Lockheed Martin F-35 poised to be backbone of USAF fighter fleet

The United States Air Force officially becomes the first F-35 Lightning II customer later this year, when the first of the stealth fighters is delivered to Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The delivery will initiate a massive recapitalization of the Air Force’s multi-role fighter fleet, and will usher in profound increases in capability, a Lockheed Martin executive said.