The F-35 Lightning II – also known as the Joint Strike Fighter – is a combination stealth bomber and fighter jet that promises to revolutionize the future of air combat. The aircraft is being designed and built by a consortium of aerospace and defense companies such as Lockheed Martin Corp., Northrop Grumann Corp. and BAE Systems.
The F-35 Lightning II aircraft brings new capability to the US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. It will also serve as a centerpiece for the leading international air forces. In addition to the United States, the F-35 program has eight other partners. Those partners include the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Australia, Norway, Denmark and Canada. Additionally, both Israel and Singapore have come aboard as security cooperative participants.
The F-35 will be produced in three variants, including a standard-take-off-and-landing version (A), a short-take-off-and-landing version (B) and a carrier variant (C) for use by the Navy. The F-35 will fly both suppression of enemy air defenses and destruction of enemy air defenses missions. Additionally, it will be tasked with counter-air, strategic attack, close air support and defensive counter-air missions. The US Air Force is expected to start taking delivery of F-35A aircraft in 2009, with planned deliveries continuing beyond 2025.
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