Aircraft
Japan’s First F-35 Rolls Off Lockheed Martin Production Line
Recent events include sensor-to-shooter test, and prospects for a block buy and a new or upgraded engine.
The chief of the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) Gen. Yoshiyuki Sugiyama, at the rollout ceremony in Fort Worth. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
The chief of the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) Gen. Yoshiyuki Sugiyama, at the rollout ceremony in Fort Worth. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)

The first F-35A for Japan was rolled out from Lockheed Martin’s production line on September 23. The aircraft had already made its maiden flight, one month ago. In other Lightning II news, there was more discussion of block buys at the AFA Convention last week, plus the possibility of a new engine. The U.S. Navy has conducted a test of the F-35’s networking capabilities in a sensor-to-shooter test.