// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
F-35
The F-35 is a family of advanced, stealthy fighter jets developed by the United States that can perform multiple types of missions, from air-to-air combat to ground attack.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation, single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole combat aircraft designed for air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance, developed under the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program for the U.S. and its allies.
BACKGROUND
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is an American family of single-seat, single-engine, supersonic stealth strike fighters. A multirole combat aircraft designed for air superiority and strike missions, it also has electronic warfare and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor, with partners Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. The aircraft has three main variants: the conventional takeoff and landing F-35A, the short take-off and vertical-landing F-35B, and the catapult-assisted take-off but arrested recovery F-35C. With 883 aircraft in service as of 2025, it is the world's fourth-most-numerous military aircraft, and most-numerous stealth aircraft.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Joint Strike Fighter
- JSF
- Lightning II
- F-35A
- F-35B
- F-35C
USAGE NOTE
The F-35 is a cornerstone of modern air forces for several NATO and allied nations, intended to replace older fighter fleets.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to F-35.
Prime contractor and lead developer for the F-35 Lightning II program, responsible for overall aircraft design, integration, and final assembly.
Developer and manufacturer of the F135 propulsion system, the sole engine for all three variants of the F-35.
Major partner on the F-35 program, responsible for designing and manufacturing the aft fuselage and horizontal and vertical tails, as well as providing various electronic warfare systems and life support equipment.
Major partner on the F-35 program, responsible for the aircraft's center fuselage, AN/APG-81 AESA radar, and other advanced avionics, communications, and sensor systems.
Involved in the F-35 program as a key industrial partner, conducting final assembly and check-out (FACO) for F-35 aircraft in Italy, and manufacturing various airframe components.
A major supplier for the F-35, providing numerous systems including landing gear, actuation, environmental control systems, and integrated utility management systems.
Supplies critical systems for the F-35, including the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), integrated power package, environmental control system, and various other avionics and controls.
Parent company of Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace, and also contributes directly with various sensors, communication systems, and potentially weapon integrations for the F-35 platform.