F-35 becomes backbone of allied airpower with over twenty nations expanding fleets

In terms of fleet size, the United States leads by a wide margin. The US Air Force plans to operate approximately 1,763 F‑35A aircraft. The US Marine Corps employs both the B and C variants to support amphibious assault ships and carrier operations respectively. Meanwhile, allied nations including Japan (with an order of 147 jets), the UK (60–80 jets planned), Australia (72 delivered), Italy (up to 115 ordered), Israel (~75 ordered), Norway (52 delivered), South Korea (~60 ordered), Denmark (27 ordered), and others continue to grow their fleets.

Operationally, US F‑35s are deployed globally: forward-based in Japan with Marine Corps squadrons operating STOVL B variants; carrier-capable C variants fly from naval vessels in key regions; A variants rotate through Europe amid ongoing security concerns.

Fleet size is only one aspect of capability. The interoperability enabled by shared data links and tactics allows allied forces to operate together as a distributed stealth network across NATO’s eastern flank or in Asia-Pacific theaters.

Japan stands out as America’s largest non-US customer with orders totaling 147 jets split between A and B variants—the latter intended for use from modified Izumo-class helicopter destroyers. “The first B‑variant aircraft were delivered in 2024,” according to program details cited in official sources.

The UK was a founding Tier 1 partner in the Joint Strike Fighter program and operates around 40 F‑35Bs jointly between its Royal Air Force and Royal Navy units aboard Queen Elizabeth-class carriers. Official procurement plans include up to 74 total B variants with future consideration reportedly being given to acquiring additional A models for NATO nuclear strike requirements.

Other operators have tailored their fleets based on regional needs:

- Israel’s ~75 “Adir” models feature extensive local modifications.

- Australia’s full complement of 72 A variants supports long-range Indo-Pacific deterrence.

- South Korea uses its growing fleet primarily for peninsula defense.

- Italy operates both A and B types across air force and navy units; it also hosts Europe’s main assembly facility at Cameri.

Some countries face internal debates over procurement choices—for example Germany has committed to buying 35 A models but faces domestic calls for European alternatives due to sovereignty concerns.

Despite increasing adoption rates worldwide, challenges remain within the program: delays related to Technology Refresh 3 upgrades paused some deliveries while services like the US Marine Corps adjusted their variant mix toward more carrier-capable C models reflecting evolving mission priorities.

Looking ahead, further upgrades via Block 4 standards will enhance sensors, software integration, datalinks, weapons compatibility—and as more countries complete deliveries they join what is described as a “distributed stealth network.”

Ultimately, widespread deployment of all three versions—conventional takeoff/landing A model; STOVL B model; carrier-capable C model—gives allies flexibility depending on geography or mission type while strengthening coalition deterrence capabilities amid rising geopolitical tensions.