F-35B Archives

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

F-35D: The Ferrari Super F-35 with NGAD 6th Generation Fighter DNA

Key Points and Summary – The “F-35D” is not an official aircraft but a catch-all name for various proposed upgrades. -Past concepts included a...

Reuben JohnsonOctober 14, 2025

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II resumes a combat air patrol after aerial refueling with a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Sept. 19, 2025. More than a fighter jet, the F-35’s ability to collect, analyze and share data, is a powerful force multiplier that enhances all airborne, surface and ground-based assets in the battlespace. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keegan Putman)

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

America’s F-35 Stealth Fighter Simply Summed Up In Just 1 Word

Key Points and Summary – The F-35 is the world’s top fighter because it delivers where modern wars are won: information, reach, and teamwork....

Harry J. KazianisOctober 12, 2025

(Aug. 07, 2024) An F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 at Yuma, Ariz., taxis after landing at Naval Air Station Jacksonville as part of the aircraft’s temporary transfer to Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE). The jet is the first F-35 ever inducted into the depot and is part of a readiness improvement initiative to support corrosion mitigation efforts for the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC). (U.S. Navy photo by Toiete Jackson/Released)

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

China Is Freaked: Japan Now Has Aircraft Carriers Armed with F-35B Stealth Fighters

Key Point – Japan reworked two “helicopter destroyers” into F-35B–capable flattops, threading the needle between Article 9 constraints and rising Chinese pressure. Here’s how...

Christian OrrOctober 9, 2025

A joint team consisting of F-35 Patuxent River Integrated Test Force flight test members, U.S. Sailors and Marines, and the crew of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Izumo-class multi-functional destroyer JS Kaga (DDH-184) are executing developmental sea trials in the eastern Pacific Ocean to gather the necessary data to certify F-35B Lightning II short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft operations. While aboard the MSDF’s largest ship, the Pax ITF flight test team has been gathering compatibility data for analysis in order to make recommendations for future F-35B operational envelopes, further enhancing the Japanese navy's capabilities. The results of the testing will contribute to improved interoperability between Japan and the United States, strengthening the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. alliance and contributing to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Japan is an F-35 Joint Program Office foreign military sales customer planning to purchase 42 F-35Bs. The F-35 Joint Program Office continues to develop, produce, and sustain the F-35 Air System to fulfill its mandate to deliver a capable, available, and affordable air system with fifth-generation capabilities.

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

The F-35 Stealth Fighter Needs a Big Update. The Problem: That Will Be 5 Years Late

Key Points and Summary: A new GAO report says the F-35’s Block 4 modernization is at least five years late and $6B over estimates....

Caleb LarsonSeptember 21, 2025

Thirteen U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), are staged aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) as part of routine training in the eastern Pacific, Oct. 8, 2019. Integrating 3rd MAW’s combat power and capabilities while conducting realistic training is essential to generate readiness and lethality in our units. (U.S. Marine Corps photo illustration by Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

The U.S. Military Has ‘Mini Aircraft Carriers’ with F-35s: Meet the America-Class Assault Ship

Key Points and Summary – America-class LHAs are the Navy’s largest amphibs and “lightning carriers” for USMC F-35B STOVL jets. -Flight 0 ships—USS America...

Christian OrrSeptember 20, 2025

Military Hardware: Tanks, Bombers, Submarines and More

Wasp-Class Assault Ship: The U.S. Military’s ‘Secret’ Mini-Aircraft Carrier

Key Points and Summary (Published On 9/19/2025 10:59 AM) – The eight-ship Wasp-class landing helicopter dock (LHD) succeeded Tarawa as the Navy–Marine Corps sea...

Christian OrrSeptember 19, 2025