The F-35 Lightning II is a family of single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole combat aircraft developed and produced by American aerospace and defense giant Lockheed Martin. It is intended to perform both air superiority and strike missions.
The F-35 program originated from the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) effort, which aimed to create a versatile, fifth-generation fighter jet capable of replacing various aging combat aircraft for the U.S. and its allies. The F-35 first flew in 2006, and it comes in three main variants: the F-35A (Conventional Takeoff and Landing for the Air Force), the F-35B (Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing for the Marine Corps and Royal Navy), and the F-35C (Carrier-based for the Navy). Its design emphasizes stealth technology, advanced sensor fusion, and high maneuverability.
Lockheed Martin, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, is one of the world’s largest defense contractors, with a deep history in developing iconic military aircraft like the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the F-22 Raptor. The F-35 represents their commitment to advanced military aviation technology and collaboration with international partners.
Common locations and major operators of the F-35 around the world include the United States (across all branches), the United Kingdom, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Belgium. These jets are typically found at major air bases, naval air stations, and aircraft carriers globally, forming a crucial component of modern allied air forces.
