US Marine Corps' VMFA 314 receives first F-35Cs
The US Marine Corps’ 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) has received the first F-35C Lightning II fighter jet for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
The squadron, known as the ‘Black Knights’, will lead the introduction of the F-35C to 3rd MAW.
The F-35C is one of three variants fielded by the US Department of Defense. The C variant is designed to operate from aircraft carriers, with control surfaces and landing gear equipped for carrier operation. It also has large internal fuel storage and the ability to refuel in-flight, extending its range and allowing for enhanced flight time.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
Why Embraer’s C-390 Millennium’s star is on the rise
The medium airlift aircraft is swiftly becoming the top pick for an array of countries wishing to enhance their tactical transport capabilities.
-
Saudi Arabia “considering its options” with potential 100 Kaan jet acquisition
Despite local media reports, an analyst has suggested that the country could be using these discussions as a way to gain bargaining power to bolster its bid to join the Global Combat Air Programme.
-
Boeing wins $615 million USAF contract for F-15 electronic warfare system production
Work on the F-15 Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) kit production is expected to conclude by 2030. It will provide the USAF’s F-15E and F-15EX aircraft with the latest electronic warfare (EW) countermeasure system.
-
Leonardo unveils new design of uncrewed Proteus demonstrator
According to Leonardo, the rotorcraft will conduct its first flight by mid-2025, following on from its £60 million (US$ 75 million) contract award in July 2022.