| “Lockheed Martin’s bold reimagining of the F-35 as a ‘Ferrari’ stealth fighter promises to bridge the gap to the F-47, delivering 80% of sixth-generation power at half the cost |
Buckle up, aviation enthusiasts! Lockheed Martin is turning heads and rewriting the rules of aerial warfare with its audacious plan to transform the F-35 Lightning II into a jaw-dropping “Ferrari” variant—a fifth-generation-plus stealth fighter that promises to bridge the gap to the much-anticipated sixth-generation F-47. After losing the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) crown to Boeing, Lockheed’s CEO Jim Taiclet isn’t throwing in the towel; he’s revving up a bold counterstrike that could shake the Pentagon to its core!
From Defeat to Dominance: Lockheed’s Ingenious Pivot
In a stunning twist during the second-quarter earnings call, Taiclet revealed Lockheed’s game plan after being snubbed for the NGAD program. “We did bid on NGAD, and we weren’t selected,” he admitted with a hint of grit. But rather than sulk, Lockheed is channeling its energy into a brilliant pivot. The company is set to infuse the F-35—and potentially the F-22 Raptor—with cutting-edge NGAD research and development, creating a “bridge” from today’s fifth-generation fighters to the futuristic F-47, which might not hit the skies for years.
This strategic move comes on the heels of Lockheed’s double blow: losing the NGAD contest to Boeing and bowing out of the US Navy’s F/A-XX fighter jet program. Yet, Taiclet sees this as an opportunity to shine. “How do we bridge capability there?” he mused aloud, hinting at a masterstroke that could redefine aerial combat for the next decade.
The “Ferrari” Unleashed: A NASCAR-Style Upgrade
First teased in April 2025’s earnings call, Taiclet’s vision for the F-35’s “Ferrari” variant is gaining traction. He boldly claims that 80% of sixth-generation NGAD technology can be retrofitted into the F-35’s existing chassis, turning it into a high-performance beast at half the cost of a brand-new F-47. “We’re basically going to take the [F-35] chassis and turn it into a Ferrari,” he declared with swagger. “It’s like a NASCAR upgrade—applying co-funded technologies from NGAD and the F-35 program to 3,500 aircraft worldwide at various tech stages.”
This isn’t just talk. Taiclet’s latest comments carry a newfound conviction, positioning the upgraded F-35 as an indispensable asset for the US Air Force (USAF) as it transitions to sixth-generation fighters. Unlike the April pitch, which framed it as a cost-effective substitute, he now pitches it as a pragmatic bridge—likely a more palatable pitch for the Pentagon’s budget-conscious brass.
Stealth, Speed, and Savings: The Fifth-Plus Edge
So, what makes this “Ferrari” tick? Taiclet promises 80% of a sixth-generation fighter’s effectiveness at 50% of the cost per unit, covering stealth, sensors, and “other aspects.” For context, the USAF’s Chief of Staff, Gen. David Allvin, dropped an infographic in May 2025 labeling the F-47 with “stealth++”—an evolution beyond the F-22’s “stealth+” and F-35’s “stealth.” While details are scarce, Taiclet’s April call hinted at disruptive innovations like AI autonomy, crewed-uncrewed teaming, and advanced command-and-control systems.
Imagine passive infrared sensors that spot enemies from miles away without giving away the jet’s position, or stealth materials so advanced that adversaries struggle to lock on. This cost-saving approach is a direct jab at the NGAD’s $300 million-per-unit price tag, which stalled the program last year due to budget woes. Taiclet insists this fifth-plus F-35 could be combat-ready in just three years, outpacing the F-47’s optimistic 2025-2029 timeline.
A Strategic Masterstroke Amid Controversy
Lockheed’s timing couldn’t be better. The F-35 has faced flak for delays, rising costs, and even criticism from US billionaire Elon Musk, who called it outdated in an era of unmanned drones. Yet, Taiclet counters with a real-world flex: the F-35’s starring role in Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025. Leading the charge alongside the F-22, these jets enabled USAF bombers to strike Iran’s nuclear sites undetected, showcasing “advanced stealth, superior electronic warfare, and broadband communications.”
Taiclet also touted the F-35’s prowess in orchestrating a symphony of platforms—space assets, maritime units, and fourth-generation aircraft—during recent Middle Eastern conflicts. This versatility underscores why Lockheed believes the F-35, even in its upgraded form, remains unmatched.
Challenges and Upgrades on the Horizon
Despite the hype, Lockheed isn’t resting on its laurels. The F-35’s Block 4 upgrade, plagued by software snags, is still in progress, with the TR-3 configuration deliveries resuming in July 2024 after a year-long halt. Since then, 207 F-35s have rolled out, with 97 delivered this year alone—aiming for 170-190 by year-end. Block 5 and beyond are also in the pipeline, though details remain under wraps.
The F-22, slated for F-47 replacement, is also getting upgrades to stay relevant for another decade. Meanwhile, Lockheed is digesting USAF feedback on its NGAD loss, fine-tuning its approach to keep the F-35 at the forefront.
The Road Ahead: A Bridge to the Future
With the F-47’s development still years away, Lockheed’s “Ferrari” F-35 offers a cost-effective, combat-proven bridge. Taiclet’s vision leverages Boeing’s F-15EX playbook—upgrading an existing platform with next-gen tech—while stealing the spotlight. As the USAF navigates budget constraints and geopolitical tensions, this fifth-plus fighter could be the key to maintaining air dominance until the F-47 soars.
Stay tuned as Lockheed races to redefine the skies—will the “Ferrari” F-35 outpace the competition and secure its legacy?
