COLD LAKE — Canada’s first F-35A Lightning II has officially taken to the skies, marking a major milestone in the country’s transition to a new fighter fleet — and bringing 4 Wing Cold Lake another step closer to a transformation years in the making.

The aircraft, identified as AR-1, completed its maiden flight September 23 from Fort Worth, Texas, where it was built at Lockheed Martin’s production facility.

The aircraft already wore its Canadian markings for the flight, including RCAF/ARC lettering, the Canadian roundel, and a low-visibility Canadian flag. The Aviationist reported the test flight lasted approximately 90 minutes and was accompanied by an F-35C safety chase aircraft.

For Cold Lake, the first flight is more than a milestone happening thousands of kilometres away.

4 Wing Cold Lake is scheduled to become the first Canadian base to receive the new fighter aircraft in 2028.

First aircraft headed to Arizona before Cold Lake

Canada’s initial F-35s won’t immediately come north.

The federal government’s current schedule calls for the first eight aircraft to be delivered to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona in 2026 and 2027, where they will support training for Canadian pilots and personnel.

The first aircraft is then scheduled to arrive on Canadian soil at CFB Cold Lake in 2028, with initial operational capability targeted for 2029 and full operational capability in 2033.

Work is already underway at Cold Lake to prepare for that arrival, including infrastructure required to operate and maintain the CF-35A. National Defence’s 2026-27 plans include advancing infrastructure construction and permanent Fighter Squadron Facilities at Cold Lake.

That means the transition is already being felt well beyond the flight line.

The scale of investment at 4 Wing has created expectations for additional workers, military personnel and families in the region, while local governments and organizations have been preparing for the resulting pressures and opportunities around housing, healthcare, schools, transportation, workforce development and local businesses.

Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr, who also serves as Alberta’s Military Liaison, said the first flight is particularly significant for the region.

“The first flight of Canada’s F-35 is an exciting milestone for the Royal Canadian Air Force and particularly significant for Cold Lake as we look ahead to the arrival of the aircraft at 4 Wing,” Cyr said.

“I look forward to the day we see Canada’s F-35s flying over Cold Lake.”

A major transition for 4 Wing — and Cold Lake

Canada selected the F-35A to replace its aging CF-188 Hornet fleet. The federal government’s current Future Fighter Capability Project has a budget of $27.7 billion and includes 88 aircraft, training, equipment, sustainment and new fighter facilities at Cold Lake and Bagotville, Quebec.

The federal government has also been reviewing the broader F-35 acquisition. Federal documents state Canada is committed to an initial 16 aircraft, while a decision on the full program has been under review.

Regardless, preparations for the initial aircraft and their arrival at Cold Lake are continuing.

Cyr said fighter procurement is a federal responsibility, but the changes around 4 Wing will intersect with areas under provincial jurisdiction.

His focus, he said, will be on infrastructure, housing, transportation, healthcare, education and other services as the region prepares for growth associated with the base.

For Cold Lake, the transition will also mark the beginning of a new chapter in a relationship between the community and fighter aviation that stretches back generations.

The CF-18s that have become a familiar sight and sound over the Lakeland are scheduled to remain in service until 2032 as the new fleet becomes operational.

Canada’s first F-35 isn’t over Cold Lake yet.

But for the first time, it’s in the air.