How The F-35 Is Taking Place As The 2nd Most Common Fighter Jet In The World

Modern fighter jets are incredibly complicated machines, and multiple, seemingly contradictory things can be true at the same time. The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is taking its place as the world’s second most common frontline fighter jet. It now takes a leading role and was central in destroying Iran’s air defense in Israeli/US operations in 2024, 2025, and again in 2026. And yet, the F-35 remains an immature platform. The F-35 has yet to realize its full potential over 10 years after entering service.