News
Choose Your Fighter: F-35A vs. F-35B
February 16, 2026
The F-35A and F-35B bring the same 5th Gen power to the fight — then apply it in very different ways. One is optimized for runways. The other is built to operate where airfields don’t exist.
Two variants. One dominant fighter.
The F-35A and F-35B bring the same 5th Gen power to the fight — then apply it in very different ways. One is optimized for runways. The other is built to operate where airfields don’t exist.
The big picture
Both jets share the same stealth, sensors and networked combat capability. That means pilots get identical situational awareness, data fusion and lethality — regardless of where they launch from.
F-35A: The conventional powerhouse
- Made for runways
- Optimized for speed, range and payload
- Ideal for sustained, high-end operations
Bottom line: The F-35A maximizes performance and efficiency to control the skies from established bases.
F-35B: The flexible game-changer
- Short takeoff and vertical landing capability
- Operates from austere locations, forward bases and short runways
- Brings 5th Gen power closer to the fight
Bottom line: The F-35B goes where others can’t, keeping airpower at the forefront when infrastructure is limited or under threat.
Winning choice
Different takeoffs. Same dominance. Whether launching from a runway or a forward operating base, the F-35 delivers unmatched awareness, survivability and deterrence.
As modern threats evolve, the strength of the F-35 lies in its flexibility. Multiple variants, one connected force and a shared mission: dominate the battlespace.
