The F-35 Lightning II is also known as the crown jewel of today’s air forces—a stealth, high-tech fighter aircraft designed to rule the skies. On the surface, it appears to be something out of a science fiction film, but beneath that shiny surface lies a tale of high-technology innovation, repeated postponements, and an international rush for control of the skies.
What really distinguishes the F-35 isn’t the way it looks—it’s what’s inside. The first in the world of aviation, the Interim Full Motion Video system tested on the F-35B during the early years allows Marine pilots to transmit live video and precise location information directly to troops on the ground.
Operations overnight were revolutionized: communications were enhanced, targeting was more precise, and troops on the ground were protected. Lt. Col. Mike DiMaria called it a “game-changer,” and that too doesn’t sound like a stretch. To the Open Mission Systems architecture, the F-35 is easier and less expensive to modernize down the line, something Capt. Ronald Windham reduced to the essentials: it flies, and flies well.
To fly the F-35 is to be in the future. Pilots who flew the older aircraft, such as the F-16, say it is a whole different beast. Maj. Graeme Ross recalled how unnatural flying a 40,000-pound aircraft across a flight deck initially felt, but the systems caught him by surprise and made it feel so natural.
What impresses pilots the most is the situational awareness the F-35 offers. Rather than needing to search through many instruments, it’s all delivered to them in an integrated, uncluttered presentation that allows them to concentrate on the job. Capt. Spencer Weide said his first Red Flag exercise was a success, citing the steady stream of information as helping him feel comfortable and self-assured.
The F-35 also promotes inter-service cooperation. The Air Force and Marine pilots are looking through each other in sea-based missions, logistics, and combined operations, creating a more flexible and powerful force.
The program has had problems, however. Refurbishing the F-35 is an expensive business—at least $16.5 billion to upgrade sensors, weapons, and systems. Software problems, engine problems, and excessive maintenance have hindered the development. Initially, the lifetime cost to maintain the planes’ operational was projected to run $1.1 trillion, but with fleet operating years pushed into the late 2080s, that jumped to $1.58 trillion.
Even with cost-cutting measures, repair arrears and late replacement of parts keep many of the jets on the ground. The program is a gamble: pricey in the up-front costs today to be ready tomorrow.
Worldwide, the F-35 is a prestige and state-of-the-art capability. Participation in the program, though, is limited. Such nations as Saudi Arabia are wary of holdups and export bans, and alternatives are of appeal, such as the KAAN fighter that is being developed in Turkey.
Flight-capable for the first time in 2024, courtesy of BAE Systems, the KAAN also attracted the attention of nations seeking sooner delivery, fewer political obstacles, and local manufacturing options. These choices were more likely in the near future than long-term ventures such as the GCAP sixth-generation fighter. Even with difficulties, the F-35 is a standard for fifth-generation flight, which excels in stealth, situational awareness, and versatility.
Increased costs, modernization problems, and export restrictions are opportunities for competitors, but nations keep looking for advanced airpower with a focus on speed, efficiency, and versatility. The F-35 is not the final chapter in the air war saga, but it has set the bar high—and with new players lining up, the competition for air dominance is just heating up.