What Canadian pilots can expect from the 5th generation F-35

Interview with Andrew "Bundy" Soundy, F-35 Test Pilot, Lockheed Martin In this special episode of Vanguard Radio , host J. Richard Jones sits down with one of the world's most experienced F-35 test pilots: Andrew "Bundy" Soundy , Chief Test Pilot for the F-35 at the 461st Flight Test Squadron, Edwards Air Force Base. A Royal Military College graduate turned Lockheed Martin test pilot, Bundy brings over 1,100 hours in the F-35 and decades of operational and test experience across the CF-18, F-16, and fifth-generation platforms. In a wide-ranging and candid conversation, he traces his journey from RMC to Cold Lake to Edwards—and offers a rare insider look at how the F-35 evolves, adapts, and continually pushes the boundaries of modern airpower. Bundy explains what it means to test fifth-generation capability in a program built on continuous upgrades. He breaks down the mindset shift required for pilots transitioning from fourth-generation fighters, the realities of new stealth-tactics training, and how Canada's upcoming F-35 cadre will inherit a unique tactical worldview unlike anything before it. From operating in extreme Arctic cold, to demonstrating the aircraft for partner nations, to testing interoperability with NATO allies and next-generation platforms, Bundy shares firsthand insights into the F-35's performance, range, and global readiness. He also looks ahead to the rapid rise of AI, manned-unmanned teaming, the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft vision, and how adaptable platforms like the F-35 will shape the tactical air environment for decades to come. This is one of the most detailed, practical, and forward-looking conversations you'll hear on fifth-generation fighter operations—and what's coming next. If you want to understand the future of airpower—and Canada's place in it—this episode is essential listening.

You can listen to What Canadian pilots can expect from the 5th generation F-35 online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

What Canadian pilots can expect from the 5th generation F-35 is an episode from The Vanguard Podcast by Terri Pavelic.

This episode is 18:24 long.

This episode was published on Dec 3, 2025.

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