Two more US F-35 Sqns to the Lakenheath, UK

[KevinJ]

https://twitter.com/SecDef/status/1542169962311286785

Just the two currently planned squadrons.

[Thunder]

But the press release goes on to say that they will be "forward-stationing" two squadrons of F-35s at Lakenheath. The 493rd and 495th have Lakenheath as their permanent homes, so forward-stationing would not be an accurate description. Therefore my money is still on two additional squadrons over and above 493rd/495th (fingers crossed).

Depends on your interpretation of ‘forward deployed’. The 48th FW are a forward deployed Wing currently under the Command of USAFE, just like the 35th FW are forward deployed to Japan under PACAF command. Basically forward deployed means they are based outwith the higher command direct area of control in this case CONUS, in their current theatre of operations whether it be on a permanent or temporary basis.

[Philly1971]

As the 493rd were an air superiority squadron I always hoped they would get F22s to replace the F15c, leaving the 495th to get all the F35s. Ok wishful thinking but if Lakenheath had F15s, F22s and F35s I don’t think work would ever see me again

[Malcolm]

As the 493rd were an air superiority squadron I always hoped they would get F22s to replace the F15c, leaving the 495th to get all the F35s. Ok wishful thinking but if Lakenheath had F15s, F22s and F35s I don’t think work would ever see me again

The USAF tried a composite wings at MO in the 1990's - mixing F15, F16, B-1 and KC-135s at a single base. The experiment didn't last long. Much easier to operate a fighter base if there are only one (or two) types involved. Personally I can't see the F-15E's lasting long once both the 493rd and 495th are up to full strength. The F-15's will all be at least 30 years old by 2030, so I suspect eventually one or both squadrons will convert to F-35.

[mdobuk21]

Leeming has plenty of HAS space! Only saying this as its 40 mins away from me!

[Vulture 01]

Well, the announcement was less than eight hours ago and already we are on page five.
Whilst it's possible two squadrons will be deployed to Lakenheath it's quite likely they will forward base in Europe: this has already happened, has it not?
Let's just wait and see what happens over the next few weeks.

[TomG]

Just a thought about relocating F35 (or airframes to make space for more F35) .Does Fairford have permanently installed arrestor gear or is it a temporary fit for RIAT ?
Can’t see the U2 guys happy with cables going up and down.

Permanent arrestor equipment isn't in place at Fairford and there hasn't been a PAAG (Portable Aircraft Arrestor Gear) installed for RIAT for at least 10 years.

[powerslave]

For what’s my view worth I would hazard a guess at him meaning the two sqns are the ones what have always been planned to arrive.
It’s just sounds like political spin.
Wouldn’t be surprised though if we get a few f-35 sqns over on tdy while the two LN sqns get a sufficient number of airframes.

[hernaman86]

Some of the bases being mentioned on here is laughable ha ha ha, how about North Weald, they got under power cables for the market so should be fine for a 5th gen fighter and all it’s data it needs ha ha ha how about manston too lol if it’s going to be anywhere surely it will be lakenheath or marham as they have the infrastructure for these jets which we know consists of way way more of just parking them up, they need all sorts of special equipment cables.

[Agent K]

Some of the bases being mentioned on here is laughable ha ha ha, how about North Weald, they got under power cables for the market so should be fine for a 5th gen fighter and all it’s data it needs ha ha ha how about manston too lol if it’s going to be anywhere surely it will be lakenheath or marham as they have the infrastructure for these jets which we know consists of way way more of just parking them up, they need all sorts of special equipment cables.

I hear they're coming to RAF Henlow..............

Whilst informed debate and discussion is what the forum is all about, as you say some of the comments, based I think on the nearest base to where posters live, are somewhat laughable. As you say it's not just about parking jets, and I'm not sure some understand the enormity of this, it's infrastructure, support, logistics, accommodation, location, what's already based there and thus the air traffic environment etc etc.

Thing is I can only imagine that the military chiefs said "to the UK" for a good reason, as opposed to say to Germany, or to Holland, where bases and capacity exist too. So if you specify the UK then why and where then in the UK is best placed? and that would be Lakenheath for all the reasons discussed.

[wessexspotter]

For what’s my view worth I would hazard a guess at him meaning the two sqns are the ones what have always been planned to arrive.
It’s just sounds like political spin.

Most if not all of everything the US announced sounded very much like additional commitments i.e. over and above forces already here. I very much doubt the US want to get into the same game some of our European counterparts have regarding vague and double-counting commitments. Of course whether they'll simply be here for any length of time is another question. It could be that they'll send the squadrons here on a fixed-term deployment and wait and see how things pan out in the east.

I see there's another thread about the upcoming C-130J retirement. That would leave a bit of space at Brize then, no? Just sayin'...

based I think on the nearest base to where posters live

What an outrageous allegation! Who amongst us would do that??

[Reach1985]

This is the key paragraph from The Drive article:

‘Meanwhile, while Lakenheath officials confirm to The War Zone that Biden is calling for two new F-35A squadrons there, it is unclear how the base will handle the additional aircraft. There are already two F-35A squadrons at RAF Lakenheath, the 495th Fighter Squadron and the 493rd Fighter Squadron. We've reached out to officials for more clarity and will update this story with any new information we get.’

Full article here: https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/h ... boost-plan

The Drive/Warzone are a pretty good source (I believe Jamie Hunter works for them now). So 2 additional squadrons?

However Airforcemag. Suggests that that is not the case.
https://www.airforcemag.com/biden-outli ... to-summit/

So the conclusion is no one knows but my money would be on some PR spin & that this is the 493rd & 495th squadrons. & I assume at some point in the future the 492nd & 494th will transition too.

[Finty]

based I think on the nearest base to where posters live

What an outrageous allegation! Who amongst us would do that??

Indeed. Llanbedr and/or Ha'penny Green would be nice (tongue firmly in cheek)

[podge]

I think it’s time everyone stopped speculating.

I’ve just had confirmation they’re coming to RAF Shepherds Grove

[Kurnass]

When should the 493rd and 495th receive their full complement of aircraft?
As the tensions with Russia are very current, it could well be that 2 squadrons will be deployed until the 493rd and 495th are fully operational?

[colp]

When should the 493rd and 495th receive their full complement of aircraft?
As the tensions with Russia are very current, it could well be that 2 squadrons will be deployed until the 493rd and 495th are fully operational?

Since 15th December 2021 they've received 14 F35A's and the total amount I'm assuming is 54? So still 40 to go, so quite a while at the current rate.

[65thAgressor]

Perhaps it's what others have said. They will forward deploy two squadrons until the 493rd and 495th are at full strength. This seems the more likely decision.

[roughcutter]

I think it’s time everyone stopped speculating.

I’ve just had confirmation they’re coming to RAF Shepherds Grove

wot, not Wethersfield then?

[quid21]

I heard they were deploying to Thorpe Abbots, the control tower is still there, just need a splash of concrete

[wessexspotter]

Perhaps it's what others have said. They will forward deploy two squadrons until the 493rd and 495th are at full strength. This seems the more likely decision.

Begone with you and your common sense! We can't have that here.

Anyhew, I've heard it on good authority that RAF Stanton Harcourt is in the running. They just need to fill in those accursed gravel pits and demolish the brand new houses they've just built. No biggie really.