Norway’s F-35s have completed a test flight using a fuel blend containing 40% biofuel, paving the way for similar use by the US F-35 fleet.

The F-35 Lightning II, developed by Lockheed Martin, recently completed a maiden flight using Synthetic Aviation Fuels (SATF). This test, carried out by a Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) F-35 based at Ørland Air Station, marks a first for a fifth-generation stealth fighter using a more environmentally-friendly fuel blend, incorporating 40% biofuel. This breakthrough aims to diversify fuel sources, reducing dependence on traditional supply chains and strengthening the operational resilience of air forces. The Norwegian initiative could serve as a model for the US armed forces, which are also exploring the integration of sustainable fuels for their F-35s.

Synthetic aviation fuels in the F-35

On January 16, 2025, Lockheed Martin announced the approval of Synthetic Aviation Fuels (SATF) for the F-35 Lightning II. This decision follows a successful test flight of a Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) F-35 using a fuel blend containing 40% biofuel. This initiative is part of a drive to diversify fuel sources, reducing dependence on traditional supply chains and strengthening the operational resilience of air forces.

Sustainable aviation fuels: a response to environmental and strategic challenges.

Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are fuels produced from renewable sources, such as waste oils, agricultural residues or forestry waste. According to the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the use of SAF can reduce aviation CO₂ emissions by up to 80% over the entire fuel life cycle. This significant reduction in emissions contributes to international climate targets, including the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) commitment to achieve carbon-neutral growth from 2020 and a 50% reduction in emissions by 2050 compared with 2005 levels.

Norway’s commitment to sustainable fuels

Norway is committed to reducing CO₂ emissions from its defense sector by 20% by 2030. With this in mind, the Norwegian armed forces have initiated the use of biofuels for their air operations. For example, in October 2024, an agreement with Norwegian Air Shuttle saw 15% biofuel incorporated into defense sector business flights, with an initial delivery of 1 million liters of biofuel. This initiative is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by more than 2,000 tonnes in 2024. Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram said the use of sustainable fuels can both reduce emissions and enhance security of supply, reducing reliance on long and complex supply chains.

Prospects for the US armed forces

In the USA, the Air Force has also been experimenting with alternative fuels for its aircraft fleet. A pilot program is planned for 2026, aiming to use up to 10% sustainable fuel at two operational bases, with a cost equivalent to or lower than that of traditional fuel. Given that the US Air Force’s annual consumption of aviation fuel is around 7.6 billion liters, any reduction in the unit cost of fuel could have a significant impact on the defense budget. The adoption of SAF could also improve operational resilience by diversifying fuel supply sources.

Challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of FAS.

Despite the environmental and strategic benefits of FAS, its widespread adoption presents challenges. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global SAF production is expected to reach 7.9 billion liters by 2025, or less than 2% of total aviation fuel consumption. To meet the sector’s decarbonization targets, annual SAF production should reach 449 million cubic meters by 2050. This will require substantial investment in production infrastructure and incentive policies to encourage their use. In addition, the cost of FAS is currently higher than that of fossil fuels, which may slow down their adoption. However, initiatives such as Norway’s demonstrate that it is possible to gradually integrate FAS into military operations, thereby contributing to emissions reduction and energy security.

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