The U.S. Navy’s pre-commissioning aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy completed the first arrested landing of an F-35C Lightning II on a Ford-class carrier on 13 October, while underway for Aircraft Compatibility Testing. The recovery involved aircraft from the Patuxent River F-35 Integrated Test Force and Air Test and Evaluation Squadron VX-23, advancing integration of the fifth-generation fighter with the carrier’s launch and recovery systems.
The landing took place shortly after John F. Kennedy received preliminary acceptance from the Navy. Aircraft Compatibility Testing assesses how the carrier’s equipment operates with Navy aircraft, including the recovery function of its Advanced Arresting Gear system.
The event was the first F-35C recovery on any Ford-class carrier. USS Gerald R. Ford, the lead ship of the class, completed earlier compatibility testing but was not configured for regular F-35C operations. The latest test demonstrates recovery compatibility, but does not establish full operational capability or confirm that F-35C catapult launches were completed during the same period.
John F. Kennedy is continuing testing and evaluation before its formal delivery, which is expected in spring 2027. The ship will then proceed towards commissioning and fleet entry.