United States announces full rate production for F-35 Lightning II program.

The United States has announced that the F-35 Lightning II aircraft program has officially entered full-rate production. This milestone was confirmed on March 12, 2024, when Dr. William A. LaPlante, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, endorsed the Acquisition Decision Memorandum. This approval came after a thorough review by the Defense Acquisition Board (DAB), highlighting the program's readiness for expanded production.
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The United States has announced that the F-35 Lightning II aircraft program has officially entered full-rate production. (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)

Known for its versatility and advanced capabilities, the F-35 was scrutinized to ensure it met stringent operational, reliability, and support standards. The program's advancement to Milestone C / Full Rate Production (MSC/FRP) demonstrates its success meeting these criteria. This includes successful operational and live-fire testing, compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, and the development of a sustainable production and support strategy.

Dr. LaPlante hailed this development as a "major achievement," emphasizing the F-35's role in improving interoperability among US allies and contributing to the national defense strategy. According to LaPlante, the F-35 program is now well-positioned to more effectively meet the future demands of the US military, its partners, and Foreign Military Sales customers, such as Belgium.

The F-35 Lightning II, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a fifth-generation multi-role combat aircraft designed to meet the modern requirements of the US military and its allies. Derived from the X-35 prototype, it is one of the most expensive and technologically advanced weapons programs, with an initial investment of $406.5 billion in 2016 and a total projected cost exceeding one trillion dollars.

The F-35 program consists of three main variants tailored to the specific needs of different branches of the US military. The F-35A, designed for the US Air Force, was introduced into service in 2015, followed by the F-35B for the Marine Corps in 2016, and the F-35C for the Navy in 2019. While these aircraft share common design features, they are distinguished by their unique capabilities and configurations, particularly in takeoff and landing, to suit aircraft carriers or land bases.

Powered by a Pratt & Whitney F135 after-burning turbofan engine, the F-35 can reach a maximum speed of 1,700 km/h (Mach 1.6+), with an operational ceiling of 18,500 meters. Performance varies slightly among the models: the F-35A has the longest range, followed by the F-35C and F-35B. The aircraft is also designed to carry a significant payload of weapons, both internally to maintain stealth, and externally for missions requiring maximum firepower.

The F-35 stands out for its technological advancement, notably its integrated avionics suite that includes the AN/APG-81 radar and AN/AAQ-37 infrared sensor, providing the pilot unparalleled situational awareness. In addition to its combat capabilities, the aircraft is designed for reconnaissance and close air support missions, thanks to its GAU-22 25 mm cannon and the ability to carry up to 2,800 kg of armament in its internal bays, in addition to 6,800 kg on external pylons.

With over 990 units already delivered, the F-35 program continues to expand its presence among US forces, international partners, and Foreign Military Sales customers. The aircraft is celebrated for its multi-role functionality, encompassing air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions, all while offering unmatched stealth, sensor fusion, and interoperability features.