The Global Politics of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter

Reuben A. Upper Sixth

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, also known as the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, is a fifth-generation, single-seat, single-engine, stealth-capable military aircraft that has been the subject of much debate and controversy in the global political arena.

The F-35 program was first initiated in the 1990s to replace ageing fighter jets in the United States and its allies’ military arsenals. The program was intended to create a multirole aircraft that could perform a variety of missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The program, however, quickly ran into numerous issues, including cost overruns, technical difficulties, and delays. Despite these setbacks, the F-35 has been procured by many countries around the world and is now in active service. One of the main controversies surrounding the F-35 program is cost. The program had been plagued by cost overruns, with the estimated cost of the program ballooning to over $1.5 trillion dollars. This has led to criticism from many quarters, with some arguing that the money could be better spent on other programs, or social services. Despite the high cost, supporters of the F-35 argue that the aircraft is a necessary investment in national security and that it will provide a decisive military advantage in any future conflicts.

Another major controversy surrounding the F-35 program has been the participation of foreign countries in the program. The United States has traditionally been very protective of its military technology and has been reluctant to share it with other countries. However, in the case of the F-35 program, the United States has allowed several other countries to participate in the program and even buy the aircraft. This has led to concerns that the technology could be stolen, or reverse-engineered by foreign adversaries. Supporters argue that the participation of foreign countries in the program has helped to reduce the cost of the aircraft and that the aircraft will help to ensure the strength of the military forces of the United States and its allies.

The F-35 has also been a source of political tension between the United States and some of its allies. Turkey, a member of the NATO alliance, was originally a partner in the program but was kicked out after they procured a Russian air-defence system. Similarly, Canada has been criticized for delays in the procurement of the F-35 and other countries have also been vocal about their desire to investigate other options.

In conclusion, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is a highly controversial program that has been the subject of much debate and political wrangling in the global arena. The program has suffered cost overruns, technical difficulties, and delays, and has led to a number of political controversies, including the participation of foreign countries, the protection of sensitive technology, and tensions between the United States and its allies. Despite these issues, the F-35 is considered a critical investment in national security by many and continues to be procured by countries around the world.