News
Allies Strengthen F-35 Mission Data Partnership
April 24, 2024
The United Kingdom, Australia and Canada are joining forces to run their combined F-35 mission data center at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
“The decision to transition the Australia, Canada, and United Kingdom F-35 Reprogramming Laboratory into a squadron holds profound importance,” said Air Marshal Robert Chipman, chief of the Royal Australian Air Force. “It signifies that the people and the work they do is operationally relevant.”
Know Before You Go
Mission data enables F-35s and pilots to sense, identify, locate, and counter threats across the electromagnetic spectrum. These and other 5th Generation capabilities are key to allied deterrence and global security.
“F-35 war-fighting capability in Europe and the Indo-Pacific is dependent on how well the specialist personnel at 80 Squadron continue to sharpen the spear together in their work here in Florida,” noted Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, RAF chief of staff.
The Royal Canadian Air Force will join 80 Squadron this summer as Canada prepares to receive its first F-35s in 2026.
