General Atomics

Lockheed Martin approves use of SATF for F-35s

Lockheed Martin has approved the use of Synthetic Aviation Turbine Fuels (SATF) in the F-35 Lightning II, with the new fuel sources boosting readiness by reducing reliance on the extended supply chain.

Image courtesy Lockheed Martin

Chauncey McIntosh, vice president and general manager of the F-35 programme at Lockheed Martin said: “Lockheed Martin is committed to ensuring the F-35 is always ready for any customer mission.

“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 US and allied air dominance mission for decades to come."

The approval allows F-35s to operate with synthetic blends at currently approved limits of up to 50%, depending on the type of raw materials and production pathway, combined with conventional jet fuel.

Lockheed Martin completed comprehensive technical and strategic analysis to ensure SATF meets the strict performance and reliability standards required for the F-35’s complex, high-demand missions.
    
The integration of SATF also supports the US Department of Defense’s objectives for energy substitution and diversification while enhancing energy resilience and operational flexibility.

SATFs are derived from various raw materials, including fossil-based sources such as coal and natural gas, as well as renewable or sustainable sources like waste oils, agricultural residues and other non-fossil-based sources.

More than 1,100 F-35s are currently operational around the globe and the fleet has surpassed 971,700 flight hours. F-35s operate from 33 bases worldwide, including 10 nations operating on home soil.

Related

GKN Aerospace and IAAPS demo aircraft fuel cell
GKN Aerospace and IAAPS demo aircraft fuel cell
GKN Aerospace and IAAPS demo aircraft fuel cell
GKN Aerospace and IAAPS have successfully tested energy storage and integrated fuel cell power generation systems through H2GEAR, an Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) funded programme developing hydrogen electric propulsion for future aircraft.
Aerospace Member News

20 Oct 2026

RAF Hawk T2 took off with “missing fuel cap”, report claims
Royal Air Force Hawk T2 advanced jet trainer
RAF Hawk T2 took off with “missing fuel cap”, report claims
The inquiry into last September's Hawk T2 crash near RAF Valley is ongoing.
Aerospace Defence

20 Oct 2026

Ontic’s CargoCare set to support 747 freight flights
747-8F First Flight Take Off, Inflight and Landing
Ontic’s CargoCare set to support 747 freight flights
A new exchange and overhaul programme for Boeing 747 leading edge flap drive units is the first solution to be delivered under Ontic's new CargoCare service.
Aerospace Member News

20 Oct 2026

RAF to deploy Typhoons to defend Saudi Arabia against escalating Houthi attacks
Two RAF Typhoon FGR4s conduct a routine mission over the Middle East in support of Operation Shader on 13 November 2024. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Cpl Nathan Edwards
RAF to deploy Typhoons to defend Saudi Arabia against escalating Houthi attacks
The RAF will deploy Typhoon FGR4 fighters to Saudi Arabia in a bid to reinforce the kingdom’s air defences against escalating Houthi drone and missile attacks, expanding the UK’s ongoing defensive military support to the region.
Defence

20 Oct 2026

More than 60 defence firms showcase export-ready capabilities at MOD-backed event
Image: MOD Crown Copyright
More than 60 defence firms showcase export-ready capabilities at MOD-backed event
International delegations from over 20 countries attended MES 26, where more than 60 British defence firms demonstrated military engineering capabilities spanning demining, force protection and survivability.
Defence Security

20 Oct 2026

Apprenticeship Talent Bridge to boost defence industry jobs
Apprenticeship Talent Bridge
Apprenticeship Talent Bridge to boost defence industry jobs
The 5% Club has launched the Apprenticeship Talent Bridge with BAE Systems and Babcock, established to help create jobs and build skills in defence.
Defence

20 Oct 2026

Newquay could host twice-daily space flights under new plan
Aurora - Flight 61, Scout Space - High Altitude
Newquay could host twice-daily space flights under new plan
Spaceport Cornwall and Dawn Aerospace are exploring plans to bring reusable spaceplane operations to Newquay, with ambitions for twice-daily flights to the edge of space.
Aerospace Space

20 Oct 2026

Space war could emerge within five years as satellite threats grow, expert warns
United Kingdom backs new space strategy with £7.8 billion to counter orbital threats and strengthen satellite capabilities
Space war could emerge within five years as satellite threats grow, expert warns
A military conflict in space could emerge within the next five years as countries…
Security Space

20 Oct 2026

Viasat orders ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX Terminals for Ka-band networks
ALL.SPACE Hydra
Viasat orders ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX Terminals for Ka-band networks
Viasat has placed an order for multiple ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX terminals approved to operate on Viasat's global NextGen Ka-band network, providing resilient SATCOM connectivity for defence and government users.
Defence Member News Space

15 Oct 2026

More than 60 defence firms showcase export-ready capabilities at MOD-backed event
Image: MOD Crown Copyright
More than 60 defence firms showcase export-ready capabilities at MOD-backed event
International delegations from over 20 countries attended MES 26, where more than 60 British defence firms demonstrated military engineering capabilities spanning demining, force protection and survivability.
Defence Security

20 Oct 2026

Space war could emerge within five years as satellite threats grow, expert warns
United Kingdom backs new space strategy with £7.8 billion to counter orbital threats and strengthen satellite capabilities
Space war could emerge within five years as satellite threats grow, expert warns
A military conflict in space could emerge within the next five years as countries…
Security Space

20 Oct 2026

UK targets faster defence procurement as Streeting calls for industrial overhaul
The Future of U.S.-UK Defense Cooperation with UK Secretary of Defence Wes Streeting
UK targets faster defence procurement as Streeting calls for industrial overhaul
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has called for an overhaul of military procurement, setting targets to reduce contract timelines and speed up the delivery of new technologies.
Defence Security

19 Oct 2026