Description
The F-35 Lightning II is an American family of single-seat, single-engine, supersonic stealth strike fighters. A multirole combat aircraft designed for both air superiority and strike missions, it also has electronic warfare and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.The US Navy views the F-35 Lightning II (specifically the F-35C carrier variant) as a critical, high-tech cornerstone for future carrier strike groups, offering unmatched stealth, sensor fusion, and situational awareness. Despite concerns over high maintenance costs and development delays, it is considered essential for penetrating contested, modern battlefields.
Lockheed Martin is the prime F-35 contractor with principal partners Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. The aircraft has three main variants: the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) F-35A, the short take-off and vertical-landing (STOVL) F-35B, and the carrier variant (CV) catapult-assisted take-off but arrested recovery (CATOBAR) F-35C.
The F-35’s electronic sensors include the Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System (DAS). This system provides pilots with situational awareness in a sphere around the aircraft for enhanced missile warning, aircraft warning, and day/night pilot vision. Additionally, the aircraft is equipped with the Electro-Optical Targeting System. The internally mounted EOTS provides extended range detection and precision targeting against ground targets, plus long range detection of air-to-air threats.
The F-35 contains state-of-the-art tactical data links that provide the secure sharing of data among its flight members as well as other airborne, surface and ground-based platforms required to perform assigned missions. The commitment of JSF partner nations to common communications capabilities and web-enabled logistics support will enable a new level of Coalition interoperability. These capabilities allow the F-35 to lead the defense community in the migration to the net-centric war fighting force of the future.
The USN achieved operational status with the F-35C in Block 3F on 28 February 2019. On 2 August 2021, the F-35C of VFA-147, as well as the CMV-22 Osprey, embarked on their maiden deployments as part of Carrier Air Wing 2 on board USSÂ Carl Vinson.
USN F-35Cs operating from the USS Carl Vinson took part the training exercise Pacific Stellar 2025 in February, along with the French and Japanese navies.
In April 2025, F-35C’s from VFA-97 shot down multiple Houthi drones in the Red Sea, making it the first time the Navy has used the jet in combat.
This coin salutes the F-35’s role in advancing America’s air superiority. Â The obverse features a rendering of the F-35. The reverse displays the US Navy emblem.
Minted in bronze, this coin contains an antique bronze finish.
Each measures 1.75 inch (44mm) in diameter.
