Source: TH
Context: At Aero India 2025, the F-35 Lightening II fighter jet gained attention after U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at a potential offer for India.
About F-35 Lightening II Fighter Jet:
- What is the F-35?
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- The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is a single-seat, single-engine stealth fighter designed for multi-role combat missions.
- It is classified as a Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) with advanced stealth, electronic warfare, and sensor fusion capabilities.
- Developed by:
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- Manufactured by Lockheed Martin under a U.S.-led multinational program.
- Variants:
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- F-35A – Conventional takeoff and landing (U.S. Air Force).
- F-35B – Short takeoff/vertical landing (U.S. Marine Corps).
- F-35C – Carrier-based operations (U.S. Navy & Marine Corps).
- Key Features & Specialties:
- Stealth Technology: Designed with radar-evading features, ensuring low observability in combat.
- Advanced Avionics: Uses sensor fusion and AI-driven systems for superior battlefield awareness.
- Supersonic Speed: Achieves Mach 1.6 (1,960 km/h) while maintaining stealth capabilities.
- Network-Centric Warfare: Shares real-time tactical data with ground, naval, and aerial forces.
- Combat Proven: Operated by multiple NATO allies, expected to remain in service until 2080s.
- High Cost: Costs over $100 million per unit, with lifetime operational costs exceeding $2 trillion.
