I. Introduction
The F-35 is one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world and a critical piece of the US military’s arsenal. There has been a significant amount of interest in the current status of the US F-35 inventory, with people wondering how many of these advanced aircraft the country has. This article aims to answer this question by providing insights into the current status of the US F-35 inventory, its deployment, and manufacturing, as well as discussing its role in the US military’s broader strategy.
II. The Mighty F-35 Fleet – A Look at the Current Status of the US Inventory
The F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter jet built by Lockheed Martin. It is considered to be one of the most advanced aircraft of its kind in the world, with stealth capabilities, advanced sensors, and avionics. The F-35 is an essential piece of the US military’s arsenal, and its significance has only increased in recent years with the changing geopolitical environment.
Given its capabilities, the F-35 has been in demand worldwide, with over a dozen countries choosing to acquire it for their own militaries. However, the US remains the largest operator of the F-35, making it the primary focus of this article.
III. Counting the F-35s: How Many Does the US Really Have?
Counting the number of F-35 aircraft in the US inventory is not a straightforward task. The US military operates the F-35 in different variants, including the F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C. The F-35 also has multiple production lines in different locations, which further complicates the counting process.
As of June 2021, the US had a total of 409 F-35 aircraft in its inventory, according to the Department of Defense. Of these, the majority were F-35A variants, accounting for 306 aircraft, followed by 75 F-35Bs and 28 F-35Cs.
Compared to other countries, the US has a significantly larger F-35 inventory. Israel, the second-largest operator of the F-35, has 27 F-35s, less than one-tenth of the US inventory. The UK comes in third, with 21 F-35s.
IV. From Production to Deployment: Understanding the US F-35 Inventory
The production and deployment process of the F-35 is highly complex. Assembly lines for F-35 aircraft are located in four different countries – the US, Japan, Italy, and the UK. The program is managed by the Joint Program Office (JPO), which oversees the manufacturing and deployment of the aircraft across the globe.
The F-35 program follows a production process called Block Production, in which the manufacturing focuses on specific batches of aircraft, organized into blocks. As of 2021, 13 blocks of F-35 aircraft production have been planned, with Block 4 currently being developed.
Lockheed Martin is the primary contractor for the F-35 program, producing the aircraft’s airframe and mission systems. Additionally, other companies produce the aircraft’s engines, including Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney, and the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency.
V. The F-35 Acquisition: Tracking the Growth of the US Fleet
The F-35 program’s timeline goes back to 1997 when the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program was initiated. The US Department of Defense aimed to replace aging fighter jets such as the F-16, F/A-18, and AV-8B Harrier with a common aircraft that would suit the needs of various branches of the US military.
The acquisition program for the F-35 has been one of the costliest in US military history and has faced challenges throughout. As of 2021, the estimated cost for the entire F-35 program is around $1.7 trillion, including maintenance and operating costs.
Since 2007, the US has set an acquisition goal of 2,443 F-35 aircraft. However, there have been delays and challenges faced throughout the process that have impacted the acquisition program’s speed and effectiveness. Nevertheless, by 2021, the US authorities deemed the program sufficiently mature, with most technical and schedule issues resolved, and the aircraft combat-proven.
VI. Breaking Down the Numbers: A Comprehensive Guide to the US F-35 Inventory
The US F-35 inventory is spread across multiple branches of the US military, including the US Air Force, Navy, and Marines. The majority of the US F-35 inventory is currently with the Air Force, with 206 F-35A aircraft in service, followed by the Marines, with 75 F-35B’s, and the Navy, with 28 F-35Cs.
The Air Force operates F-35A variants from 15 different locations globally. These include bases in the continental US, as well as Alaska, Hawaii, and Europe. Additionally, the Marines operate F-35B variants, while the Navy operates the F-35C variants, primarily from aircraft carriers operating in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
VII. F-35s: In the Sky and on the Ground – A Deep Dive into the Current US Inventory
The F-35s have been involved in various missions and deployments since their introduction, showcasing their operational capabilities. The aircraft has been used in various roles across the US military, including ground support, air-to-air combat, and intelligence gathering.
Recent highlights in the F-35 program include the aircraft’s involvement in the US military’s bombing campaign against ISIS in Syria and Iraq. Additionally, the aircraft has been involved in deployment operations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Given the F-35’s advanced technology and capabilities, it requires specialized maintenance, which can be a challenge. Additionally, the aircraft has gone through several upgrades since it was initially put into service, with newer variants featuring advanced avionics and weapons systems.
VIII. The F-35: A Critical Piece of US Military Might – Analyzing the Numbers
The F-35 is a critical piece of the US military’s arsenal, enabling it to maintain air superiority in a changing geopolitical environment. With over 400 F-35s in its inventory, the US has a significant edge over other countries in the field. The aircraft’s advanced technology and capabilities also provide a technological edge in modern warfare scenarios.
However, the F-35 program has not been without its challenges, with significant delays and technical issues contributing to its high cost. Nevertheless, as it stands today, the F-35 is a capable and battle-proven aircraft that will continue to play a critical role in the US military’s strategy for the foreseeable future.
IX. References
1. https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/F-35-Program/
2. https://www.businessinsider.com/f35-fighter-jet-troubled-history-2018-2