Norwegian Air Force has become the first operator to fly the Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as part of the national effort to reduce carbon emissions.
The Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35 was flown with a 40% greener biofuel blend at the air force’s Ørland air base on January 14. The fuel was made from waste, residues, and by-products.
Norwegian defense minister Bjørn Arild Gram described the milestone as a “historic climate initiative that can strengthen Norwegian preparedness.”
The Norwegian defense minister described sustainable aviation fuel as a promising, climate-friendly solution for the Air Force, particularly given the challenges of electrifying F-35 jets. He said the Norwegian Air Force has laid out an ambitious long-term defense strategy to ramp up operational capacity, which requires taking responsibility to minimize the environmental impact.
“This is not only about climate considerations—it’s also about technological advancement and strategic preparedness. The local production of sustainable aviation fuel could reduce our reliance on vulnerable and lengthy supply chains,” Minister Gram stated.
“Our fighter jets currently account for about one-third of direct CO2 emissions within the defense sector [in Norway],” Gram. said. “Using sustainable fuel can reduce emissions and strengthen supply security. The aim is to contribute to achieving climate targets while enhancing preparedness,” he adds.
At Ørland air base, sustainable aviation fuel is part of a broader environmental strategy, which includes testing mobile hybrid systems with wind turbines and solar panels. “Every sector must reach net-zero [carbon emissions], including the armed forces,” said Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, the Norwegian climate and environment minister. “In the long term, we aim to increase the use of sustainable fuels in aviation. The armed forces are now part of this development.”
What are SAFs?
Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are alternative fuels derived from non-petroleum sources that can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80%. SAF can be blended with conventional jet fuel in proportions ranging from 10% to 50%, depending on the feedstock and production method. SAF has been used in over 360,000 commercial flights across 46 airports, primarily in the U.S. and Europe, according to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Lockheed Martin approves use of synthetic aviation fuels
American defense giant Lockheed Martin recently approved the use of synthetic aviation turbine fuels (SATF) in the F-35 Lightning II. SATFs are produced from a range of raw materials, including fossil-based sources like coal and natural gas, as well as renewable materials such as waste oils, agricultural residues, and other non-fossil-based alternatives.
Chauncey McIntosh, vice president and general manager of the F-35 program at Lockheed Martin, said that the company is “committed to ensuring the F-35 is always ready for any customer mission … Adding new fuel sources helps make this happen by diversifying the supply chain while maintaining operational excellence.”
What this approval signifies
The approval allows F-35s to operate with synthetic aviation fuel (SAF) blends of up to 50%, depending on raw materials and production methods, mixed with conventional jet fuel.
Lockheed Martin’s extensive analysis ensures SAF meets the F-35’s stringent performance and reliability standards for high-demand missions. The integration of SAF aligns with the U.S. Department of Defense’s goals for energy diversification, boosting resilience and operational flexibility.
SAF is sourced from materials like hydrogenated oils, wood waste, biomass, and algae. Since aviation accounts for a significant portion of defense fuel use, this shift plays a crucial role in decarbonizing the sector.
Aviation accounts for a relatively small share of global emissions but is one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonize. The adoption of SAF is a key step in the global effort to combat climate change. By blending SAF with conventional jet fuel for routine operations, the military reduces its environmental impact.
On average, SAF can cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel, a major step toward achieving the aviation industry’s decarbonization goals.
Similar to Norway’s efforts, the UK is also making significant strides in integrating sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into its military operations.
The UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) has already begun using a blend of conventional and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for routine operations. In 2022, an RAF Voyager, the military version of an Airbus A330, became the first to fly powered entirely by 100% SAF, marking a significant step forward in the future of both military and civilian aviation. In 2023, the RAF achieved another milestone with the successful air-to-air refueling of a Typhoon and C-130 Hercules aircraft using SAF blend. With a target to achieve net-zero operations by 2040, the RAF is committed to using SAF to reduce aircraft carbon emissions by up to 70%.
