The 457th Squadron will replace the F-16 Fighting Falcon with fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters

The U.S. Air Force Reserve's 301st Fighter Wing is about to switch from Falcons to Lightning Falcons. At the end of August, the 457th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron will begin transitioning from F-16s to F-35As.

Here's What We Know

The 457th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron is currently stationed at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. The F-16 Fighting Falcon will return to Texas at the end of August, after which the transition to the F-35A Lightning II will begin.

The 301st will be the first U.S. Air Force Reserve Regiment to receive the fifth-generation F-35A fighters. The first aircraft will be at the regiment's disposal only next year.

F-16 Fighting Falcon will go to the bases Homestead and Nellis in the states of Florida and Nevada, respectively. The aircraft have been in service with the U.S. Reserve's 301st Fighter Aviation Regiment for approximately three decades. The F-16s proved their worth during their most recent deployment when the 457th Expeditionary Squadron flew patrols in the Middle East.

Source: DVIDS