Latest "lightning II" stories

The US Air Force sent F-35s to defend NATO. Here’s what it learned.

NATO’s eastern flank has become an ideal proving ground for America’s most advanced fighter jet.

By Rachel S. Cohen

8 months ago

Air Force F-35 fighter jet crashes in Utah; pilot safely ejects

Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is investigating the mishap that destroyed the advanced fighter jet on Wednesday.

By Rachel S. Cohen

14 months ago

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

16 months ago

Air Force grounds F-35As as ejection seat issue threatens fighter jets worldwide

Air Combat Command aims to finish checking its F-35As for faulty ejection seats by mid-October.

By Rachel S. Cohen

16 months ago

Air Force to upgrade F-35A gas tanks to weather lightning strikes

Lightning struck an F-35A in midair in an undisclosed incident on Aug. 3, 2021, Air Force Times has learned.

By Rachel S. Cohen

22 months ago

Jet ejection seat, breathing system oversight strengthened in defense bill

The provisions of the defense policy bill aim to prevent further deaths and injuries among military pilots.

By Rachel S. Cohen

24 months ago