U.S. conducts first airstrike with Lockheed Martin’s F-35 as it fires at Taliban

The F-35 has reached yet another milestone — conducting its first airstrike, according to Marine Corps sources.

The Marine version of the Lockheed Martin stealth fighter jet, which is built at the company’s Fort Worth campus, was involved in a strike against a fixed Taliban target in Afghanistan, according to a statement by the military branch.

The Marine Corps also posted an item on its Twitter account.

“RAW FOOTAGE: @thef35 bravo conducted its first combat strikes in Afghanistan today in @CENTCOM’s area of responsibility in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel,” the tweet reads. “The strike fighter is attached to the @Official13thMEU with the @USNavy’s Essex Amphibious Ready Group.”

The F-35B’s role in the Afghanistan strike was first reported by CNN.

The F-35 B is known for its ability to take off on a short runway, and land like a helicopter, making it ideal for maneuvering in tight spaces, according to Lockheed Martin material on the aircraft.

In May, Israeli forces reported that the F-35 made its debut in combat near Beirut, although at the time it wasn’t clear whether the plane fired any shots or provided a more ancillary role.

This story was originally published September 27, 2018 at 4:37 PM.