The F-35 Lightning II program has reached a major milestone with more than 1,000 aircraft delivered worldwide. Singapore is preparing to receive its first units, strengthening the global footprint of this multirole fighter jet. Explore orders, budgets, and strategic implications.
In summary
The F-35 Lightning II program, developed by Lockheed Martin, recently surpassed 1,000 deliveries worldwide. This announcement coincides with the imminent arrival of the first F-35s in Singapore, scheduled for late February 2026. To date, more than 3,500 aircraft have been ordered by 19 countries, with the United States leading the way with approximately 2,500 units. The total budget for the program is approximately $1.7 trillion, covering development, production, and maintenance. This fifth-generation aircraft incorporates advanced technologies such as stealth, sensor fusion, and multi-role capabilities, but it faces criticism over its cost and reliability. Singapore, which has ordered 12 F-35Bs, is thus strengthening its air defense in the face of regional tensions. This expansion underscores the strategic importance of the F-35 in international alliances, despite persistent delays and budget overruns.
The rapidly expanding F-35 Lightning II program
The F-35 Lightning II is one of the most ambitious military aviation programs in history. Designed as a fifth-generation multirole fighter aircraft, it incorporates technological advances that set it apart from its predecessors. Its stealth capabilities are based on a low-observability radar design, with absorbent materials and angular geometry that reduces its radar signature to less than 0.001 square meters in certain frequency bands. This feature allows for operations in contested environments without early detection.
The sensor fusion system is central. It compiles data from active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, infrared sensors, and electronic warfare systems in real time. The pilot has a 360-degree spherical view via the HMDS (Helmet-Mounted Display System), which projects information directly onto the visor. This integration speeds up tactical decisions, with a reaction time reduced by several seconds compared to fourth-generation aircraft such as the F-16.
There are three variants: the F-35A for conventional takeoff, the F-35B for short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL), and the F-35C for carrier operations. Each variant has adapted propulsion, with the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine providing 191 kN (43,000 lbf) of thrust with afterburner. These adaptations meet the specific needs of partner armed forces.
The milestone of 1,000 deliveries and its implications
The global F-35 fleet officially surpassed 1,000 aircraft delivered in January 2026, according to announcements by Lockheed Martin. This milestone marks an acceleration in production, from 141 units in 2023 to approximately 156 planned for 2026. Cumulative deliveries reached precisely 1,015 aircraft as of February 9, 2026, including models for testing and operations.
This progress reflects the program’s increased maturity, despite initial challenges. Delays have accumulated to more than 10 years behind the original schedule, but the current pace is stabilizing the supply chain. The Fort Worth, Texas, factories produce most of the aircraft, with final assembly lines in Italy and Japan for international partners.
Singapore is joining this circle with its first F-35Bs expected in late February 2026. The country signed up for 12 aircraft in 2020, with an option for eight more. This acquisition, valued at $2.75 billion (2.75 trillion USD), aims to replace aging F-16s. The F-35Bs offer flexibility for operations from limited bases, which is crucial in the Singaporean archipelago.
Global orders and major buyers
Total orders for the F-35 amount to more than 3,500 aircraft, as confirmed by reports from the US Government Accountability Office (GAO).
The United States dominates with approximately 2,456 orders, divided between the US Air Force (1,763 F-35As), the US Navy (273 F-35Cs), and the US Marine Corps (420 F-35Bs). This volume represents nearly 70% of the total, highlighting the program’s dependence on domestic demand.
Among allies, the United Kingdom ranks second with 138 aircraft ordered, followed by Australia (100), Italy (90), and Japan (147, including local assemblies). Israel has acquired 75, with specific modifications to integrate its national systems. South Korea (40) and the Netherlands (52) round out the major buyers.
Emerging countries are joining the program: Finland ordered 64 F-35As in 2021, Switzerland ordered 36 in 2022, and Greece is negotiating for 20 units. These orders total 1,043 aircraft for international partners, with deliveries scheduled to continue until 2040.
The program’s colossal budget and financial challenges
The total cost of the F-35 program is estimated at $1.7 trillion over its lifetime, according to Pentagon projections for 2026. This includes $428 billion for the development and acquisition of 2,456 US aircraft, plus $1.272 trillion for operations and maintenance through 2088.
The unit price has fallen: an F-35A now costs around $78 million, down from $94 million in 2018. The B and C variants remain more expensive, at $101 million and $94 million respectively. These reductions are the result of economies of scale, with contracts awarded in annual batches.
However, cost overruns persist. The GAO reports cost overruns of $183 billion since 2001, due to technical problems such as weaknesses in the ALIS (Autonomic Logistics Information System) software, which has been replaced by ODIN. Operating costs per flight hour reach $44,000, well above the initial target of $25,000.
Singapore illustrates these challenges: its $2.75 billion investment covers not only the aircraft, but also training and infrastructure, with an impact on its defense budget of $15 billion annually.
Key technologies and their strategic impact
The F-35’s stealth capabilities are based on a composite envelope that absorbs radar waves, coupled with active exhaust cooling to minimize its infrared signature. The AN/APG-81 radar detects targets at over 250 kilometers (155 miles), with a resolution capable of identifying ground vehicles.
The mission system integrates AI for threat management, analyzing up to 10 million lines of code. This enables simultaneous air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance missions. For example, in exercises, an F-35 neutralized 20 simulated targets in a single pass, demonstrating its superiority.
Strategically, the F-35 strengthens NATO alliances. European countries share data via secure networks, improving interoperability. However, vulnerabilities remain: reports highlight cyber flaws and a dependence on Chinese components, posing risks in the event of conflict.
Operational challenges and future prospects
Despite its advances, the F-35 faces frank criticism about its reliability. The operational availability rate has stagnated at 55%, far from the 80% target, due to frequent engine and avionics failures. In 2025, more than 800 aircraft were grounded for maintenance, according to the Pentagon.
International partners are expressing frustration. Australia has postponed deliveries until 2024 for additional testing, while Norway reports maintenance costs twice as high as expected. These problems are slowing expansion, but updates such as Block 4, scheduled for 2027, promise improvements in weaponry and computing power.
Singapore, in integrating the F-35, is anticipating these challenges. Its air force plans intensive training in the United States, with a $100 million investment in simulators. This pragmatic approach aims to maximize effectiveness from the outset.
The F-35 is redefining the geopolitical balance. Its deployment in the Asia-Pacific region, with Singapore as its new hub, is thwarting Chinese ambitions, which are developing their rival J-20. In the long term, the program could reach 4,000 aircraft, but only if costs stabilize and performance improves. Military decision-makers must weigh these investments against emerging threats such as drones and hypersonic technology, which could render piloted aircraft obsolete. This evolution forces a rethinking of the future of aerial warfare, where technology takes precedence over numbers.
Sources:
Lockheed Martin press release, January 2026.
U.S. Government Accountability Office report, F-35 Sustainment, 2025.
U.S. Department of Defense Selected Acquisition Report, December 2025.
Singapore Ministry of Defense announcement, 2020.
Congressional Research Service, F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program, updated February 2026.
Aviation Week & Space Technology article, “F-35 Deliveries Hit 1,000,” January 2026.
Defense News, “Singapore’s F-35 Arrival,” February 2026.
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