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Exclusive: US Marines Prioritize F-35C Over F-35B Fighter Jet for Better Range and Interoperability.
On February 3, 2025, the United States Marine Corps released its 2025 aviation plan, introducing adjustments to its F-35 fighter acquisition program. One of the most notable changes concerns the distribution between the B and C variants of the F-35 Lightning II. The number of F-35Cs, designed for operations from U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, will be increased to 140 units, compared to the previously planned 67. Meanwhile, the procurement target for the F-35B, a short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant suited for expeditionary operations, will be reduced from 353 to 280 aircraft. This decision is based on strategic and operational requirements aimed at aligning Marine Corps capabilities with those of the U.S. Navy while considering budgetary and logistical constraints associated with operating both variants.

An F-35C Lightning aircraft lands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) during flight operations in 2021 (Picture source: US DoD)
The F-35B and F-35C share a common technological base but are optimized for different missions and environments. The F-35B, designed primarily for the Marine Corps and select allied forces, is distinguished by its ability to operate from amphibious assault ships, short runways, and austere bases, making it particularly suited for expeditionary missions. Its LiftFan, combined with a vectoring nozzle, enables short takeoff and vertical landing, providing unprecedented operational flexibility for forces deployed in remote areas.
The F-35C, on the other hand, is optimized for operations from U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. It features larger wings, enhancing lift and extending range, allowing for longer missions without refueling. Its reinforced landing gear and arrestor hook make it compatible with carrier catapults and arresting cables. With greater endurance and payload capacity, the F-35C is well-suited for air superiority and deep strike missions, ensuring seamless interoperability with the U.S. Navy’s carrier-based aviation.
Both variants feature an internal weapons bay designed for air-to-air and air-to-ground armaments, ensuring high versatility. However, the F-35C has a higher payload capacity, reaching 18,000 pounds of ordnance compared to 15,000 pounds for the F-35B. Both are equipped with advanced systems such as the AN/APG-81 AESA radar, the AN/ASQ-239 Barracuda electronic warfare suite, and the AN/AAQ-37 Distributed Aperture System (DAS), providing 360-degree situational awareness and threat detection.
The Marine Corps also plans to integrate Block 4 upgrades progressively, representing a significant modernization effort for the F-35 program. Expected enhancements include the integration of the APG-85 radar, the addition of a passive infrared search and track (IRST) system for advanced airborne threat detection, as well as updates to electronic countermeasures and the next-generation distributed vision system (NG-DAS). These improvements are critical for ensuring the F-35B and F-35C remain effective in contested environments and can counter emerging threats from adversary forces.
As part of its fleet modernization, the Marine Corps intends to equip its F-35B and F-35C with new precision-guided munitions. A major development is the integration of the GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB-II), set to enter service at the beginning of the 2025 fiscal year. This guided munition, designed to operate in adverse weather conditions, will enable pilots to engage multiple targets simultaneously with high accuracy. Additional armaments in the integration process include the AGM-88G AARGM-ER anti-radiation missile, the AGM-158 JASSM-ER and LRASM, and the AIM-9X Block II+, further enhancing the aircraft’s long-range strike and air-to-air engagement capabilities.
Another key change involves the Sidekick system, designed to increase the internal carriage capacity of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles on the F-35C. This system allows the aircraft to carry six missiles instead of four, improving its air combat capabilities. Initially planned for Lot 15 aircraft, the system appears to be in the process of integration or already operational, although potential delays could impact its full deployment.
The success of these upgrades depends on the integration of the TR-3 hardware suite, a crucial component for implementing the full Block 4 package. However, Lockheed Martin has encountered difficulties in certifying this software package within the planned timeframe, potentially leading to further delays in deploying the F-35’s new capabilities. If these challenges persist, they could temporarily limit the integration of advanced weaponry and systems, delaying the aircraft’s full operational potential.
This revision of the Marine Corps TACAIR Transition Plan reflects a strategic shift toward enhanced interoperability with the U.S. Navy, prioritizing a larger fleet of F-35Cs at the expense of the more maintenance-intensive F-35B. While the F-35B remains essential for expeditionary operations and amphibious ship deployments, its more complex maintenance requirements and shorter range have led to a reduction in planned procurement numbers.
The increased adoption of the F-35C aligns with the U.S. Navy’s carrier strike group strategy, facilitating closer integration between embarked aviation forces and enhancing joint power projection capabilities. As Block 4 improvements gradually come online, the Marine Corps aims to modernize its fleet to address emerging threats while ensuring sustained operational effectiveness and enhanced strike capabilities.
Nevertheless, despite these technological and strategic developments, uncertainties remain regarding the timeline for implementing new systems and weapons, primarily due to the technical challenges associated with certifying the F-35’s advanced capabilities. The success of this transition will depend on the program’s ability to overcome these obstacles and deliver a fully operational aircraft optimized for future conflicts.