F‑35 lightning ii with TR‑3: First deliveries kick off

The F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) and Lockheed Martin, the main contractor for the F-35 Lightning II program, have announced the commencement of deliveries for the first F-35 aircraft in the Technology Refresh-3 (TR-3) configuration.

Two F-35A Lightning II aircraft have already been delivered. The first was delivered to Dannelly Field in Alabama, and the second to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. Lieutenant General Mike Schmidt, JPO Executive Officer, explained that deliveries of the F-35 aircraft with TR-3 are being carried out in phases.

"We have started the delivery process from the stage where aircraft with initial training capability are delivered. This stage will last from July to August. Following that, by the end of August, we will hand over the jets that will enable pilots to conduct combat training. Our goal is to achieve full TR-3 combat capability by 2025. Our strategy involves delivering reliable and easy-to-maintain aircraft for our customers, and the phased approach enables this," said General Schmidt.

These aircraft must go through standard government acceptance procedures, which include receiving final airworthiness certificates and conducting test flights.

Bridget Lauderdale, Vice President and General Manager of the F-35 program at Lockheed Martin, emphasized that "TR-3 and Block 4 represent a key milestone in the evolution of F-35 capabilities. Their full development is a priority for us. These and future software updates during the program will ensure that the F-35 remains an effective deterrent and a cornerstone for conducting joint operations across all domains both now and in the future."

General Schmidt also expressed his pride in the hard work the government and the team have put into delivering the F-35 fighter jets in the TR-3 configuration. "This is an important first step, and although there is still much to be done, I am confident that our team will work tirelessly to achieve the desired and necessary results that our soldiers, allies, and customers expect," he added.