The Florida Air National Guard’s 125th Fighter Wing started its week by becoming the fourth Air National Guard unit to be equipped with fifth-generation fighter aircraft, according to a unit press release.

With the March 4 arrival of F-35A Lightning II craft in Jacksonville, Fla., the wing will have more power to serve its mission of guarding the southeastern coast, the release said, noting that the coastline is not only crucial for homeland defense but for projecting force globally.

The fighter jet has the added value of boosting interoperability between the service branches in the area. Jacksonville is not only home to the 125th FW, but Naval Station Mayport and Naval Air Station Jacksonville.

The F-35 is set to eventually become the primary aircraft for securing the southeastern U.S. The 125th FW has been upgrading its infrastructure to accommodate the aircraft since 2023, including by updating training simulators or modernizing hangars.

The aircraft’s arrival means the fighter wing is aligned with the Defense Department’s Agile Combat Employment strategy, per the release. As it relates to the U.S. Air Force, the ACE strategy calls for a more flexible, less centralized distribution of operations. In this case, that entails dispersing some of the most advanced aircraft.

Full of advanced sensors and stealth capabilities, the F-35A is intended to replace the aging F-16 and A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. It is also one of the U.S. military’s most controversial programs, dogged by production delays and cost overruns. Last month Lockheed Martin agreed to pay $30 million to settle allegations that it overcharged the government for the jets.

Nonetheless, the jets’ arrival is exciting for the wing, which is preparing to hold a celebration in the fall over it.

“The F-35 ensures the ANG remains at the forefront of national defense,” said Maj. Gen. John D. Haas, Adjutant General of Florida, according to the release.

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