F-35 Lightning II History

The F-35 Lightning II, a family of single-seat, single-engine, stealth multirole fighters, was developed by Lockheed Martin under the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program to replace aging U.S. and allied aircraft like the F-16, A-10, F/A-18, and AV-8B Harrier. Its origins trace back to 1995, with the X-35 prototype first flying in 2000, outperforming Boeing’s X-32 to win the JSF contract in 2001. The F-35’s development, primarily funded by the U.S. with contributions from NATO partners like the UK, Canada, and Australia, aimed for three variants: the F-35A (conventional takeoff and landing), F-35B (short takeoff/vertical landing), and F-35C (carrier-based). Despite ambitions for 80% parts commonality to reduce costs, only about 20% was achieved by 2017, leading to criticism for cost overruns (over $40 billion for development) and delays due to concurrent production and testing. The program faced challenges like software issues, heat damage to tails, and ejection seat risks, though many were resolved by 2024.

The F-35’s specifications highlight its advanced capabilities. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 turbofan (43,000 lbf with afterburner), it reaches Mach 1.6 and a range of 1,380 miles. Its stealth design, advanced sensor fusion, and networked systems make it a “force multiplier,” integrating data across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. The F-35A carries a 25mm GAU-22/A cannon and up to 18,000 pounds of weapons, including AIM-120 AMRAAMs and GBU-31 JDAMs, across internal and external hardpoints. The F-35B and F-35C use a multi-mission pod for flexibility in electronic warfare or reconnaissance. Its AN/APG-81 AESA radar and AN/AAQ-37 Distributed Aperture System enhance situational awareness, while the Block 4 upgrade, delayed to 2023, adds new weapons like the B61-12 nuclear bomb and improved radar. However, sustainment costs have soared to $1.58 trillion through 2088, and engine upgrades remain critical for future performance.

Currently, the F-35 is in full-rate production, a milestone reached in March 2024, with over 630 aircraft delivered to the U.S. and allies like Israel, Japan, and the UK. It has seen combat, notably with Israel’s F-35I Adir in 2018 and U.S. forces during Operation Inherent Resolve in 2019. The aircraft operates globally, with 3,100 planned for acquisition by 2035, though supply chain issues, particularly engine delays, slow deliveries. Modernization efforts focus on engine and thermal management upgrades to support Block 4 capabilities, but undefined requirements and technical risks persist. Despite reduced flight hours by the U.S. Air Force and Navy to meet affordability targets, the F-35 remains central to 21st-century air dominance - and as recently as June 2025 saw service in Operation Midnight Hammer:

• Role in Operation: F-35s provided escort, electronic warfare, and suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) missions. They used their stealth capabilities and advanced sensors to target Iranian radar and missile sites, ensuring the safety of the B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, which delivered the primary strikes with GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators. The F-35s’ sensor fusion enabled real-time coordination across the strike package.
• Scope: The operation involved over 125 aircraft, including 12 F-35s deployed to the Middle East prior to the strike, as part of a broader force that included F-22s, F-16s, and F-15Es. The F-35s helped maintain air dominance and neutralize threats, contributing to the mission’s success without any U.S. aircraft being fired upon.