by Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow The F-35A Lightning II, assigned to the 134th Fighter Squadron, 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air, has been given the green light for full-rate production. This significant milestone was announced by U.S. Undersecretary of Defense, William LaPlante, who described it as a “major achievement” for the F-35 program. Interestingly, this announcement came just a day after the Air Force decided to reduce its 2025 purchases. While the aircraft is of course already in production, the formal transition to full-rate production necessitates a stable control over the aircraft manufacturing process, satisfactory performance and reliability, and the establishment of sufficient sustainment and support systems, as per the Department of Defense (DoD). While this is progress, it’s worth noting that it’s somewhat overdue. The DoD had initially planned to approve full F-35 production four years earlier. Air War 2050: 5th & 6th Gen Stealth Fighter Attacks to Continue Air War in 2050 - F-35 & 6th Gen Stealth Aircraft Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt, director and program executive officer for the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO), praised the improvements made in the multi-nation program over the last decade. He expressed enthusiasm about the program’s future, stating that “the Program and our great people can now focus on the future of the F-35 instead of the past.” The F-35’s history is extensive. It originated from the Lockheed Martin X-35, which outperformed Boeing’s X-32 in a flyoff to win the Joint Strike Fighter program in 2001. The aircraft’s development began in 2002, and it first took to the skies in 2006. The Marines (F-35B) began using it in 2015, followed by the Air Force (F-35A) in 2016, and the Navy (F-35C) in 2019. Initial production commenced in 2004, meaning it took two decades for the Lightning II to achieve full-rate production. Ellen M. Lord, the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, recently underscored the significance of the F-35s during a Pentagon briefing. She emphasized that these jets are set to be the mainstay of the U.S. and its allies' fifth-generation fleet for years to come. The procurement strategy, as outlined by Lord, involves a multi-lot acquisition—Lot 12 with 149 aircraft, Lot 13 with 160, and Lot 14 with 169, totaling a formidable 478 jets [https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/]. Lt. Gen. Eric T. Fick, Program Executive Officer and Director for the F-35 Lightning II Program at the F-35 Joint Program Office in Arlington, Virginia, provided a breakdown of the variants: 351 of the conventional takeoff and landing F-35A, 86 of the short takeoff/vertical landing F-35B for the Marine Corps, and 41 of the carrier-capable F-35C [https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/2002731/department-of-defense-press-briefing-by-under-secretary-of-defense-for-acquisit/]. This diversification ensures that the F-35 can operate across various branches of the military, adapting to different operational requirements with ease. The F-35's operational footprint is expanding, with approximately 440 units already serving across various nations, including the United States, Norway, Israel, Italy, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, and Japan. This growing fleet not only represents a formidable force but also a symbol of international defense collaboration. The Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II represents a significant leap forward in fighter jet technology. Its advanced features and capabilities ensure that it will remain a cornerstone of U.S. and allied air power for decades to come [https://archive.aoe.vt.edu/mason/Mason_f/F35ASpr11.pdf]. As the most advanced fighter jet in the world, the F-35A is evidence of innovation and the relentless pursuit of technological excellence. The F-35A is a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant, making it the most common variant of the F-35 family. The most interesting part of this F-35 variant includes its power-by-wire flight control system, hydraulic actuators, and an internally mounted 25mm cannon [https://archive.aoe.vt.edu/mason/Mason_f/F35ASpr11.pdf] with a Bismaleimide (BMI) and composite Epoxy material, which reduce galvanic corrosion to the skin [https://archive.aoe.vt.edu/mason/Mason_f/F35ASpr11.pdf]. Furthermore, the F-35A’s stealth features are equally significatn, with minimal joints and parallel surfaces, an integrated airframe, and an axisymmetric nozzle. Its engine, the Pratt & Whitney F-135 Turbofan, provides substantial thrust without requiring thrust vectoring or supercruise [https://archive.aoe.vt.edu/mason/Mason_f/F35ASpr11.pdf]. Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt, United States Air Force lieutenant general serving as director of the PEO F-35 Lightning Joint Program, has expressed enthusiasm about the F-35’s role in strengthening international partnerships, interoperability, and warfighting capability. He emphasized the importance of the aircraft as a deterrent against potential adversaries [https://archive.aoe.vt.edu/mason/Mason_f/F35ASpr11.pdf]. OLAWALE ABAIRE is a Warrior Editorial Fellow. He is also a researcher, writer and analyst who has written over 75 nonfiction books, He has master's degree in Biochemistry from Adekunle Ajasin University, Nigeria. He also works as a web content writer with the revered International Lean Six Sigma Institute, UK
