A U.S. Navy F-35C test jet with a mirror-like coating. U.S. Navy
Lockheed Martin is rebranding its F-35 Lightning II as an essential transitional asset, or “bridging fighter,” to facilitate the U.S. Air Force’s transition into the sixth-generation era, exemplified by the forthcoming F-47. In the company’s second-quarter earnings call, CEO Jim Taiclet outlined plans to retrofit the F-35 with technologies originally developed for Lockheed’s unsuccessful Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative.
The F-35 Remains Integral to U.S. Air Power
Despite losing the NGAD contract to Boeing, Lockheed Martin remains committed to its flagship fighter aircraft. Taiclet reaffirmed the F-35′s ongoing significance, particularly after its notable involvement in “Operation Midnight Hammer,” a recent U.S. airstrike aimed at nuclear facilities in Iran. During this operation, the F-35 and F-22 achieved essential air superiority and neutralized enemy defenses, functioning covertly in contested airspace.
Increase in F-35 Deliveries During TR-3 Recovery
Lockheed delivered 50 F-35s in the second quarter, resulting in a total of 97 for 2025. Since the resumption of deliveries last year after the delays associated with Tech Refresh 3 (TR-3), 207 jets have been delivered. The company anticipates delivering between 170 and 190 units this year, indicating a robust recovery and increase in production.
Subsequent Stage: Fifth-Generation-Plus Fighter
Taiclet presented the notion of a “fifth-generation-plus” F-35. Lockheed intends to provide up to 80% of sixth-generation capability at 50% of the unit cost, utilizing the current airframe. These enhancements will likely encompass enhanced stealth capabilities, advanced electronic warfare systems, and upgraded communication networks.
Enhanced Orchestration and Interoperability
Lockheed emphasized the F-35’s capability to integrate assets across various domains: aerial, maritime, spatial, and cybernetic. Taiclet stated that the jet now functions as a command node, overseeing legacy platforms in conjunction with next-generation systems during joint force operations. This orchestration capability solidifies its position as the optimal conduit to sixth-generation warfare.
Technology Transfer from Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) to F-35 and F-22
Lockheed intends to transfer NGAD-derived technologies to the F-35 and F-22 aircraft. These technologies encompass autonomy, advanced sensor fusion, and flexible mission software. Taiclet anticipates executing these updates within two to three years, expediting their implementation while prolonging the significance of current stealth platforms.
Proposed Improvements
Proposed enhancements encompass pilot-optional functionality, sophisticated radar and infrared coatings, altered outer mold lines, and reconfigured engine inlets and exhaust nozzles. The objective of these modifications is to diminish radar cross-section and improve survivability. Recent observations of mirror-finished F-35 test aircraft indicate that development is currently in progress.
Covert Skunk Works Initiative
In conjunction with the F-35 enhancement program, Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works is creating a classified aeronautical platform. Despite the lack of details, the project has incurred significant financial losses. Nonetheless, it indicates Lockheed’s continuous commitment to innovative aerospace technologies.
Ambiguity Regarding F-47 Schedule
The U.S. Air Force has not yet verified an operational date for the Boeing-manufactured F-47. The anticipated period from 2025 to 2029 likely pertains solely to initial test flights and developmental benchmarks. The enhanced variants of the F-35 are likely to serve as the primary stealth fighters for an additional decade.
Speculation Regarding the F-55 and F-22 Super
Earlier this year, former President Donald Trump mentioned an F-55 variant, characterized as a twin-engine F-35, and an enhanced “F-22 Super.” Although Lockheed Martin has not verified either program, their reference highlights interest in interim fighter alternatives between the fifth and sixth generations.
Closing the Divide through Economical Innovation
Lockheed’s fifth-generation-plus proposal designates the F-35 as the most economical solution for addressing the capability gap until the F-47 reaches maturity. Delivering 80% of sixth-generation performance at half the expense, it provides significant value to the Pentagon.
Final Assessment
In a defense environment characterized by budget limitations and increasing threats, Lockheed Martin’s proposal for an enhanced F-35 corresponds effectively with both strategic requirements and financial considerations. The extent to which it can fulfill its ambitious commitments is yet to be determined; however, its status as the West’s sole mass-produced fifth-generation stealth fighter guarantees its continued significance in air power for the foreseeable future.
