The F-35 Lightning II, a highly sophisticated and advanced supersonic stealth fighter, offers the United States and its allies unparalleled advantage in case of conflict.

The F-35 program includes three variants of the fighter jet.

The F-35A is a conventional take-off and landing fighter that operates on airfield runways. It has a range of approximately 2,220km that can be extended with aerial refueling.

The F-35B variant is capable of short take-off and vertical landing. It can operate from ships, roads and even in the most austere conditions.

To make room for the lift fan that enables these take-offs, the F-35B has a slightly reduced fuel capacity, but can be easily supported by probe and drogue aerial refueling.

The F-35C is the world’s only stealth strike fighter designed specifically for Navy carrier operations. It has larger wings and a more robust landing gear compared to the other F-35 Lightning II variants.

F-35 excellence

All variants of the F-35 Lightning were designed for advanced stealth.

The design incorporates radar-absorbing materials, aligned edges, internal weapons and fuel carriage and a reduced engine signature to make it difficult for adversary radar systems to detect the aircraft.

The F-35 program employs the most advanced array of sensors ever used in a fighter aircraft, ensuring its operators are well-informed of their surroundings and able to transmit essential data and communications with ease.

Between the US fleet and F-35-equipped allies and partners, there are more than 1,000 operational F-35s stationed worldwide.

The aircraft has been in service for over a decade, with the program in 2023 celebrating the graduation from training of the 2,000th F-35 pilot.

To date, 2,880 pilots have graduated from the F-35 program, which represents the US military’s continued commitment to cooperation and collective security with its allies and partners.

Nine countries were involved in the aircraft’s development: the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Denmark, Norway and Australia.

According to Lockheed Martin, 20 countries now participate in the F-35 program, with 16 services actively flying the aircraft.

The F-35 flies from 36 bases and 12 ships around the world, projecting power across every theater. Wherever the mission is, it is already there -- or on its way.