5th Gen Capabilities

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Unrivaled Capabilities

 

The F-35 redefines air dominance, delivering an unrivaled advantage to America and its allies. As a decisive force multiplier, it stands as the most advanced and connected fighter jet in the world — increasing pilot survivability and ensuring the U.S. and allied nations stay ahead of every threat.

Enabling Joint All Domain Operations
  • Sensor Fusion Connects Systems

  • Multirole Capabilities

  • Unmatched Data Sharing
Delivering Unmatched
Cost-Per-Effect 
  • Lowest Total Cost to Achieve Mission Result

  • Allied Partnerships Further Reduce Costs
 
Evolving for
Tomorrow’s Threats
  • Enhanced Electronic Warfare

  • Piloted and drone teaming
  • Advanced Sensors 
  • 5th Gen Weapons Capability,
    including JASSM and LRASM

 

 
F35.com Q&A

A. Block 4 upgrades are bringing quantum leaps in capability to the combat-proven F-35.

Block 4 modernization – over 75 major upgrades for all three F-35 variants – is the most significant evolution of F-35 capabilities to date, including increased missile capacity, advanced electronic warfare capabilities, improved target recognition and other, classified capabilities.

Block 4 capability upgrades benefit all nations operating the F-35.

A. The F-35 can reach speeds of up to Mach 1.6, or about 1,200 miles per hour.

Speed is just one piece of the puzzle; what truly sets the F-35 apart is its ability to gather, process and securely share information in real time across domains and allied forces.

Combined with its stealth design, this makes the F-35 not just a fast jet—but a force multiplier that enhances situational awareness, survivability, and mission success in contested environments.

A. The F-35 ensures mission success in complex environments by doing what no other fighter can—seeing more, sharing more, and surviving longer.

Its unmatched stealth allows it to fly undetected in contested airspace, while its advanced sensors and data fusion give pilots a 360-degree view of the battlespace.

That information doesn’t just stay in the cockpit—it’s shared across land, sea, and air forces, keeping the entire joint force connected and coordinated.

Whether it’s leading the first wave in high-threat areas or supporting allied forces in dynamic missions, the F-35 is built to conduct missions others can’t.

F-35s, uncrewed aircraft, artificial intelligence and more are needed to ensure American and allied air dominance.

A. The F-35 is designed to evolve. Through continuous modernization, the aircraft is receiving cutting-edge upgrades that ensure it stays ahead of emerging threats.

From enhanced computing power and upgraded sensors to new weapons integration and advanced electronic warfare systems, each improvement delivers a leap in capability.

Piloted fighter jets like the F-35 remain essential for maintaining air superiority by sharing information and connecting assets in complex battlespaces.

Lockheed Martin continues to work on new technologies that further enhance F-35 operations with drones – today and over the horizon.

F-35s, uncrewed aircraft, artificial intelligence and more are needed to ensure American and allied air dominance.

A. The F-35 stands in a class of its own. Unlike other modern fighter jets, it combines stealth, speed, advanced sensors and unmatched connectivity—all in one platform.

It doesn’t just detect threats earlier; it also shares that information seamlessly with allies across the battlespace, acting as a force multiplier. While 4th generation jets rely on external pods and visible weapons, the F-35 can carry its payload internally, preserving its stealth edge.

The F-35 delivers 5th Generation dominance that others simply can’t match.




F-35 Capabilities: Stealth

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F-35 Capabilities: Sensor Fusion

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F-35 Capabilities: Multirole Fighter

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