Can You Guess Which Country is Ordering the Most F-35 Lightning Jets?

The original fighter jet dates back to the first World War. In the face of overwhelming conflict, America recognized the value of taking to the air to fight. During this time, planes advanced as designers learned more about aerodynamics and the necessary capabilities these jets needed to survive and battle the enemy effectively. By the time WWII came along, jets were a major part of the American war strategy. The P-51 Mustang was an excellent example of a primary World War II fighter jet. Over the ensuing decades, fighter jets have continued to evolve, becoming faster and featuring top level technology.

Fighter jets don’t just take to the skies with weapons; they are equipped with incredible features and have the ability to perform complex maneuvers. Due to high tech weaponry, such as advanced missiles, they are capable of attacking from the air. Additionally, they regularly engage in a variety of missions, including combat and reconnaissance. Perhaps the most technologically advanced aspect of these planes is their radar systems, allowing them to know precisely their surroundings, as well as their ability to operate undetected.

One of the modern world’s most advanced fighter jets is the F-35 Lightning II. This Lockheed Martin- made stealth fighter plane is currently in its fifth generation. This incredible craft actually has three separate designs relating to landing and take-off. The F-35A is built for conventional runways, the F-35B is designed for vertical landings as well as short takeoffs, and the F-35C is meant for carrier vessels. Due to the advanced capabilities and well-designed features of F-35 Lightning Jets, it is no surprise they are in demand in multiple nations across the globe.

To identify which countries are buying the most F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the 2024 World Air Forces report from FlightGlobal, an aviation and aerospace industry publication. We ranked these countries based on the number of F-35 jets each country has on order. We also included supplementary information about the number of active F-35s in each country’s fleet, the specific military branches that will be using these aircraft, and which variants of the F-35 (F-35A, F-35B, or F-35C) are on order or already in active service.

Why Talk F-35 Lightning II Fighter Jets?

When evaluating the many variations of fighter jets across the planet today, the F-35 Lightning II comes out on top in multiple ways. It is widely known as the most advanced fighter jet. Capable of taking on an assortment of missions, the F-35 Lightning is indispensable to nations with an eye toward security. Knowing which countries prioritize this jet will teach us a great deal about their militaries overall.