The F-35 is the most advanced fighter jet the United States has ever built, and one of the most debated. As President Trump moves forward with a sale to Saudi Arabia, the jet’s power, price, and geopolitical impact are back in the spotlight. Here are six key things professionals should know.
1. The F-35 Is America’s most advanced stealth Jet
Built by Lockheed Martin, the F-35 Lightning II is designed to avoid radar detection, strike targets before being seen, and give pilots a full 360-degree view of the battlespace. It’s widely considered the most capable U.S. fighter ever built.
2. More than 1,200 jets have already been delivered
Since the first F-35 rolled out nearly 20 years ago, over 1,200 jets have entered service for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and 19 partner nations. Lockheed says the program supports nearly 300,000 U.S. jobs across 49 states and Puerto Rico.
3. It is the most Expensive Pentagon program in history
Each jet costs up to $77 million, and the full life-cycle cost for the planned 2,470-jet fleet is projected to exceed $2 trillion over 77 years. The program has long faced delays, overruns, supply issues, and readiness challenges.
4. The Jet has proven itself in combat
The F-35 has been used in Afghanistan, in NATO missions against Russian aircraft near Estonian airspace, and most recently by Israel in its June conflict with Iran. Its stealth, radar, and sensor fusion allow pilots to detect threats long before being detected.
5. Critics say it is overpriced and hard to maintain
Analysts warn the jet’s stealth coating, sensor systems, and maintenance demands reduce its mission-ready rate, at only 55% in 2023. Some experts argue it does “many things well but nothing great,” raising concerns about long-term reliability.
6. Supporters call it essential for modern warfare
Backers say the F-35’s ability to gather, process, and share real-time data with other aircraft and ground forces offers unmatched battlefield awareness. Lockheed argues the jet’s 1 million flight hours and global adoption prove it is central to air power for the next generation.
Read more on Trump moves to approve F-35 jets sale to Saudi Arabia
