California, January 27 - The U.S. Navy has begun operating the Air Force's F-35A variant of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, marking a notable development in the program's joint service framework. An elite test and evaluation squadron, VX-9 "Vampires," based at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, is now flying the conventional takeoff and landing F-35A model. This aircraft, previously assigned to the Air Force's 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, was loaned to the Navy under a service agreement facilitated by the F-35 Joint Program Office. The move allows Navy personnel to leverage the Air Force's substantially larger F-35A inventory for specialized testing and evaluation purposes, ensuring efficient resource use across branches.
The F-35 Lightning II program, originating from the Joint Strike Fighter initiative, produces three distinct variants tailored to specific operational needs: the F-35A for the Air Force, emphasizing conventional operations with superior maneuverability up to 9Gs; the F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing model for the Marine Corps; and the carrier-capable F-35C for the Navy, featuring larger wings, reinforced landing gear, and a tail hook for arrested recoveries aboard aircraft carriers. While the Navy primarily operates the F-35C to support carrier-based missions, incorporating the F-35A in test roles highlights the platform's interoperability and shared technological foundation. This collaboration benefits from the program's emphasis on common systems, sensors, and software, which streamline maintenance, upgrades, and tactical development.
Test and evaluation activities remain central to advancing the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter's capabilities, particularly in areas like stealth performance, sensor fusion, electronic warfare, and integration with emerging systems. By accessing the F-35A, Navy testers can conduct comprehensive assessments that inform improvements applicable to all variants, including the F-35C fleet. The Air Force's extensive fleet, exceeding 500 F-35As, provides a practical pool for such efforts, especially as the Navy's F-35C procurement continues toward its target of around 273 aircraft. This arrangement underscores the efficiency of the joint program in maximizing limited resources while accelerating readiness.
Ultimately, the Navy's use of Air Force F-35A aircraft reinforces the F-35 Lightning II as a cornerstone of U.S. military aviation. Through shared operations in testing environments, the services enhance overall lethality, survivability, and connectivity in contested domains. This cross-service cooperation ensures the fifth-generation fighter evolves to meet future threats, delivering unmatched air dominance for joint and coalition forces well into the coming decades.
