First 312 Squadron Lightning II

On 11 January 2024, Leonardo Aircraft Divison at the Final Assembly and Check-Out (FACO) Cameri delivered the first F-35A Lightning II for 312 Squadron Audax Cum Consilio of the Koninklijke Luchtmacht (KLu, Royal Netherlands Air Force).

The F-35A, serial F-039 (c/n AN-39), made a fly-by at its future air base Volkel and landed it Leeuwarden air base for the acceptance inspection procedure.

It has not been reported yet when the aircraft will be delivered to 312sq. Hopefully it will be painted in full unit markings by then. This delivery marks the phase-out of the F-16AM Fighting Falcon with 312sq. These agile fighters will remain active untill October this year.

Credit photo: Patrick Dirksen