Latest "lightning II" stories

Maj. Kristen Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team commander with the 388th Fighter Wing, flies over the crowd during the Warriors Over the Wasatch Air and Space Show at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, June 25, 2022. (Senior Airman Erica Webster/Air Force)

Here’s what we know about F-35 ejection seat woes so far

Military officials won’t answer whether they’ve found the problem on any planes.

By Rachel S. Cohen and Stephen Losey

6 months ago

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Anthony Farnsworth of the 419th Operations Support Squadron adjusts an F-35 helmet during an optical fit training at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, on July 10, 2021. Each helmet is inspected every 105 days and has a 120-day fit check to ensure its functionality and safety. (Senior Airman Erica Webster/Air Force)

F-35 helmets that fix ‘green glow’ are on their way — but not to the Air Force

Aviators first reported green glow was an issue on the F-35 in 2012.

By Rachel S. Cohen

14 months ago

The Air Force is fighting in-flight physiological issues but can’t end them, Pentagon watchdog says

“All occupations have some hazards that cannot be eliminated.”

By Rachel S. Cohen

17 months ago

Purchases of American weapons drive Japan’s defense spending hike

Fears of North Korea and Chinese aggression drive Tokyo even closer to Washington.

3 years ago

UK F-35Bs flying combat missions over Syria, Iraq

The first mission against Islamic State fighters was flown from Cyprus.

4 years ago

Tensions continue to simmer in the South China Sea

The top American military commander in the Indo-Pacific region says the U.S. will maintain the recent pace of freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea aimed at challenging China’s territorial claims.

4 years ago