A Lockheed Martin executive stated that the 5th Generation F-35 Lightning II will help meet the challenges of future forces across the range of military operations.

"The F-35 was designed to operate and survive in high-threat battlespace defined by advanced surface-to-air missile systems, and while outnumbered by top-of-the-line 4th generation fighters – a distinct probability for future combat scenarios faced by naval aviators," said Steve O'Bryan, vice president of Lockheed Martin F-35 Business Development.

"The F-35 will incorporate the most advanced net-enabled mission systems, sensor and communications suite ever fielded in a fighter aircraft. It will be a key node in the kind of information-collection and distribution networks so valuable to sea, land and air forces today and in the future."

Speaking Friday at a U.S. Navy League media luncheon at the Lockheed Martin Fighter Demonstration Center in Crystal City, Va., O'Bryan noted that, "The character of warfare isn't static – it isn't simply about lethality or a better sheaf of thunderbolts. In recent conflict we've seen wider distribution of forces and capabilities across more complex environments. This has highlighted the increased value of information exchange and collaboration – functions that the F-35 is designed to participate in and to enable."

The luncheon preceded the Navy League Sea Air Space Exposition in National Harbor, Md., May 4-6.

O'Bryan pointed to the pillars of the F-35 program – affordability, survivability, lethality and supportability – and highlighted the F-35's value proposition.

"As a 5th generation fighter, the F-35 is redefining the term 'multi-role fighter' by combining unprecedented situational awareness, net-enabled systems, sensor fusion, advanced sustainment, stealth and fighter performance in an affordable and supportable package. These next-generation capabilities will maintain the U.S. Navy as the premier sea force for decades to come.

"The key to affordability is the commonality of the tri-variant design of the F-35, with two interchangeable engines, a sustainment tool set and a common avionics system and air frame," O'Bryan said. "The F-35 provides 'best value' in a package that not only deters hostilities and ensures national sovereignty, but enhances interoperability among the services and allied nations.

"The F-35 will be flown by the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, as well as our closest allies. This, combined with the unmatched interoperability of the F-35, will be essential to link the 1,000-ship Navy and the 100-wing Air Force," O'Bryan added.

The F-35 is a supersonic, multi-role, 5th generation stealth fighter. Three F-35 variants derived from a common design, developed together and using the same sustainment infrastructure worldwide will replace at least 13 types of aircraft for 11 nations initially, making the Lightning II the most cost-effective fighter program in history.

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