F‑35 lightning ii with TR‑3 begins phased deliveries

F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) and Lockheed Martin, the main contractor for the F-35 Lightning II programme, have announced the commencement of deliveries of 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.

"The first phase will deliver jets with an initial training capability in July and August. By the end of August, we will be delivering jets with a robust combat training capability, as we continue towards the delivery of full TR-3 combat capabilities in 2025. Our focus has been on providing our customers with aircraft that are stable, capable, and maintainable, and this phased approach does that," 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 programme 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 programme will ensure that the F-35 remains an effective deterrent and a cornerstone for conducting joint operations across all domains 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.