F35

The F-35 Lightning II is a family of single-seat, single-engine stealth multirole fighters developed by Lockheed Martin for the United States and allied nations. Originating from the Joint Strike Fighter program begun in the 1990s to replace multiple service aircraft, the F-35 integrates advanced sensors, stealth, and networked data sharing to perform air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions.

The aircraft is produced in three main variants: the F-35A conventional takeoff and landing, the F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing, and the F-35C carrier variant for catapult launches and arrested landings. It is powered by the Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan. The design emphasizes internal weapon bays to preserve stealth, with external pylons only as needed, and features advanced avionics, including a helmet-mounted display and a distributed aperture system for 360-degree situational awareness. Sensor fusion provides pilots with integrated targeting data and cross-platform connectivity.

Operational status and procurement: The F-35 entered US service in 2016 (F-35A) and 2015 for the Marine Corps (F-35B), with the carrier variant following. It has been procured by a number of partners and customers, including the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Canada, Japan and Australia, among others. Production and software development have faced criticisms over cost, delays, and technical complexity, leading to ongoing Block 4 software upgrades and improvements in reliability and mission capability.

Role and capabilities: As a fifth-generation fighter, the F-35 emphasizes stealth, sensor fusion, and networked warfare to execute multi-domain operations. It provides multi-mission capability for air-to-air and air-to-ground roles and is designed to operate alongside other aircraft as part of integrated force structures.