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The Lockheed F-35 is an advanced stealth fifth generation fighter combining speed and superb agility. There are three variants; F-35A, B and C. The F-35A CTOL (Conventional Take Off and Landing) and has four internal weapons stations in two weapons bays plus three optional external weapons stations. The F-35B STOVL (Short Take Off Vertical Landing) variant while the F-35C is a CV (Carrier Variant). The F-35 will replace the USAF A-10 and F-16, the F/A-18 for the USN and the F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier for the USMC.
The 65th Aggressor Squadron was deactivated in September 2014 but on June 9, 2022 it was reactivated and assigned to the 57th Operations Group at Nellis AFB equipped with F-35As. The first aircraft was 11-5021/WA that had previously assigned to the 422nd TES. With the growing threat from China it was decided it was necessary to increase the number of aggressor bases. The F-35A aircraft will participate in major military exercises, US Air Force Weapons School missions, joint exercises, and operational test and evaluation programs. |