F-35A

F-35A fighters have achieved a significant milestone in integrating the European Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile following successful ground-based testing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The Lockheed-led industry team announced completion of critical ground vibration testing and fit checks that validated essential hardware interactions between the fifth-generation fighter and the ramjet-powered weapon system. Engineers meticulously evaluated data from the trials to confirm safe stowage and deployment of the Meteor from the F-35A’s internal weapons bay while preserving the aircraft’s stealth profile—a paramount consideration for fifth-generation platform operations. The testing represents a pivotal precursor to airborne flight trials, with a single outstanding ground test remaining before clearance for the next phase.

The US Air Force has released an unusually detailed account of a high-stakes F-35A deployment that included escorting B-2 Spirit bombers hundreds of miles into Iranian airspace during Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025. The transparency offers a rare glimpse into how modern air combat missions of exceptional complexity are planned, coordinated, and executed at the highest levels. The deployment centered on strikes against Iran’s underground nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. According to the Air Force’s official account from Hill Air Force Base—which oversees the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings—stealth F-35As flown by 388th Fighter Wing pilots penetrated Iranian airspace first, ahead of B-2 bombers, to suppress enemy air defenses and neutralize surface-to-air missile threats.