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

Why airlines pay millions to land at Heathrow
Aircraft landing at LHR
Why airlines pay millions to land at Heathrow
A pair of airport slots at London Heathrow can be worth tens of millions of pounds. With demand for access to the UK's busiest airport far exceeding available capacity, these valuable rights have become a major commercial asset, influencing airline competition, route planning and international connectivity.
Aerospace

7 Nov 2026

How the Harrier solved the problem of flying without a runway
BAE Harrier
How the Harrier solved the problem of flying without a runway
Through a combination of jet-engine technology and aerodynamic engineering, the Harrier became one of the world's most successful V/STOL aircraft.
Aerospace

7 Nov 2026

Stansted shows Secretary of State for Transport its transformation progress
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander toured London Stansted’s expanded security hall and met security officers.
Stansted shows Secretary of State for Transport its transformation progress
The Secretary of State for Transport has visited Stansted Airport to see first hand how its transformation is taking shape, aimed at sustainable development of its facilities to improve airport operations and international connectivity for London and the East of England.
Aerospace

6 Nov 2026

Babcock and Everllence partner on propulsion of Arrowhead Frigates
MoU signing at Euronaval, Paris.
Babcock and Everllence partner on propulsion of Arrowhead Frigates
The new partnership framework will see Everllence supporting the development of next-generation power and propulsion systems across Babcock's Arrowhead programmes.
Defence Member News

6 Nov 2026

Inzpire facilitates delivery of COBRA WARRIOR 26-2 at RAF Waddington
COBRA WARRIOR 26-2 at RAF Waddington
Inzpire facilitates delivery of COBRA WARRIOR 26-2 at RAF Waddington
Inzpire personnel organised the integration of multinational participants, training objectives and the delivery of realistic scenarios during live missions, for the most complex COBRA WARRIOR held to date, at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire.
Defence

6 Nov 2026

Autonomous maritime systems integration demoed in AUKUS exercise
MARS-USV
Autonomous maritime systems integration demoed in AUKUS exercise
Portsmouth based SubSea Craft, together with Naval Systems and Dragonfish Technical Solutions, have demonstrated autonomous maritime capabilities in a landmark AUKUS maritime exercise off the California coast, showcasing interoperable unmanned surface, undersea and aerial systems, rapid payload integration, over-the-horizon precision engagement and diver-deployed autonomous capabilities.
Defence Member News

6 Nov 2026

Leicester’s National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
Leicester’s National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
Following delivery of its education and outreach initiatives across the UK to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and space explorers, the National Space Centre's Discovery Team has gained national recognition by winning a prestigious Sir Arthur Clarke Award.
Member News Space

5 Nov 2026

Astroscale and OHB to collaborate on space security
Astroscale and OHB sign MoU
Astroscale and OHB to collaborate on space security
Following ratification of the Kensington Treaty in October, Astroscale and OHB have signed an MoU to enhance cooperation between the UK, Germany and Japan towards protecting critical infrastructure in space, whilst supporting the safe, sustainable and responsible use of the orbital environment.
UK Space Agency launches In-Orbit Manufacturing research competition
View_of_Harwell_campus_in_the_UK_article
UK Space Agency launches In-Orbit Manufacturing research competition
A new competition launched by the UK Space Agency (UKSA) seeks projects that will underpin the research, development and maturation of an In-Orbit Manufacturing process and associated payload.
Events Space

4 Nov 2026

Met Police chief calls for major overhaul to tackle cybercrime
Police on patrol
Met Police chief calls for major overhaul to tackle cybercrime
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has called for England and Wales’s 43 police forces to be reorganised into eight to 10 regional forces.
Security

6 Nov 2026

UK plans tougher facial recognition laws and police technology watchdog
Facial recognition
UK plans tougher facial recognition laws and police technology watchdog
The Home Office plans a statutory framework for police facial recognition, including independent oversight and mandatory bias testing.
Security

5 Nov 2026

Astroscale and OHB to collaborate on space security
Astroscale and OHB sign MoU
Astroscale and OHB to collaborate on space security
Following ratification of the Kensington Treaty in October, Astroscale and OHB have signed an MoU to enhance cooperation between the UK, Germany and Japan towards protecting critical infrastructure in space, whilst supporting the safe, sustainable and responsible use of the orbital environment.