USAF Fighter Squadron In UK Set To Soon Receive F-35As

The aircraft deliveries will make the 495th Fighter Squadron the first USAF F-35As stationed in Europe.

Monday, November 22, 2021 at 03:21 PM ET

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One of the F-35As that will be headed to Lakenheath, England (AF-301) on the Fort Worth flight line. Credit: Lockheed Martin

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Air Force’s 495th Fighter Squadron at RAF Lakenheath, England, is soon to receive its first F-35A Lightning II aircraft deliveries, making it the first USAF F-35 squadron based in Europe.
Initial deliveries, comprising two to six aircraft, are expected within weeks, with the squadron eventually growing to 27 F-35As.
RAF Lakenheath was selected due to strong ties with the Royal Air Force, existing infrastructure, and opportunities for combined training and combat readiness.
The F-35A will enhance adversary deterrence in the European Command theater and complement NATO allies who also operate the fifth-generation jet.

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The U.S. Air Force’s 495th Fighter Squadron based at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, is on track to soon receive its first deliveries of F-35A Lightning II aircraft, making the unit the first USAF F-35 squadron based in Europe.

Air Force officials announced last month 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.