In October 2001, an international team led by Lockheed Martin was awarded the contract to build the next-generation Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft, which resulted in the development of the F-35 Lightning. The requirements for the new aircraft were complex, demanding new heights of lethality and survivability—oh yeah, and affordability.

To provide that solution, the U.S. Department of Defense’s JSF program has since day one had four program pillars:
• Lethal. Air-to-ground precision strikes and air-to-air combat engagements in all weather. Every F-35 variant will be highly effective in both arenas.
• Survivable. Stealthy, high-performance, supersonic strike fighters. The F-35 successfully integrates the technologies that will make every mission more survivable.
• Supportable. Reliability and maintainability. The F-35 will be setting new standards for both, enabling lower support costs and easier upgrades than legacy aircraft.
• Affordable. All variants of the F-35 will be procured within their target cost range. Operation and support costs will be dramatically reduced.

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