The F-35 comes to Wisconsin in 2023.  

As part of its preparation for F-35 delivery, the Wisconsin Air National Guard participated in Exercise Northern Lightning at Volk Field from August 8-19. A team of F-35As assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, also made the trip to Northern Lightning to train with other 4th and 5th generation fighters from the Air Force, National Guard, Navy and Marine Corps units. Northern Lightning is a joint training exercise that replicates today’s air battlespace and where the 33rd's F-35As worked to enhance Agile Combat Employment and build combat-credible Airmen. 

The exercise provided more than just training for the 33rd Fighter Wing and Wisconsin Air Guard units. The ability to test the airspace, the range and all the facilities, is a huge win for the Wisconsin Air Guard who greatly anticipate their new role operating the F-35.  

The Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 115th Fighter Wing officially broke ground on its first major F-35 project August 11, 2021, at Truax Field. The F-35 is a critical piece of national security and U.S. Air Force leaders believe it will benefit the fighter wing’s mission to provide invaluable homeland defense to the Midwest region. The 58th Fighter Squadron executes exercise Northern Lightning at Volk Field > Air Education and Training Command > Article Display (af.mil)