Air Force Reserve’s first F-35 fighters to arrive in August 2024
The 301st Fighter Wing of the Air Force Reserve, based at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, is set to receive its first two F-35A Lightning II fighters in August. This marks a significant milestone as it becomes the first Air Force Reserve unit to own, operate, and maintain these advanced jets. The arrival of the F-35s signifies a shift from the older F-16 Fighting Falcons, which the 301st has flown for 32 years. This transition is part of the broader strategy to equip the U.S. military with more advanced capabilities to keep pace with global adversaries. Key military officials, including Air Force Reserve Commander Lt. Gen. John Healy, attended an event at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth production facility to celebrate this development.