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First F-35 joins 96th Test Wing fleet at Eglin

Niceville.comJanuary 23, 20261 Min Read

F-35 Lightning II aircraft AF-3 taxis on the runway at Eglin Air Force Base.

An F-35 Lightning II aircraft, known as AF-3, is shown after arriving to support upcoming testing missions at Eglin Air Force Base. (Contributed)

NICEVILLE, Fla. — The first F-35 Lightning II aircraft has arrived to support upcoming testing missions for the 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base.

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According to Eglin Air Force Base, the aircraft arrived in October 2025 and marks the start of a new phase of testing expected to begin soon.

The aircraft, known as AF-3, will belong to the Cyber Systems Integration Lab under the 48th Cyberspace Test Squadron.

The lab is currently working toward an official stand-up and will focus on risk mitigation tied to all aspects of the Joint Strike Fighter program, according to the base.

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Although the aircraft will reside at the 33rd Fighter Wing, it is expected to be located and maintained by the 96th Test Wing in the future.