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

Syensqo supports NOEMI’s bid for the world’s first certified electric amphibious seaplane
NOEMI's all-electric amphibious seaplane.
Syensqo supports NOEMI’s bid for the world’s first certified electric amphibious seaplane
NOEMI Aerospace will use Syensqo advanced composites and adhesives to support the lightweight airframe of its pioneering all-electric amphibious aircraft.
Aerospace Member News

10 Sep 2026

Winter hydrogen trial at Exeter Airport strengthens case for lower-carbon ground operations
HyGPU trial Exeter Airport
Winter hydrogen trial at Exeter Airport strengthens case for lower-carbon ground operations
Exeter Airport’s latest hydrogen trial found a converted dual-fuel ground power unit could operate safely in winter, reducing diesel burn and carbon emissions.
Aerospace

10 Sep 2026

Ontic acquires compass specialist SIRS Navigation
SIRS Navigation compass
Ontic acquires compass specialist SIRS Navigation
The acquisition of the Kent-based precision magnetic compass manufacturer, adds a trusted brand to Ontic's expansive portfolio of critical aviation components.
Aerospace Member News

10 Sep 2026

Barbara Supplee appointed CEO of Serco North America
Barbara Supplee
Barbara Supplee appointed CEO of Serco North America
Drawing on her vast experience of supporting some of the United States' most important defence and national security missions, Barbara will lead Serco's delivery of mission-critical programmes in North America.
HMS Daring powers up Sampson radar ahead of Royal Navy return to sea
Type 45 destroyer HMS Daring
HMS Daring powers up Sampson radar ahead of Royal Navy return to sea
The Type 45 destroyer is in the finishing stages of completing her years long programme of regenerating to active service.
Defence

10 Sep 2026

UK helped foil Russian operation targeting vital Arctic subsea cables
HMS St Albans monitoring Admiral Levchenko
UK helped foil Russian operation targeting vital Arctic subsea cables
An exclusive Reuters report uncovers new details of a covert Arctic operation, with Russian subs allegedly "training to unleash a secret weapon".
Defence

10 Sep 2026

NewOrbit gains launch slot for first VLEO commercial mission
NEO1
NewOrbit gains launch slot for first VLEO commercial mission
Reading-based NewOrbit will conduct the first commercial mission on which any payload developer can fly, test and validate technology in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), approximately 200-300km above the Earth.
Space

10 Sep 2026

Major General Tedman joins Seraphim Global Space Council
Satellite in orbit by uk space agency
Major General Tedman joins Seraphim Global Space Council
Seraphim Space has welcomed Major General Paul Tedman CBE - one of Europe’s most senior and military space leaders and until recently the Commander of UK Space Command - to its Global Space Futures Advisory Council.
Member News Space

10 Sep 2026

Filtronic strengthens access to India’s space and defence sectors
Filtronic and Spur Microwave MoU signing
Filtronic strengthens access to India’s space and defence sectors
Following the signing of an MoU with Spur Microwave, Sedgefield based high-frequency connectivity solutions provider Filtronic, aims to increased its access to space and defence opportunities in India.
Barbara Supplee appointed CEO of Serco North America
Barbara Supplee
Barbara Supplee appointed CEO of Serco North America
Drawing on her vast experience of supporting some of the United States' most important defence and national security missions, Barbara will lead Serco's delivery of mission-critical programmes in North America.
MBDA opens Poland missile facility as UK defence partnership deepens
MBDA facility Czosnow, Poland
MBDA opens Poland missile facility as UK defence partnership deepens
In an initiative that supports the UK’s commitment to reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank by bolstering Polish air defences, a new facility built with British expertise has been opened in Poland.
Chess introduces AI-enabled Low SWaP CHARM50
Low-SWaP-CHARM50
Chess introduces AI-enabled Low SWaP CHARM50
Chess Dynamics has expanded its Vision4ce CHARM portfolio with the introduction of its Low SWaP CHARM50, a new compact AI-enabled edge video processing module which supports growing demand for smart sensors, distributed sensing architectures and low-SWaP ISR applications.