The global F-35 programme has reached over 1,000 aircraft in 19 nations.
According to its builders, the F-35 has become a central component of 21st-century Security. Its advanced, interoperable capabilities “strengthen deterrence and enhance military cooperation among allied nations”.
The programme’s expansion is expected to continue, with more F-35s set to be delivered in the coming years.
The aircraft has had a profound impact on NATO’s deterrence and interoperability in Europe, where operators have praised its capabilities. Additionally, in the Indo-Pacific region, the F-35 has become the “fighter-of-choice” Lockheed are keen to stress.
Central to the success of the F-35 programme is the dedicated workforce responsible for producing, delivering, and sustaining these advanced 5th-generation fighters. Lockheed Martin, the primary contractor, collaborates with 1,650 high-tech suppliers worldwide to deliver F-35 capabilities to the United States and its allies.
One notable contribution to the programme comes from BAE Systems, which recently achieved a significant milestone of its own by delivering the 1,000th rear fuselage for the F-35. Manufactured at BAE Systems’ facilities in Samlesbury, Lancashire, the rear fuselage is a critical component of every F-35 in the global fleet.
Supported by over 1,500 employees, BAE Systems has been supplying these fuselages since the first delivery in 2005.
Cliff Robson, Group Managing Director of BAE Systems Air, highlighted the importance of this achievement: “This is a significant moment for everyone involved in the programme and a testament to the highly-skilled workforce we have in the North West of England. Our role on the F-35 programme is another example of how we make a substantial contribution to the local and national UK economy and help to deliver capability which is critical for national security.”
Bridget Lauderdale, Lockheed Martin Vice President and General Manager of the F-35 programme, noted: “The F-35 programme powers economic growth and prosperity for the UK, injecting approximately £41 billion into the UK economy and supporting more than 20,000 jobs in the UK supply chain, many of those based in the North West. With more than 500 companies in our UK supply chain, we’re proud of the role that our partnership with BAE Systems has in delivering the world’s most advanced aircraft for the UK and 17 other allied nations.”
Unfortunately the F35 still struggles to do the basics. Too much has been delayed till the ever elusive Block IV, while ignoring basic munition integration. There are 20 year old fighters with far superior weapons. The argument that it needs higher spec hardware is true of sensors, but not for most weapons. Currently F35 does not support a single AShM or basic land attack cruise missile, yet most front line fighters out there support multiple already integrated (not to mention 30 year old MPA’s with Harpoon). Even Indian Jaguar fighters can fire air launched Harpoon. That not to say it needs to be able to support everything, but it needs to be able to support more than than a F5.
1,000 in service dude
Yes it says so in the article…
1000 in service. That is amazing!
Whenever good news about F-35 posted, the usual suspects immediately counter with out of date or inaccurate rubbish i.e. Knee jerks from the Putin fans.
Mostly true and yet LM can’t make them fast enough to keep up with the counties wanting to buy them.
Arguably the F35 doesn’t need the more advanced stand off weapons due to its low radar cross section as it can get in closer. An F35 with AMRAAM is far more deadly than a Typhoon with meteor. However as its LO capability becomes compromised it will require more advanced stand off weapons like SPEAR which is why we see such weapons in block IV but the exclusion of an anti ship missile in the earlier blocks certainly seems like a massive mistake.
F35 was actually marketed against Typhoon by saying that F35 didn’t need expensive stand off weapons like Storm Shadow, the cheap last generation weapons like Paveway and JDAM were seen as a feature rather than a bug.
It always needed reach. For that it needs stand off weapons. Combat radius of the F-35A is around 600 miles (400 for the B) ,but if it launches a JASSM-XR that adds over an extra thousand miles of reach.
Essentially a reusable first stage booster for missiles?
SpaceX should move into Defence!
Yes but firing a JASSM cost $2 million and a JDAM cost $40k.
You have to get close with a JDAM. Do you want to risk a $160m aircraft & its pilot to a modern, high end SAM?
Hi John- curious as to how you arrived at $160 million per aircraft?.
FY25 budget request. The US wants to buy 13 F-35B for $2.092 billion. I make that $160.9 million each.
much obliged John. I note these are for B models, which are off course more expensive than the A model.
Even the F-35A is coming in at $140.4 million. A F-35C is $172.9m
Please tell us more.
Yes, but please check back circa 2030. The F-35 JPO will have an updated timeline for Block IV completion…🤔🙄
Being a tier one member of the programme is now reaping rewards. Just need the next batch of 27 actually ordering for the RAF/ FAA
Makes sense to order them when Block 4 is part of the build would it not?