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F-35S Fighter Jet

F-35S Fighter Jet

Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
Category: Fighter Jets
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Generation 5th
Maximum Speed Mach 1.6
No. of Engines 1
Radar Range 150+ miles

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	F-35S Stealth Strike Fighter Jet
Manufacturer	Lockheed Martin
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	Multirole Stealth Fighter
Generation	Fifth
Status	In Service
First Flight	2006 (F-35 Series)
Introduction / In Service Since	2015
Number Built	1,000+ (All F-35 variants)
Operators	United States, UK, Japan, Italy, Israel, Australia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia

Dimensions & Structure

Length	51.4 ft (15.7 m)
Wingspan	35 ft (10.7 m)
Height	14.4 ft (4.38 m)
Wing Area	460 sq ft (42.7 m²)
Empty Weight	29,300 lb (13,290 kg)
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	70,000 lb (31,800 kg)
Internal Weapons Bay	2 bays
External Hardpoints	6

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 1.6 (1,200 mph / 1,930 km/h)
Range	1,380 miles (2,220 km)
Combat Radius	670 miles (1,080 km)
Service Ceiling	50,000 ft (15,200 m)
Rate of Climb	45,000 ft/min
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	1.07
G Limits	+9 / -3 g

Powerplant

Engine Type	Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100
No. of Engines	1
Thrust (each)	43,000 lbf (191 kN) with afterburner
Thrust Vectoring	Yes
Fuel Capacity	18,000 lb (8,165 kg) internal

Armament

Gun	GAU-22/A 25mm cannon
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X Sidewinder
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	AGM-154 JSOW, AGM-158 JASSM
Bombs	JDAM, Paveway II/III, SDB I/II
Hardpoints	6 external + 2 internal
Payload Capacity	18,000 lb (8,160 kg)

Avionics & Systems

Radar	AN/APG-81 AESA Radar
Radar Range	150+ miles
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	AN/ASQ-239
Targeting System	Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS)
Helmet Display	HMDS Gen III
Navigation	GPS/INS, terrain-following
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Yes (mission-level AI)
Communication	MADL, Link-16, SATCOM

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	0.005 m² (estimated)
Stealth Features	Shaped fuselage, RAM coating
Infrared Signature Reduction	Yes
Sensor Fusion	Fully integrated
Networking Capabilities	Advanced multi-node data link

Variants

Special Export Versions

F-35I (Israel), F-35A (Japan), etc.

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Middle East, Indo-Pacific
Notable Operators	U.S. Navy, UK Royal Navy
Combat Proven?	Yes
Mission Types	Air superiority, strike, ISR, SEAD, EW

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	$94–110 million
Development Cost	$1.5 trillion (lifetime program)
Program Name	Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)
Funding Countries	USA, UK, Italy, Japan, Australia, Canada, Norway, Netherlands, Denmark

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Block 4 software, new EW suite
Future Replacement	NGAD (Next Gen Air Dominance)
Export Restrictions	Yes (FMS only)
Notable Achievements	Widest global stealth fighter fleet
Competitors	Su-57, J-20, GCAP

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Firepower 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Advanced stealth and low radar cross-section
Superior situational awareness through sensor fusion
Capable of both air superiority and ground strike missions
Integrated network and data-sharing capabilities
High survivability in contested airspace

CONS

High operational and maintenance costs
Complex logistics and software dependency
Limited internal weapon bay space
Requires advanced pilot training and support infrastructure
Export restrictions to select nations

F-35S Stealth Strike Fighter Jet

The F-35S Stealth Strike Fighter Jet is a cutting-edge variant of the renowned F-35 Lightning II family, developed by Lockheed Martin to ensure dominance in 21st-century warfare. Tailored for next-generation air superiority and deep strike missions, the F-35S integrates stealth, precision, and network-centric warfare capabilities into one platform.

This fifth-generation fighter is designed to perform air-to-air, air-to-ground, and electronic warfare missions with unmatched versatility. Leveraging an advanced low-observable airframe, powerful AESA radar, and sensor fusion systems, the F-35S allows pilots to detect and engage threats long before being detected themselves. It is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F135 afterburning turbofan engine, delivering over 40,000 pounds of thrust and enabling speeds of Mach 1.6 with superior agility and range.

The jet’s Distributed Aperture System (DAS) and Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) give pilots complete situational awareness, while its helmet-mounted display (HMDS) provides real-time targeting and flight data directly in the pilot’s view. Designed for both conventional and carrier operations, the F-35S ensures flexible deployment in global missions, making it a key asset for U.S. and allied naval forces.

With stealth optimization, long-range strike ability, and advanced networking, the F-35S stands as one of the most sophisticated fighters ever produced — a platform engineered to maintain air dominance well into the mid-21st century.

F-35S Fighter Jet Price in US

The F-35S Stealth Fighter Jet costs approximately $94–110 million per unit, depending on configuration, variant, and production lot. Operational and upgrade costs are supported under the Joint Strike Fighter program, ensuring continuous modernization and fleet readiness across U.S. and allied air arms.

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