F-35As have been flying operational missions as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. Now the aircraft have released weapons for the first time.
Two F-35As refuel from a KC-10A Extender during the mission over Iraq on April 30, in the course of which targets were attacked for the first time. The aircraft are equipped with external pylons for AIM-9X air-to-air missiles, with JDAM bombs carried internally. (Photo: U.S. Central Command)
