A significant distinction of the F-35 is its stealth capability. While other fighters such as the F-15EX may excel in speed or payload, stealth features are considered essential for modern battlefields where detecting adversaries first can be decisive. Earlier fifth-generation platforms like the F-22 Raptor were produced in much smaller numbers—fewer than 200 units—which increased their cost per plane to over $150 million initially and an estimated lifetime cost of up to $350 million each.
The F-35 benefits from an open architecture and modular design that allows easier upgrades and simpler maintenance compared to predecessors like the F-22 or Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit. Its software and hardware can be updated rapidly across all deployed units worldwide.
Prices vary by variant: the base model F-35A is least complex; the vertical take-off capable F-35B is most complex; while the carrier-based F-35C falls in between with reinforced landing gear and larger wings.
When compared with fourth-generation fighters still in production, such as France’s Dassault Rafale ($131 million per unit) or Europe’s Eurofighter Typhoon ($117 million), Defense Express notes that “the more capable F-35 is 30–40% less expensive than fighters of the previous generation.”
International participation has played a major role in keeping costs down. The original JSF partners included countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Turkey, and Australia; more have since joined. Broad participation ensures continuous production levels and supply chain efficiency.
Production involves numerous international suppliers: Lockheed Martin leads assembly with BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman providing fuselage components; Raytheon/RTX supplies radar systems; Leonardo produces cockpit glass along with avionics; nearly 1,650 vendors contribute globally according to program data. Lockheed Martin states that approximately 1,900 technology suppliers are involved overall—including around 1,000 small businesses—and estimates an annual economic impact worth $72 billion supporting about 300,000 jobs.
Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works division has a long history of innovative military aviation projects dating back to WWII-era designs like the P-38 Lightning through Cold War icons including U-2 Dragon Lady and SR-71 Blackbird. The team also developed earlier stealth aircraft such as the F‑117 Nighthawk before advancing to today’s fifth-generation platforms like the F‑22 Raptor and now the widely adopted F‑35 Lightning II.
Design improvements on durability aim to reduce maintenance demands seen with previous stealth models—the radar absorbent materials used on earlier generations required costly upkeep which new materials on current jets are expected to mitigate.
The latest modernization phase for all three variants—known as Technology Refresh iteration TR‑3—is set for release soon after delays. It will accompany approximately 75 upgrades under Block 4 enhancements planned by Lockheed Martin.
According to program officials: “Keeping the price tag low empowers the US and its allies to field an unrivaled shield of air defense.” They add: “Sharing a common airframe across services and borders helps protect every nation in the global fleet.”
The broad adoption of this joint platform supports both operational effectiveness for participating militaries as well as ongoing economic growth through workforce development across partner nations.
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