The numbers don't lie: the F-35 Lightning is an invincible fighter

Despite the obvious advantages, the program turned out to be the most expensive in recent history — the total cost during the entire life of the aircraft will exceed 2 trillion dollars.

F-35 Lightning II — the world's most modern and massive fifth-generation fighter, designed to ensure air superiority in potential conflicts. Lockheed Martin has sold more than 1,060 F-35 aircraft in three variants (A, B and C), and the US has ordered 2,456 units for its armed forces.

Focus translated  an article about an advanced stealth fighter of the fifth generation — Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II.

• The F-35 excels at integrating data from various sources, acting as an aerial “combat quarterback” that coordinates the actions of various military platforms. Stealth and advanced sensors help it hit targets undetected.
• The F-35 program, used by 19 countries, is at the peak of modern defense capabilities. To date, more than 3,500 aircraft have been ordered.

Fifth generation stealth fighter F- 35 Lightning II — the most advanced fighter of today

5th generation stealth fighter F-35 Lightning II — the most advanced real-time fighter and the most expensive program in recent history, the total cost of which over the lifetime of the aircraft will exceed 2 trillion dollars. After overcoming recent delays, the program is gaining momentum again, turning the F-35 into the world's most massive fifth-generation aircraft.

F-35: A Program That's Gaining Momentum

To date, Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35, has delivered more than 1,060 F-35 Lightning II aircraft of all three variants. The F-35 fleet has logged more than 940,000 flight hours, 2,680 pilots have been trained to fly the aircraft, and 17,200 maintenance personnel have been qualified to service the stealth fighter.

As of November, 19 countries are participating in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. Greece is the latest to join, ordering 20 F-35As and placing an option for 20 more. In total, Lockheed Martin has received orders for 3,542 aircraft of all three variants.

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The US military is the largest customer for the F-35, with a total of 2,456 aircraft ordered for the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. The US military remains the sole customer for the F-35C, which is designed to operate on aircraft carriers.

As we have already analyzed in an article for The National Interest, the production of the F-35 is a matter of national security. This aircraft is the most advanced stealth fighter in the world. In a potential conflict with China or Russia, the F-35 will play a key role, helping the American military establish air superiority over the battlefield and pave the way to victory.

What makes the F-35 different from all other aircraft is its ability to combine data from different sources. In many ways, the F-35 Lightning II — it's a “combat quarterback” in the sky. Using a host of advanced onboard sensors, the F-35 can see and analyze vast amounts of data from the air, land and sea and connect different platforms into a more effective strike chain.

In addition to these advanced capabilities, the F-35 itself is a highly effective combat platform. Its stealth, combined with advanced on-board sensors and weapons systems, means that an F-35 pilot will see and track an enemy long before they can spot the stealth aircraft. And this time is enough for the F-35 to shoot down its opponent.

F-35 Lightning II

As we mentioned, the F-35 Lightning II comes in three variants: the F-35A — the conventional takeoff version, the most popular among F-35 operators. The second most popular and most popular is the F-35B — the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant, which can take off like a helicopter but fly like a fighter.

Finally, the F-35C — the carrier-based version, with a reinforced structure and landing gear that allows it to take off and land on an aircraft carrier. This version is only in service with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

About the author

Stavros Atlamazoglu — An experienced defense journalist specializing in special operations and a veteran of the Hellenic Army (serving with the 575th Marine Battalion and the Army Headquarters). He holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University and a MA from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). He has been published in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.