Video: What Is the F-35? The Stealth Fighter Explained in 80 Seconds
The F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation stealth fighter built by Lockheed Martin and the most expensive weapons program in history. In our latest DefenseandTech video, we explain in 80 seconds what the F-35 is, how its three versions differ, what it can do and why Türkiye was removed from the program.
F-35 at a Glance
- Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
- Role: Fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter
- Top speed: Mach 1.6
- Combat radius: more than 1,000 km (F-35A)
- Weapons: carried in internal bays to preserve stealth, with external pylons when stealth is not required
- Deliveries: more than 1,300 aircraft; nearly 20 countries fly it or have ordered it
- Estimated lifetime program cost: over $2 trillion, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office
Three Versions for Three Jobs
The F-35A is the conventional takeoff and landing version flown by most air forces, including the U.S. Air Force. The F-35B can take off from short runways and land vertically, which lets it operate from amphibious ships and smaller carriers such as the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth class. The F-35C has larger, folding wings and a strengthened landing gear for catapult launches and arrested landings on U.S. Navy aircraft carriers.
Why Türkiye Was Removed From the F-35 Program
Türkiye was a partner nation in the F-35 program, with Turkish industry producing parts for the jet and the Turkish Air Force planning to buy around 100 aircraft. After Ankara took delivery of the Russian S-400 air defense system in 2019, Washington removed Türkiye from the program, arguing that operating the S-400 alongside the F-35 could expose the stealth fighter’s capabilities. The United States later imposed CAATSA sanctions on Türkiye’s defense procurement agency in December 2020.
Read More
For the full story of the jet, including its history, engine, sensors and operators, read our in-depth guide: What Is the F-35? The Stealth Fighter Explained. You can also watch more short explainers on the DefenseandTech YouTube channel.
FAQ
What is the F-35?
The F-35 Lightning II is a single-engine, fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter built by Lockheed Martin for the United States and its allies.
What are the F-35A, F-35B and F-35C?
The F-35A is the conventional version, the F-35B is the short takeoff and vertical landing version, and the F-35C is the carrier version.
How fast is the F-35?
The F-35 has a top speed of Mach 1.6.
Why is Türkiye not in the F-35 program?
The United States removed Türkiye from the program in 2019 after it bought the Russian S-400 air defense system.
Sources
- Lockheed Martin, F-35 Lightning II program data
- U.S. Department of Defense, F-35 Joint Program Office
- U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), F-35 sustainment cost reports
- U.S. Department of State, CAATSA sanctions on Türkiye’s Presidency of Defense Industries, December 2020
