F-35 Lightning II

The F-35 Lightning II is a family of single-engine, multi-role, fifth-generation stealth fighters produced in three variants: the F-35A conventional takeoff and landing variant for the Air Force, the F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing variant for the Marine Corps, and the F-35C carrier variant for the Navy and Marines.

Built around the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, an AESA radar, a distributed aperture system, and extensive sensor fusion, the F-35 is the most widely procured fighter in U.S. history. Total planned production exceeds 2,400 aircraft for U.S. services and several hundred for international partners.

Ongoing upgrades through the Block 4/TR-3 program add new weapons, electronic warfare, and processing improvements intended to keep the F-35 relevant against advanced threats through mid-century.

Related Systems