The Arctic case: US will deploy a total of 52 F-35 fighter jets to Alaska

By TOC On Apr 24, 2020

WASHINGTON, (BM) – The US Air Force command began to deploy to the Eielson air base in Alaska the 5th generation F-35A fighter jets, which will be part of the 354th fighter wing, belonging to the 11th Air Army in the North Pacific, learned BulgarianMilitary.com.

On April 21, the first two F-35A fighters arrived at Eielson base from Fort Worth air base in Texas, accompanied by one KS-135 refueling aircraft.

“It is planned that the base will receive two F-35A aircraft per month after the delivery of the first aircraft. It is expected that by December 2021, 54 planes and 1,300 people will be in Eielson,” the command of the US Air Force said.

In accordance with the rearmament plans, F-35A fighters will replace F-16 fighters.

The arrival of new aircraft was covered with great fanfare with the participation of senators, Congressman Don Young and broadcast on television.

BulgarianMilitary.com adds that on April 20, Lieutenant General David Krumm was appointed Commander of the Alaskan Region of the North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) and the U.S. Northern Command.

“You are a trusted leader who has successfully commanded at every level. You embody the spirit of a warrior and serve as an outstanding example for everyone who is under your control,” said NORAD Commander Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy.

BugarianMilitary.com has already announced the preparation of F-35A fighter pilots for military operations in the Arctic. In November 2019, U.S. pilots tested an Arctic kit in Alaska, a new rescue equipment for survival at extremely low temperatures.

The Eielson air base is used to prepare pilots for flying in arctic conditions, where F-16 fighters of the 354th fighter wing stationed there (the 11th U.S. Air Force Army in the North Pacific Ocean) are currently on alert.

Several testers spent six hours in a special chamber at temperatures from -51 ° C to -65 ° C in equipment from a new rescue kit, which was developed due to the fact that the equipment for the F-16 fighter did not fit in a designated place under the seat of the F-35A.

The down-filled sleeping bag was very bulky, and Lamilite synthetic insulation fiber was used for the F-35A kit. This unique material is filled with a poncho and pants that can be modified into a sleeping bag.

The developed kit for survival in harsh weather conditions in Alaska was created for pilots of the F-35A to maintain their vital activity at a temperature of 40 degrees below zero.

The Arctic kit also includes woolen mittens, six 12-hour hand warmers, flares, a rescue beacon, a space blanket, and a multi-tool (multi-tool). The kit also includes a compact short saw and shovel.

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BulgarianMilitary.com
Editorial team