter Squadron, said in a statement. “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.”
Lockheed Martin confirmed the milestone and said: “We join the United States Air Force in celebrating the delivery of 500+ F-35s to their squadrons, adding to the combat-proven, global fleet that ensures peace through strength for the U.S. and our allies.”
The delivery highlights the rapid expansion of the F-35 program. In September 2024, Lockheed delivered its 1,000th F-35 across all variants and customers. The company expects to deliver 170 to 190 aircraft in 2025. With 500 aircraft in service, the F-35A is now the Air Force’s second most numerous fighter type, behind the F-16.
The Air Force’s long-term plan calls for 1,763 F-35As, though current procurement levels make that target unlikely before 2050. The service requested only 24 aircraft in its fiscal 2026 budget, citing a shift in focus toward spare parts and sustainment, though officials have indicated annual procurement could return to 48 aircraft in 2027.
The 125th Fighter Wing will ultimately receive 20 F-35As, replacing its retired F-15C/Ds. During the transition, the wing will continue operations with a mix of its own jets and aircraft loaned from other Air Guard units. Base preparations began in 2023, including construction of new facilities and a simulator complex, as well as upgrades to taxiways in cooperation with Jacksonville Aviation Authority.
Beyond Jacksonville, the Air Force also plans to base F-35s at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, and Misawa Air Base, Japan. The co-location with Naval Air Station Mayport will allow for future joint operations with the Navy and Marine Corps.
Although discussions about limiting the program to 500 aircraft have circulated in recent years, the Jacksonville delivery indicates the Air Force intends to continue expanding the fleet. Lockheed has also suggested broader upgrades for the aircraft, potentially incorporating technologies from its Next-Generation Air Dominance proposal, though the Air Force has described these ideas as notional.