F-35 “Lightning II” is a top-notch fighter jet produced by the United States, showcasing outstanding engineering and technology. This aircraft was manufactured by Lockheed Martin with assistance from BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman, taking to the skies in 2016. Being one of the latest fifth-generation fighter jets, the F-35 has been integrated into the fleets of multiple countries worldwide.
One of the standout features of the F-35 is its unparalleled capabilities, including stealth, maneuverability, and the ability to cruise at supersonic speeds without afterburners. Additionally, the F-35 boasts a versatile weapons payload capacity of up to 18,000 pounds.
The aircraft comes in three variants: F-35A (conventional), F-35B (STOVL, short takeoff and vertical landing), and F-35C (carrier-based). The cost of the F-35 varies by model, with the standard F-35A priced at around $110 million per aircraft; the F-35B, designed for short runway takeoff and vertical landing, is slightly more expensive at approximately $136 million per aircraft; and the carrier-specific F-35C costs about $117 million per aircraft.
Currently, 20 countries globally have either placed orders for or are already utilizing F-35 fighter jets, all of whom are allies of the United States, with countries like China and Russia, considered adversaries to the U.S., not able to acquire the F-35. Lockheed Martin produces approximately 150 F-35 jets each year.
The F-35 “Lightning II” is also capable of long-range detection, tracking, and engaging enemy systems, in addition to guiding friendly assets to attack various targets. Furthermore, it excels in executing a variety of mission types, including strategic strikes, air superiority, close air support, electronic warfare, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD), and destroying enemy air defense systems.
Representing the pinnacle of modern military aviation, the F-35 has become a crucial asset for many U.S. allied countries, enhancing their air defense capabilities and maintaining technological superiority over potential adversaries.
To determine the countries with the most F-35 “Lightning II” fighter jets, the website “24/7 Wall St.” reviewed the 2024 World Air Forces report published by aerospace publication FlightGlobal. The ranking is based on the number of F-35 fighter jets in each country’s military.
Here are the top ten countries with the highest number of F-35 fighter jets globally, with the United States undoubtedly taking the lead, followed surprisingly by Australia in second place.
Active F-35s: 553 aircraft
Ordered F-35s: 1,855 aircraft
Military branches: U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy
Variants: F-35A/B/C
Active F-35s: 63 aircraft
Ordered F-35s: 37 aircraft
Military branches: Royal Australian Air Force
Variant: F-35A
Active F-35s: 40 aircraft
Ordered F-35s: 25 aircraft
Military branches: Republic of Korea Air Force
Variant: F-35A
Active F-35s: 40 aircraft
Ordered F-35s: 12 aircraft
Military branches: Royal Norwegian Air Force
Variant: F-35A
Active F-35s: 39 aircraft
Ordered F-35s: 36 aircraft
Military branches: Israeli Air Force and Space Force
Variant: F-35I
Active F-35s: 36 aircraft
Ordered F-35s: 110 aircraft
Military branches: Japan Air Self-Defense Force
Variants: F-35A/B
Active F-35s: 34 aircraft
Ordered F-35s: 18 aircraft
Military branches: Royal Netherlands Air Force
Variant: F-35A
Active F-35s: 29 aircraft
Ordered F-35s: 105 aircraft
Military branches: Royal Air Force
Variant: F-35B
Active F-35s: 25 aircraft
Ordered F-35s: 65 aircraft
Military branches: Italian Air Force, Italian Navy
Variants: F-35A/B
Active F-35s: 10 aircraft
Ordered F-35s: 17 aircraft
Military branches: Royal Danish Air Force
Variant: F-35A