Yes, the F-35 Lightning II has seen extensive combat operations across multiple variants and by various international operators. Its first combat deployment occurred with the Israeli Air Force, followed by the United States military using both the F-35B and F-35A variants in combat missions.
Initial Combat Deployments
The F-35's combat debut can be traced through its different variants and the nations that first employed them in active engagements:
- Israeli Military: The F-35 first saw combat use generally with the Israeli military, showcasing its capabilities in real-world scenarios.
- United States Marine Corps (F-35B): The F-35B, the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant, achieved its first combat deployment with the U.S. military. This occurred in 2018 during airstrikes targeting the Taliban.
- United States Air Force (F-35A): Following the F-35B's debut, the F-35A, the conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) variant, was subsequently used for the first time in a U.S. combat mission the following year. These operations in 2019 involved strikes against ISIS.
These initial deployments marked significant milestones for the F-35 program, demonstrating its operational readiness and effectiveness in modern warfare.
Summary of First Combat Engagements
The table below outlines the primary initial combat uses of the F-35, highlighting the variety of operators and contexts:
| Operator | F-35 Variant | Year of First Combat | Context of Engagement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Israel | F-35I (Adir) | Earliest | General combat operations |
| US Military | F-35B | 2018 | Airstrikes against Taliban |
| US Military | F-35A | 2019 | Strikes against ISIS |
Since these initial engagements, the F-35 has continued to be a critical asset in various military operations globally, solidifying its role as a premier fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
