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Lockheed Martin has said global air forces can now fly its F-35s powered by synthetic aviation turbine fuels (SATF).
The defence prime added the fighter jet can now operate with sustainable fuels blended up to 50 per cent with conventional fuels, depending on the raw materials and production pathways used.
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SATFs are derived from a range of raw materials, such as those from fossil-based sources, as well as renewable and sustainable sources like waste oils, agricultural residues and other non-fossil-based materials.
This diversity of raw materials contributes to energy substitution efforts while addressing environmental sustainability.
“Lockheed Martin is committed to ensuring the F-35 is always ready for any customer mission,” said Chauncey McIntosh, general manager of the F-35 program.
“Adding new fuel sources helps make this happen by diversifying the supply chain while maintaining operational excellence. As the cornerstone of the joint fleet, the F-35 will continue to lead the U.S. and allied air dominance mission for decades to come.”
It comes after countries and airlines continue to invest in producing more sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) for commercial carriers, which have the potential to dramatically reduce carbon emissions.
In August, for example, the owner of Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport said it would create Australia’s first fully integrated SAF production facility in Brisbane.
The project, in partnership with Boeing, has secured $760,000 in Queensland government funding and aims to start construction in 2026.
It will use LanzaJet’s Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) technology to create ethanol-based fuel, with the expectation of 102 million litres of SAF per year.
Similarly, rival Airbus is working with Qantas on the “Project Ulysses” SAF plant in northern Queensland, has previously called for a SAF blending mandate similar to those in jurisdictions such as the UK, the US, Europe, and Japan.
Australia’s fleet of F-35s, meanwhile, is now complete after the final nine arrived at the end of last year.
The planes landed at RAAF Base Williamtown between November and December as part of Operation Lightning Ferry, bringing the Air Force’s total F-35A contingent to 72.
According to Defence, they are, alongside the EA-18G Growler and F/A-18F Super Hornets, “the cornerstone of Australia’s air defence and strike capability, as outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy”.
“As a multi-role fighter, the F-35A can perform air-to-air and air-to-surface missions, and utilise stealth technology, electronic protection, electronic attack and advanced countermeasures to maximise lethality and survivability,” Defence said in a press release.
The first two F-35As arrived in Australia on 10 December 2018, and these final nine are the first to receive the Technology Refresh-3 package, which includes additional munitions capabilities, target recognition, jamming, cyber security, sensor and user interface improvements, processing and data storage enhancements.
