US Air Force Squadron Based in UK Receives First F-35As

The aircraft delivery to Lakenheath, England, makes the 495th Fighter Squadron the first USAF F-35A squadron based in Europe.

Kimberly Johnson

Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 03:23 PM ET

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The Air Force, along with the Navy and Marine Corps, announced last month it had grounded the fighters out of an ”abundance of caution." [Courtesy: USAF]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Air Force’s 495th Fighter Squadron at RAF Lakenheath, England, has received its first F-35A Lightning II aircraft, establishing it as the first USAF F-35 squadron based in Europe.
The squadron, nicknamed the "Valkyries," will eventually operate a total of 24 F-35A aircraft, which are fifth-generation jet fighters replacing F-16s and A-10s.
RAF Lakenheath was chosen to host the F-35A squadron due to its existing infrastructure, strong relationship with the Royal Air Force, and opportunities for combined training, enhancing deterrence and integration with NATO allies.

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The U.S. Air Force’s 495th Fighter Squadron based at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, has received its first delivery of F-35A Lightning II aircraft, the service announced. The delivery makes the unit the first USAF F-35 squadron based in Europe.

Air Force officials announced in October that the 48th Fighter Wing had reactivated the 495th Fighter Squadron as the first U.S. Air Forces in Europe F-35A squadron, and that the first aircraft were expected to arrive later in the year.