Here are some of the paint schemes that future F-35 Aggressors could wear

Here are some of the paint schemes that future F-35 Aggressors could wear

By Dario Leone
Sep 11 2020
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USAF is reactivating the 65th Aggressor Squadron and moving 11 F-35A Lightning IIs to Nellis AFB as part of a larger initiative to improve training for fifth generation fighter aircraft.

Drawn by aviation artist and USAF veteran Sean Hampton (check out his website AfterburnerProfiles.com for more cool aviation prints), the artistic renderings in this post show current Aggressor camouflage schemes applied to the F-35.

Here are some of the paint schemes that future F-35 Aggressors could wear

“I was asked to put together a couple of potential F-35 Aggressor schemes for Nellis AFB freshly reactivated 65th AGRS [which is about to stand up with the F-35] by a third party. They were primarily looking for a Splinter scheme. I decided to draw the other schemes as a way of showcasing the different possibilities,” Hampton said to The Aviation Geek Club.

Here are some of the paint schemes that future F-35 Aggressors could wear

“While there has been more schemes drawn and submitted, I felt like releasing these schemes as they were already in use on the F-16s. After making the paint shop 4 views, I couldn’t help but create some profiles. These are by no means an “official release” or endorsement by the USAF. Merely artistic suggestions. They will make their choices and modifications and release at a later date sometime next year.”

Here are some of the paint schemes that future F-35 Aggressors could wear

“The 18th AGRS at Eielson has no plans to convert to the F-35 currently. I just threw those designs in there because I liked them,” Hampton points out.

Here are some of the paint schemes that future F-35 Aggressors could wear

As we have explained last year, the US Air Force (USAF) is reactivating the 65th Aggressor Squadron and moving 11 F-35A Lightning IIs to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, as part of a larger initiative to improve training for fifth generation fighter aircraft.

Here are some of the paint schemes that future F-35 Aggressors could wear

The action came after Gen. Mike Holmes, former Air Combat Command commander, recommended improving training for fifth generation fighter tactics development and close-air support by adding F-35s to complement the fourth generation aircraft currently being used.

Here are some of the paint schemes that future F-35 Aggressors could wear

To support this requirement, the USAF decided to create a fifth generation aggressor squadron at Nellis AFB and move nine non-combat capable F-35A aircraft from Eglin AFB, Florida, to the squadron. Aircraft transferring from Eglin AFB to Nellis AFB will not occur until newly produced aircraft arrive at Eglin AFB to replace them. New aircraft are planned to arrive at Nellis AFB beginning in early 2022.

Here are some of the paint schemes that future F-35 Aggressors could wear

The Air Force will also assign two F-35A aircraft from Edwards AFB, California, to Nellis AFB to join the 24th Tactical Air Support Squadron. The 24th TASS is an F-16 Fighting Falcon squadron whose primary function is supporting and performing close-air support training. Introducing the F-35As from Edwards AFB will allow additional training for the F-35As as close-air support assets.

F-35A print
This print is available in multiple sizes from AircraftProfilePrints.com – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS. F-35A Lightning II 56th OG, 61st FS, LF/12-5050 / 2014

The 65th AS, which previously flew F-15 Eagle aircraft, was inactivated in September 2014.


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Dario Leone

Dario Leone

Dario Leone is an aviation, defense and military writer. He is the Founder and Editor of “The Aviation Geek Club” one of the world’s most read military aviation blogs. His writing has appeared in The National Interest and other news media. He has reported from Europe and flown Super Puma and Cougar helicopters with the Swiss Air Force.

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