US “Tomcat” F-35C Squadron Reaches Important Milestone, Difficult for China to Catch Up

Recently, the United States Marine Corps (USMC) reached an important milestone as Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311 (VMFA-311), known as the “Tomcats,” achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) with the F-35C Lightning II aircraft, further bolstering their capability against the Chinese aircraft carriers.

Based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California, the squadron formerly operated AV-8B Harrier II short takeoff/vertical landing aircraft from 1988 to 2020. In April 2023, the squadron was reactivated as an F-35C unit, transitioning from operating off amphibious assault ships to aircraft carriers.

Last Wednesday, following VMFA-314, the second carrier-capable F-35C unit VMFA-311 achieved IOC. This milestone is part of the Marine Corps’ Tactical Aircraft Transition Plan, transitioning from the AV-8B Harrier and F/A-18 Hornet to the F-35 aircraft.

With IOC status, VMFA-311 has operational F-35C aircraft, trained pilots, maintenance personnel, and support equipment to accomplish essential missions.

Attaining IOC signifies the readiness of the “Tomcats” to perform critical tasks such as close air support, combat coordination and reconnaissance, air defense operations, suppression of enemy air defenses, and electronic warfare.

Commanding Officer of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Major General James Wellons, expressed pride in the squadron’s achievement, emphasizing their role in enhancing joint, Marine Corps, and joint force lethality and readiness.

To reach this milestone, VMFA-311 conducted over 900 sorties totaling approximately 1,700 flight hours. Marine Corps pilots completed over 800 simulator hours, while maintenance personnel conducted 2,400 maintenance actions.

Major Michael Fisher, commanding officer of VMFA-311, credited the achievement to the squadron’s Marines, highlighting their daily dedication to make it possible.

Designed for carrier-based operations, the F-35C features reinforced landing gear and larger folding wings for catapult launches from aircraft carriers. Its foldable wingtips facilitate deck parking on carriers. Compared to other single-seat jet models, the F-35C can carry more fuel, with an internal capacity of nearly 20,000 pounds for extended flights.

Thus far, the F-35C has not been exported to any other countries.

Upon receiving all 10 F-35C aircraft, VMFA-311 will achieve Full Operational Capability (FOC), expected in the 2025 fiscal year.

Transitioning to the F-35C validates the Marine Corps’ ongoing modernization and commitment to maintaining cutting-edge aerial combat capabilities.

In a recent Tencent report, during the third sea trial of China’s third aircraft carrier, the Shandong, a “green version of the J-35” fighter jet was seen, possibly indicating preparation for actual J-35 catapult launches.

The J-35 has drawn comparisons to the American F-35 in many aspects, raising concerns about potential similarities in design elements. However, the performance capabilities of the J-35 remain uncertain, and it cannot be directly compared to the U.S. Navy’s advanced F-35B and F-35C aircraft.

Military expert Kris Osborn pointed out that despite its stealth features, the J-35 may lack the long-range high-fidelity transmission capabilities of the F-35, which can detect, target, and destroy enemy targets beyond their detection range. The unmatched capabilities of the F-35 in recent U.S. Air Force exercises highlight its superiority over fourth-generation fighter groups, posing uncertainties for the J-35 in similar scenarios.

While the J-35 is still in the prototype testing phase, there are significant challenges ahead in terms of production, testing, and modifications before it can match the operational capabilities of the F-35.

Overall, the comparative experience, performance, and continuous refinement of the F-35 set it apart from the developing J-35, with implications for naval aviation capabilities in the future.