JACKSONVILLE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Fla. -- The Florida Air National Guard officially entered the fifth-generation fighter era on March 4, 2025, with the arrival of its first F-35A Lightning II. The 125th Fighter Wing, known as “the Thunder,” is the fourth Air National Guard unit to receive the advanced fighter.
The arrival of the F-35 in Jacksonville marks a pivotal moment in the wing’s history and reinforces the Air Force’s global defense strategy. It underscores the Department of Defense’s strategic focus on modernizing airpower to counter emerging threats and strengthens interoperability between the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.
“The F-35 is a cornerstone to our national defense,” said Col. Mansour Elhihi, commander of the 125th FW. “This advanced aircraft directly supports our national security objectives, keeping us poised to respond, dominate, and win in any battlespace.”
The F-35A provides the 125th FW with a significant technological leap forward. With its cutting-edge stealth, electronic warfare, and sensor fusion capabilities, the aircraft is designed to dominate in contested environments, ensuring the ANG remains an integral part of the nation’s defense posture.
“The F-35 ensures the ANG remains at the forefront of national defense,” said Maj. Gen. John D. Haas, The Adjutant General of the Florida National Guard. “This aircraft embodies recapitalization and modernization, ensuring our airmen remain right, ready, and relevant to meet homeland security defense needs.”
The 125th FW’s new aircraft will bolster U.S. airpower along the southeastern coastline, a critical area for both homeland defense and global force projection. Jacksonville, home to Naval Station Mayport and Naval Air Station Jacksonville, provides a prime location for joint-force integration, reinforcing Florida’s role as a national security hub.
As the 125th FW transitions to the F-35, the wing remains committed to its 24/7 homeland defense mission, ensuring the U.S. is protected against potential threats. The F-35 will play a critical role in securing the southeastern U.S., further enhancing rapid-response capabilities in times of crisis.
The integration of the F-35 also ensures the 125th FW is aligned with the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) strategy, which emphasizes rapid mobility, decentralized operations, and resilience in contested environments. With the ability to deploy quickly and operate from austere locations, the 125th FW enhances its strategic flexibility in future conflicts.
Pilots and maintainers are training with state-of-the-art simulators and mission planning systems to maximize the F-35’s capabilities. As part of the transition to the F-35, the 125th FW is upgrading infrastructure, including modernized hangars, expanded maintenance facilities, and new training simulators to support the F-35.
“The F-35 is going to redefine how we operate,” Haas said. “It’s not just about fighting wars—it’s about deterring them before they ever start.”
The 125th FW will commemorate the aircraft arrival during its upcoming ‘Thunder and Lightning Launch Celebration’ this fall. The event will provide community leaders, retirees, and unit members and their families with an opportunity to see firsthand the future of air combat.
“The arrival of the F-35 marks a historic and transformational moment for the Florida National Guard and the 125th FW,” Elhihi said. “This milestone is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of countless Airmen, past and present, as well as the unwavering support from our state and local community”.
With the addition of the F-35 Lightning II, the 125th FW stands ready to lead the next chapter of air combat, safeguard American interests, and reinforce global stability for years to come.
For more information about the 125th FW, visit www.125fw.ang.af.mil/