F‑35 showcases versatility with road landing demonstration
On platform X, an intriguing video has surfaced on the official account dedicated to the F-35 Lightning II fighters. It shows the aircraft landing on a road. As Lockheed Martin highlights, this demonstrates that the fighter "was created not only with speed and stealth in mind — it is versatile and operates in every environment. The F-35 continues to demonstrate why it is the most advanced fighter jet in the world." What are its most important features?
The capability to land military aircraft on civilian roads is exceptionally valuable in potential armed conflicts. Airports — particularly military ones — are among the first targets for enemy attacks, and keeping aircraft on runways for too long can lead to significant losses, especially as their locations are typically well-known long before any hostilities commence.
F-35 landed on a road
The footage published by Lockheed Martin on the official account dedicated to the F-35 Lightning II fighters on platform X shows that the F-35, recognised as one of the most modern fighters globally, possesses this capability. The video shows the pilot approaching for a landing and gently touching down on a road. It can be viewed below:
The F-35 fighter is an advanced 5th-generation aircraft, equipped with stealth technology that makes it challenging to detect by radar. It can reach a top speed of up to Mach 1.8 (approximately 2,200 km/h) and operate at an altitude of about 15,000 metres. The F-35 can carry various types of armaments, including GBU guided bombs and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, making it a versatile tool on the battlefield.
Poland has ordered 32 F-35A fighters, the first of which was presented in Fort Worth, Texas, at the end of August 2024. Annually, Poland is expected to receive four to six units. The first aircraft will be used for training Polish pilots in the USA and are expected to arrive in Poland at the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026. The deliveries of the fighters are projected to be completed in 2030.
