The US Air Force will set up a new training unit for the F-35A Lightning II fighter jets to replace the aging F-15 Eagle fighters.,
The decision, promoted by the United States Air Force Department, is part of efforts to modernize the fleet and allocate resources for the acquisition of new generation aircraft.
Transitioning to the F-35A Lightning II
As part of the transition process, the formal training unit at Kingsley Field in Oregon will be responsible for aircrew training for the F-35A Lightning II. This unit will be in charge of training pilots and maintenance personnel in the management and operation of the advanced fifth generation fighter aircraft.
The decision to establish the training unit is based on the President’s budget request for fiscal year 2024, which provides for a reduction in the F-15C Eagle fleet. The measure will free up resources to boost investment in the development and production of new platforms and aircraft.
air fleet update
In the following years, The US Air Force plans to retire a total of 310 aircraft, including the F-15 Eagle, F-22 Raptor and A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft.Bombers supply aircraft and drones.
To make up for these losses, 95 aircraft are planned to be inducted, including F-35A Lightning II, F-15EX, KC-46A Pegasus and MH-39 Gray Wolf helicopters.
Gradual replacement of F-15 Eagles
Kingsley Field National Guard Base will receive 20 F-35A Lightning II aircraft to replace its 27 F-15C Eagles. The replacement process will begin after completing an environmental impact analysis, scheduled for 2025.
Basic F-15 aircrew training is expected to begin in early 2026 at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, as the fleet of older first-generation (C and D) F-15 Eagles is slowly being phased out. US Air Force will retain F-15E Strike Eagle fighter-bombers and buy at least 104 F-15EX Eagle II, In addition, an annual induction of 48 F-35As is expected through the year 2028.
aircraft availability
The US Air Force aims to induct at least 72 fighter jets annually for the next few fiscal years to replace retired aircraft and meet operational needs.
If this target is not met, the service will not have enough aircraft to replace the retired aircraft. For example being the case of the F-15C/D.
What is the training unit for the F-35A Lightning II?
The F-35A Lightning II Training Unit is a new division within the US Air Force tasked with training pilots and flight crews to handle and operate these advanced fifth-generation fighters.
Where will the training unit be located?
The training unit will be located at the Kingsley Field Formal Training Unit in Klamath Falls, Oregon.
What is the purpose of this training unit?
The primary objective of this training unit is to ensure that pilots and flight crew acquire the skills necessary to efficiently operate the F-35A Lightning II and maximize their potential in air missions.
Why did the US Air Force decide to create this unit?
The creation of this training unit is part of the process of replacing the aging fleet of F-15 Eagle fighters. The Air Force looks to adapt to the new technologies and capabilities of the F-35A Lightning II and ensure an effective and successful transition.
Which aircraft will replace the F-35A Lightning II?
The F-35A Lightning II will replace the F-15C Eagle fighters at Kingsley Field National Guard Base.
